The monk's hood fell back, and Elyse stared up into a face now shadowed only by the single patch that covered one eye. Golden hair fell, unkempt, about his head. The planes of his face were sharply etched by shadows and an unreadable expression. Then the expression on his face shifted dangerously, his mouth curving in a mocking smile that revealed a flash of white teeth.
"What have you done?" Elyse choked out. But before she could say more, his head came down, his mouth bruising hers to silence.
"Damn you!" he hissed, jerking away from her. His lip bled where she'd bit him.
Fingers tightened on her wrists as he jerked her arms high over her head, pinning them to the wall.
"Let me go!" Elyse seethed. "Just what do you think you're doing!"
Holding both of her wrists with one hand, Zach wiped the trickle of blood from his lip. His gaze locked with hers.
"Exactly as I please," he informed her, his fingers bruising her chin as he jerked her face up.
His mouth crushed down on hers, his lips forcing hers apart, his tongue plunging between. He lowered one hand to her waist. Then his fingers pressed through the layers of fabric until they dug into the curve of her bottom. This too was an assault but of a different kind.
Elyse felt as if she were drowning. What was happening? What was St. James doing here? Why had he abducted her and why had he insisted on that ridiculous ceremony?
There were more questions, but no answers as his body pressed hers against the wall, her hands imprisoned by his. Confused and shaken, betrayed by her own body, Elyse she gasped as the kiss abruptly ended.
"I'm certain it would be far more enjoyable staying here with you all afternoon, Miss Winslow. But we must be going."
Going? Where? Her protest was quickly muffled beneath his hand.
"Lovely, lovely Elyse. You wanted so much to be Lady Barrington. Sorry to rob you of that moment, but if Barrington is the fool I think he is, he may still want you when I've finished with you." He momentarily released her wrists.
Confusion filled Elyse's eyes. What was he talking about? Surely he didn't mean to hold her to that farce of a ceremony.
"You make a lovely bride, but this will only slow us down." He seized the bodice of her gown and tore it from her, leaving her clad only in the thin silk chemise. Elyse's confusion gave way to humiliation, then anger, and she managed to call him several names.
"Such language for a lady," he said mockingly. "You must do something about it." Then, added, "But you may be quite right. And if Barrington is half the man I think he is, he'll come after you. And that is exactly what I want."
Now she felt the fear. It spread, cold, across her skin. Why was he abducting her? Where would he take her? Then she thought of her grandmother. What must she think?
Dear God! Let this be a nightmare and she would awaken from it all. But it was frighteningly real. When she tried to reason with him, his hand across her mouth was replaced by a cloth stuffed into her mouth. Then she was plunged into complete darkness as a thick blanket was drawn over her head and shoulders. A grain sack! Then she was lifted, flung over his shoulder once more, and carried.
"Nothing? What do you mean you found nothing? They must still be in the church! I want her found and found now!" Jerrold stormed about the small anteroom where those closest to the bride and groom had gathered with the priest.
Cedric squeezed Regina's hand reassuringly "This is getting us nowhere. We've searched every passage, room, and chamber in this church. She's not here. I think we would do better to notify the authorities."
"Ceddy is right." Lady Regina slowly came to her feet. "While you're standing here ranting and raving, that lunatic has fled with my granddaughter. Something must be done now!" She turned to the stricken priest.
"There is no point in keeping the guests here any longer. There will be no wedding today."
"I think there has already been a wedding," Lucy Maitland observed.
"What do you mean, there's already been a wedding?" Jerrold turned on her. "That ridiculous little charade is completely meaningless." He turned to the priest for confirmation.
"Tell them."
The priest shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't."
"What are you talking about?" Jerrold demanded. "Elyse was forced to participate in that charade. Everyone saw that."
"Everyone saw a wedding ceremony, performed by a priest. It appeared that Miss Winslow was reluctant and yet..."
"Damn you! What do you mean by that?" Jerrold leaned threateningly toward the priest.
Lord Charles stepped between his son and the priest. "You go beyond yourself. You would do well to remember where we are." He then turned and apologized to the priest for Jerrold's outburst.
