by Vikki Vaught
“Here, let me put it on.” He slid the ring on her finger and it fit as if it had always belonged there.
As she held out her hand to admire the brilliant sapphire sparkling in the fading sunlight, tears filled her eyes. “You didn’t have to do this, but I’m thrilled you did. Thank you, Alex.” Leaning over, she kissed his cheek.
Smiling, he entwined their fingers, and they sat watching the sun go down, holding hands in perfect harmony. She felt safe and protected, in a way she had not felt in a very long time. Then, she realized she was not in danger of falling in love with Alex—she already had. Her heart skipped a beat. She did not know how it had happened. Somehow, he had slipped under her shield, and she had no regrets.
“The sun is setting, it’s time we went back into the house and put the children to bed.” He pulled her to her feet. “I think under the circumstances, it would be appropriate if I kissed you, don’t you?”
She lifted her head and offered him her lips. He did not try to embrace her. Their mouths met in the gentlest of kisses. There was no carnality in it. It was a show of affection, which stirred her more than if he had kissed her passionately. He gently brushed her lips one more time and then, offering her his arm, they made their way back into the house.
That night when she slipped into bed, she looked back over his kiss, and a warm feeling of contentment flowed through her. She had no trouble closing her eyes and slipping into the first restful night’s sleep in ages.
The next morning, Anissa awoke refreshed. The sun filtered in her room through the lace curtains, and she felt at peace with the world. Stretching her arms in the air in front of her, she glanced at her hand and admired the beautiful betrothal ring. It had been so romantic when he had slipped it on her finger. Her heart did a little flip when she remembered his tender kiss. Perhaps, since both of them wanted this marriage to work, they could find a way.
After glancing at the clock, she flung back the covers and jumped out of bed. She needed to hurry if she wanted to be ready in time to go with Georgia to Madame Francine’s shop. She should not have arisen so quickly. She swayed, feeling light-headed and nauseous from the sudden movement, and barely made it to the chamber pot, before emptying her stomach. While still slightly nauseous, she used the cool water in the washbasin to wipe the cold sweat from her brow. Feeling much better after she had cast up her accounts, she brushed her teeth and donned her gown, then went down to the dining room and joined the others.
After she ate the dry toast and drank the tea Lucy had prepared for her, she felt even better. For the next couple of months, she would have to endure this every morning. She would be glad when the morning sickness passed.
After finishing his breakfast, Alex turned to her. “I know you and Ma will be busy today. I’ll take Melanie and Harry to Harrison’s pond and keep them entertained for you.”
“Oh, thank you, Alex. That will help immensely. We do have a full day before us.”
Georgia spoke up. “After we go to Madame Francine’s, Mary Lou wants us to come see her. She’s organized several friends to help with the reception. Then after that, we’re going to the church to decorate. All the ladies are bringing flowers and ribbons. The church should be lovely by the time we’re through.”
Standing, Alex smiled over at her. “I will get these two rascals out of your hair. Come, children, the pond’s awaitin’.”
Harry and Melanie jumped up and shouted, “Yeah!” Alex herded the youngsters out of the dining room, leaving her with Georgia to do their planning.
When they arrived at the dressmaker’s shop, Madame Francine had several lovely gowns to show them. They both agreed that the pale blue one with an ivory lace overlay was the best choice. Madame Francine made a few adjustments to the bodice and promised she would send the gown over early the following morning.
All the ladies at Mary Lou’s promised to contribute food for the reception. Their generosity astounded her. Americans seemed to be much more willing to do the work themselves than leaving it to servants. After the meeting, everyone went over to the church with the flowers and ribbons.
Soon, they had the church decorated. Arrangements of white roses and lilies covered the altar and additional sprays of roses and lilies with pale blue tulle and silver ribbons adorned the end of each pew. It amazed her that her new friends had worked so hard to make her wedding special.
By the time she arrived home, she felt exhausted, so she went upstairs to rest before supper. With all the decorating and planning, the reality of what she had committed to came crashing down upon her. Anxiety gripped her chest, sending pinpricks along her arms. All the reasons why a marriage would never work between her and Alex filtered through her mind. She could not stay in America forever, and Alex had his shipping company to run. Albeit, for the sake of the child, she had no choice, she had to marry him.
Oh, Lord, how will this ever work?
Anissa had to go back to England for Harry’s sake. Even though they had to marry, she and Alex could not stay together. Waves of sadness rolled over her. There were too many obstacles between them. There could be no happily ever after for them. With a heavy heart, she went down to supper.
All through the meal, she remained quiet. Alex asked her several times if she was well, and she told him she had a headache. The children kept jabbering away about their day. They had enjoyed their time with her betrothed. She worried over her son’s growing attachment to Alex and Melanie. It would make it difficult for him when they returned to England. Melanie and Harry were so excited over becoming brother and sister, they would both be devastated when the time came and they had to part.
After they finished the meal, she asked Georgia to watch the children. Alex escorted her upstairs to her room. When they were at her door, he asked, “What’s wrong, darlin’? I can tell something is bothering you. Are you regretting your decision to marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes. “Alex, this is never going to work. I know I need to marry you for the child’s sake, but there are too many obstacles fighting against us. Perhaps we can find another solution.”
