As if on cue, Martin de Russe came alongside Remington and kissed her loudly on the cheek. Any hard feelings from a year back were dissolved due to the fact that Martin loved Gaston and Remington far too much to hold a grudge. Hurt that Gaston did not think him capable of protecting Remington in her time of need, Martin’s pride had been restored when Gaston had asked him to protect Skye and Jasmine after Guy’s escape. The small gesture had meant a great deal to the once-powerful knight.
“Lady de Russe!” he boomed. “Surely the most beautiful woman to bear the de Russe name, except for Skye, of course.”
Remington beamed at him, radiant in her pale yellow surcoat and pearl tiara. “Thank you, Uncle Martin.”
He hugged her closely and pinched Arica’s cheek. “Beautiful babes, like their mother. Now, I must go and make sure the reception is properly prepared.”
Martin kissed Skye and bound off, thrilled to be of use once again and acting as if he were someone of import. Gaston chuckled. “He acts as if he is in charge.”
“He thinks he is,” Nicolas said from behind Gaston. “You should have heard him and Henry arguing over the types of ale to serve. He acts as if he is paying for your wedding celebration instead of our king.”
Gaston shook his head at his aggressive uncle, reluctantly handing Arica and Adeliza over to Eudora and Patrick when his wife nudged him to do so.
Around them, the crowd was filing from the church to waiting carriages and horses outside. Lord Brimley passed Remington, kissing her hand sweetly and barely able to speak for the lump in his throat. Clive and Walter were behind their father, smiling broadly at her. They moved to kiss her hand but Gaston raised a threatening eyebrow and they settled for a kind word instead. Lord Tarrington extended his congratulations as well, as did Ingilsby. In fact, Ingilsby seemed particularly emotional and Remington was driven to tears again by the man’s demeanor. He had truly been her friend through the bad years and she valued him greatly.
Ingilsby’s knights filed past as well, respectfully conveying their best wishes. When Hubert came upon Remington and offered his congratulations, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Hubert did not know if he should respond or not with the Dark One gazing at him, but heovercame his fear and hugged her back. Blushing, he went on his way.
Matthew had been absent during Remington’s kidnapping and the subsequent fight for Mt. Holyoak because Gaston had been too swept up with the events to send for him. He eventually received word of what was happening from Henry himself and had made his way from Wellesbourne Castle to be by Gaston’s side. He hadn’t left the man since everything had happened and had been forced to leave his newly pregnant wife at home, even for the event of Gaston’s wedding. Even now, he stuck close by Gaston as at the man escorted his new wife out of the cathedral. Best of friends, the two of them shared a bond closer than brothers. Thick or thin, they were always there for one another.
Gaston took his wife’s arm as they made their way out into the bright July sun. He gazed down at Remington, thinking her to be well worth the trouble of the past year. In fact, they had met exactly one year ago this month and when Gaston took possession of Mt. Holyoak, he never dreamt it would change the course of his life forever.
He had gained a wife, two daughters and a son. He had lost friends to death, but he had gained a whole new perspective on life. He discovered he had friends who were willing to do anything for him, priests who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and even a woman who returned from the dead to help him in his most valiant struggle. The one event he regretted was de Tormo’s offering; with Guy’s death, the sworn confession from the priest had been unnecessary. Gaston had paid the church five thousand gold coins for de Tormo’s soul, hoping it would lessen his time in purgatory. Lying to the church surely entitled the priest to the seventh level of hell and Gaston was determined that he not spend an over amount of time there.
And there had been other sacrifices, too. Botmore had been wiped out as punishment for assisting Guy. Douglass Archibald,although indirectly involved with Botmore and his weak resistance, had been stripped of his lands. Gaston would have rather made allies of them than enemies, but his vengeance for Remington had extended into political boundaries and he had shown all of Yorkshire his considerable wrath. Lord Ingilsby, or more rightly, the Earl of Hampsthwaite, ruled the lands of the now-disposed Yorkists.
Taran was waiting for the couple, decorated in polished armor and banners of black and silver. He snorted at Remington happily, dragging his big tongue across her hand. Gaston lifted her up into the saddle and she smiled at him.
“Are you sure you want me to ride with you?” she teased. “We tried this once before, as I recall, and I ended up angry with you.”
“I am sure, wife,” he mounted behind her, cradling her against his armor. “Do you know I have never liked the word ‘wife’?”
“And now?” she asked.
He squeezed her gently. “I like it a great deal. In fact, there has yet to be a more beautiful word invented.”
“Aye, there already has been. Husband.”
I want for you to be my husband. The wish that had come true.
Remington knew little of Guy’s death not three weeks before and was not overly curious. She had not asked the circumstances, and Gaston had not offered. All that mattered was that they were finally wed and she never believed she could ever be so happy.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said as they fell into the wedding procession. “We are going on a trip.”
“A trip? Where?” she was instantly excited.
He smiled at her enthusiasm. “Venice.”
“Italy?” she exclaimed. “You are taking me toItaly?”
“Absolutely. Are you pleased?”
“Oh, Gaston!” She turned in the saddle, kissing him happily. “I am so excited. I can hardly wait.”
He returned her kisses. “You won’t have to wait long. We leave tomorrow on theMajestic,one of Henry’s private vessels. Have you ever been to sea?”
“I sailed to Ireland with my mother, twice,” she replied. “Unfortunately, I was seasick most of the way.”
“Hmm,” Gaston said thoughtfully. “Mayhap we should simply sail the channel and go the rest of the way by caravan. I would hate for you to be ill during our journey.”
