His glare and resulting silence were answer enough: no.
“In that case we may proceed.” said the Archbishop.
“But after all he has caused you?” Lord Gallmore asked, likely in a desperate attempt to change her mind.
It pained her to say the next words. “As far as I am concerned, His Grace stepping up now and making good on his promises makes up for any past grievance.”
“It seems as though everything is settled here,” the archbishop smiled. Something in her chest contracted.
Lord Gallmore glared. “It would seem everyone has their mind made up. I suppose there’s nothing more I can do, but if he mistreats you in any way, you can always come to me, my sweet.”
Christopher glared at the retreating man until he left the room.
“So,” the archbishop clapped his hands. “Now that that’s out of the way, why don’t I help file you forms to begin the process of your wedding? We can arrange for the banns to be read and your wedding can be as soon as a month away!”
“I want you to marry us now,” Christopher said.
“What?” Veronica gasped. The momentary relief she felt in knowing that she would have more time with her family before she had to live with him, now dissipated.
Her father shot her a look. “Veronica, don’t be rude.” He turned back to the others. “Don’t mind her. Though we are all surprised you want things to move so fast.”
“It hardly seems fast. We’ve been betrothed for close to seven years.”
“You’d need a special dispensation for that,” the archbishop trailed off, shifting under Christopher’s intense gaze.
“Which I believe you are authorized to grant.”
“I suppose I am, but still this does feel rather sudden.”
“My fiancée's family was expecting a wedding. It feels like quite a waste to send them home without one. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I suppose…. It’s just… well…”
Christopher’s eyes remained locked on him, expression unchanged.
“I suppose I will go make the preparations. Please, excuse me.”
Veronica sat there, hand clenched on her lap. “May I have a few moments alone with the man I am about to marry?” she forced out, her voice tight.
“Are you sure that’s appropriate?” her mother gasped.
“I’m sure it will be fine,” her father said. “They are about to be husband and wife after all.”
Her mother gave her one last look, then the couple was alone. Veronica didn’t speak for a moment.
“Are we here for a reason or can we get on with it?” Christopher scoffed, breaking the silence.“I don’t know where to start!”
“Well, try to. We don’t have all day.”
“I haven’t heard from you in two years.”
“And?” he said, offering no explanation.
“Why are you here?” she snapped.
“Isn’t it obvious? To marry you.”
“Yes, but why? Why come back now after all this time?”