“There is no other way. You’re carrying my babe. We will work through all the problems. I want to be a father to this child, and by God, I will find a solution, I promise. Now, we agreed last night we would try. What started all these negative thoughts in your head?”
“The reality hit me today when I returned from decorating the church. I cannot stay in America, and you cannot leave. Even though we will be married, we shall never be able to live together as man and wife.”
Pulling her into his arms, Alex lifted her chin, so he could look into her eyes. “I don’t have any answers for you, but we do have to marry. We will sort out these difficulties as they come up. I know you have to go back to England, but that could be a long time from now. Please try to relax. I promised to help you get your son’s birthright back, and I will.”
“I know you are right. I shall try to put all these problems out of my mind. I truly am tired tonight, so that’s probably why I’m having all these doubts. We have a full day ahead of us tomorrow, so I’m going to bed.”
He brushed his soft lips across her cheek. “Let me worry about these problems, you go get a good night’s sleep. Things always look better in the mornin’, I promise. Good night, darlin’.”
She nodded and stroked his jaw. “I’m sure you are right. Things do look better in the light of day. I shall push these thoughts from my head. Goodnight, Alex.” Then she pulled out of his embrace, went into her room and closed the door.
Chapter Fifteen
Alex stood there for several minutes after Anissa closed her door. It did not surprise him that she had second thoughts and worried over their differences. Hell, he had them as well, but they really did not have any choice. The child she carried had to come first. One thing he did know, he wanted to marry her. He had to have faith that a solution would work out in the end.
Feeling restless after his conversation with his betrothed, he w
ent back downstairs. The children were outside trying to get Barney to play with them, but the cat wanted no part of their antics. Evidently, Harry and Melanie had aggravated him enough. The cat ran and hid in the bushes. He went out to them and suggested they come with him to the stable to help him feed the horses. Once he bedded down the animals, he turned the children over to Georgia so she could put them to bed, and then he went to his grandfather’s study.
Pouring himself a glass of whiskey, he sat behind the desk, leaned back in the chair, and closed his eyes. Mulling over the myriad of problems facing a marriage with his intended, an idea took form. He could take over the new office in London, and that way he could stay with Anissa. Bridges could run the office here, as long as they could find someone to manage the ships while at sea. They needed to find someone they trusted to captain the Renegade.
God, if I could find my brother that could be the solution.
If his brother returned, then he would not worry over leaving his mother and sister. He would miss them dreadfully, but at least they should be safe in his brother’s care. After his talk with Anissa, he’d sent word out to everyone that he wanted to get in touch with his brother, but so far, he had no new leads.
He did feel Anissa’s suggestion was a good one. It made much more sense for his brother to go to sea than out west. There were several ships due in soon from England, and he would start his search there.
Hearing a knock on the door, he called out, “Come in.” When his mother entered, he asked, “Are the children settled down for the night?”
“Oh, yes,” Georgia replied, “you wore them out today. They fell asleep as soon as their heads touched the pillows. Harry did ask after his mother, but I told him she had a headache. Alex, is everything all right? Anissa’s quiet demeanor at supper had me wondering if you had argued.”
“She’s having second thoughts concerning the marriage. She feels she has to go back to England because of her son. After all, he is a marquess and needs to live there. I’ve written to the Duke of Barrington, who happens to be his godfather, and enlisted his help in restoring Harry to his birthright.”
Looking taken aback, she said, “I had forgotten that, but surely there’s no hurry. The boy is only six. It will be years before he reaches his majority. Can’t this duke take care of things until Harry is older?”
“It’s more complicated than that,” he explained. “I told you about Lord Howard. Right now, he controls Harry’s assets. If he keeps control, the child may not have anything left by the time he reaches adulthood—other than entailed properties left to rack and ruin. Besides, he will not rest until the boy is dead. He wants to be the marquess and Harry stands in his way.”
Georgia gasped. “Oh dear, do you really think he would try to kill him? I had no idea it was that serious. I’m surprised you were able to convince her to marry you, now that I know all this. How were you able to convince her?”
He sighed. “Ma, Anissa is increasing. We have no choice but to marry, for the child’s sake.”
“Oh, goodness, no wonder she’s so upset. I shall not belabor the issue, but you have put her in an untenable position. You are going to need to reassure her that you will be there for her. And that you will protect her son from that man.”
He ran his fingers through his hair, tugging at it in his frustration. “I tried to do that tonight, but she’s too distraught to listen. I’m hoping after the wedding, she’ll grow to accept this marriage and realize I will find a solution to our problems. I feel honor bound to make this marriage work, and of course I want to be there to raise our child. Ma, I’m sure you’re tired. You’ve been working hard on getting everything ready for tomorrow. I’m going to finish looking at these reports, so I’ll see you in the mornin’. I love you, Ma. I don’t say it enough, but I do. Goodnight.”
“Just know I will be there for both you and Anissa. I love you too, son. See you in the mornin’.” Georgia kissed him on the cheek and left the room.
As Alex watched his mother leave the study, he thanked God for having such an accepting parent. He prayed her love and support would help Anissa feel better regarding their marriage.
He went back into the room and sank down in the chair. Then prickles ran down his arm and his stomach knotted up.
Oh, Lord, I never told her about Lord Howard.
God, what a stupid thing to forget!
Well, it was too late to tell her tonight, especially since she was having all those negative feelings over their upcoming marriage. As much as he did not want to bring this up, he had to tell her and soon.
* * * *
Anissa tossed and turned for hours, but finally around two in the morning she fell into a troubled sleep. The next morning, she awoke to the sound of knocking on her bedroom door. Feeling nauseous, she weakly called out, “Who is it?”
“It’s your soon-to-be mother-in-law. May I come in?”
She struggled out of bed and pulled on her dressing gown. “Yes, please do.”
Georgia came bustling into the room, carrying a tray. “Good mornin’, my dear. I brought you some dry toast and a nice cup of tea. If you want something else, I’ll get it for you, but I noticed this is what you ate yesterday. Lucy told me that’s what you’ve been eating lately for breakfast.”
“Thank you, Mother Georgia. Toast and tea is exactly what I need. I have had an upset stomach for the last few days.”
She looked at her with compassion in her eyes. “Honey, Alex told me about the babe. At least, the morning sickness should pass in a couple of months.” Sinking down onto the bed, Anissa buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Georgia sat down beside her and put her arm around her shoulders. “It’s all right. You’re not alone.”
“Oh, Mother Georgia. What must you think of me?” Anissa buried her head against her shoulder and cried even harder.
Georgia rubbed her back. “I think you’re a brave, but very lonely young woman who has had too many issues to deal with. You’re not to blame for any of this. Alex admitted to me that he took advantage of you when you needed his comfort, not his—well, I know it’s his entire fault. With all you’ve been through, you deserve a good cry.”
Hiccupping, she asked, “You don’t think poorly of me? I’m so ashamed. I swore I would never give in to immoral behavior, no matter how tempted I might be. I’ve been so lonely and scared for so long. It felt good to have someone hold me, but we got carried away.”
“You didn’t get carried away,” Georgia remarked, with sadness in her voice, “my son did. He told me he’d been drinking. I’m appalled at his ungentlemanly behavior. I thought I had raised him better than that. At least he’s doing the honorable thing now. Both of you need to consider what is best for this child. Land’s sake, look at the time. We need to get you ready for your weddin’. Dry your eyes and eat your toast before it grows cold.”
Grateful for the woman’s understanding, she took a bite of her toast and her stomach calmed. After she finished eating and drank her tea, she said, “Thank you, that’s just what I needed. I think I shall go down to the bathing room, take a bath, and wash my hair. I want to be fresh for my wedding.”
Georgia smiled over at her. “I thought you would want that. I’ve got everything prepared for you, but you’ll need to hurry.”
When Anissa returned to her room after her bath, it was already a few minutes past ten. Georgia brushed her hair until it dried and crackled with static electricity. She decided to braid it and pinned them around her head, resembling a coronet. Her future mother-in-law left a few tendrils curling around her face. Once satisfied with her appearance, she donned the gorgeous pale, cornflower blue gown. Then she placed the adorable little hat with ivory tulle on her head she had found in one of the shops. Hats being her one weakness, she had not been able to resist it.
The tenderhearted woman gave her a hug. “You make a beautiful bride, my dear. Alex won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”
“Thank you, Mother Georgia. Madame Francine did a
wonderful job on my gown. It fits perfectly.” Then looking over at the clock, she straightened her spine. Determined to face the challenges ahead with fortitude, she said, “It’s time to go to the church.”
“Honey, please trust Alex. He will figure out a way to overcome the issues you face. Remember, you’re doing what’s right for the babe.” She gently kissed Anissa’s cheek and gave her hand a squeeze. “I have a good feeling about this marriage. I know all will be well.”
She prayed Georgia was right. Since worrying over this now would not accomplish anything, she pushed her concerns out of her mind and reminded herself that she needed to do this to protect her unborn child.
The ride to the church only took a few minutes. When the carriage stopped, she took a deep cleansing breath as Rufus helped her out. The doors to the church stood open waiting for her to enter. Georgia went in ahead of her, taking her seat up front.
As the organ began to play, she clasped her flower bouquet in her hands. She moved with quiet dignity, her head held proud. Her new destiny lay in front of the altar where Alex stood. Her knees shook and her heart pounded in her chest. People filled the pews, overflowing the side aisles and the back of the church. Everyone turned to watch her walk down the aisle. As she passed by Harry and Melanie, they grinned and waved.
When she reached the altar, Alex reached out his hand, and she placed her trembling one in his. Turning, they faced Father Muller, and he began the ceremony that would join them as husband and wife. When it came time for her to utter her responses, she did so in a quiet, yet firm voice. As her soon-to-be husband repeated his vows, his voice came out strong and steady. The platinum wedding band slipped over her knuckle, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
Smiling benevolently at them, Father Muller said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
