Dark pink roses climbed along the brick wall, while a stately willow hung beside a clear pool of water. In the shade, blue hydrangea bushes were in bloom, the deep color vivid against the green leaves. Dozens of chairs were set up in rows, and the guests smiled as he walked past them. James returned to the door to await his sister.
Matthew took his place near the minister, waiting for his bride. He was eager to see Lily, feeling so grateful that this day had come at last.
When she appeared in the doorway of the garden, it stole his very breath to see her. Her ivory gown rested at her shoulders, covered in seed pearls that beaded across the neckline and overthe cap sleeves. The gown clung to her slender waist, and yards of white fabric cascaded behind her. A lace veil covered her face and draped down her back. She walked with her hand upon her brother’s arm, and her beauty transfixed him.
Behind her trotted Sebastian. The black dog was wearing a knotted cravat around his throat, and Matthew smiled at the sight of the animal. Even more startling was the sight of his young cat, Beast, trailing behind the dog. The cat evoked a laugh from several guests, before he scampered up the willow tree, in search of a bird.
The dog took his place behind Lily, lying down in the grass while James lifted back his sister’s veil. Matthew tucked Lily’s gloved palm into his arm and saw that her eyes were gleaming with unshed tears. In low voice, he murmured, “I hope those are tears of joy, Lily.”
She lifted shining eyes to his. “They are, indeed.”
The wedding was beautiful, and Lily did shed a few tears of happiness when Matthew kissed her at the end of the ceremony. The wedding guests applauded and stood. James held Evangeline’s hand in his and smiled. Her mother beamed and in her arms, she held her first granddaughter. Baby Lavender had been born only a week ago and was asleep in Iris’s arms. Rose and Iain stood with her, and as soon as Lily drew near, Rose stood from her chair to embrace her sister.
“It was a perfect wedding, Lily.”
“It was. And I could not be happier.”
She hugged her sister tightly, and Rose glanced back at her infant daughter. “Oh, I don’t know. There may come a time when you find someone who brings even more happiness to your life.”Her husband leaned in to kiss her cheek, and at the sight of their baby, Lily felt the tug of envy.One day, she thought.
Sebastian got up from the ground and trotted beside her while they accepted congratulations from the guests. Within the garden, they celebrated among family and friends, enjoying a wide variety of food and confections. At the far end of the garden, Lily spied an older man and woman seated together. She leaned in closer to Matthew and whispered, “Is that who I think it is?”
He brushed a kiss against her temple. “It is. Sarah Carlisle has a suitor. Lord Eversleigh has been widowed for three years now, and most of his children are grown. Except for his nine-year-old son, that is. There is a rumor that he may ask her to marry him.” The white-bearded gentleman had a distinguished air about him, and he offered Miss Carlisle a glass of lemonade. The older woman smiled and blushed, but there was no doubt that she was flattered by the attention.
“I am glad for her,” Lily said. She had to give the woman credit—Miss Carlisle had dispelled so many rumors around London, claiming that she had no doubt Matthew was Charlotte’s legitimate son. Now that Adrian was gone, the talk had died down, and their lives had returned to normal.
From behind them, Lily heard a woman call out, “Matthew.” They turned, and Juliette Fraser embraced him, a warm smile on her face. “I am overjoyed for both of you.”
Matthew kissed her cheek, and Lily saw the similarity in their features. Lady Falsham had made a difficult decision to give up her son, but it was one that had brought him a better life and future. “Thank you, Juliette.” He winked at her, and then they circled around to speak with each of their guests.
As their wedding celebration continued on through the afternoon and evening, Lily grew aware of her husband’s eagerness to leave. At last, he drew her knuckles to his lips. “Iam taking you away now. I don’t care what the customs are.” His eyes grew hungry and heated. “I’ve waited long enough.”
“Shall I send Hattie to prepare our room?”
He shook his head. “If you think I’m going to spend our wedding night in your brother’s house, you are quite mistaken.”
She didn’t understand what he meant by that. “Then where will we go?”
“You’ll see.” He took her around to bid farewell to each of the guests, and Lily’s curiosity was intrigued. He had spoken nothing of this before. The dog trotted behind her, and she wondered whether to leave him. But then, Matthew bent near one of the trees and scooped up Beast, making it clear that both animals would come along.
After they departed the garden, she saw a black coach waiting for them. Matthew helped her inside, using both hands to tuck her voluminous gown inside. He placed Beast on the opposite seat.
“What about Sebastian?” she asked.
“He is coming with us, don’t worry.” He signaled for the dog to jump up, and Sebastian rested his head against her knee. After Matthew closed the door, she laughed at how much space was taken up by the wedding dress and the dog.
“I’m nearly drowning in silk,” she laughed. “But I do love this gown.”
“It suits you,” he said. “And I could not have asked for a more beautiful bride.” He knocked on the ceiling of the coach, ordering the coachman to drive on, and then he leaned in to kiss her, nudging Sebastian aside. The dog claimed the opposite seat, lying across the entire width of the coach. The cat hissed at him and then claimed his own space.
Lily clung to Matthew, welcoming the embrace of the man she loved. He rested both hands on either side of her, and she ranher hands through his dark hair, bringing him as close as she could.
Abruptly, he switched their positions, taking her seat and pulling her onto his lap. The gown was twisted beneath her, and she struggled to free herself. Matthew helped, until she straddled him. Beneath her thighs, she felt the heated length of him, and he continued to kiss her until she grew molten with need.
“Thank God, we’ve only a short drive,” he said. “Else I might take you right here in this coach.” He gripped her waist, and she shuddered at the shocking sensation of his erection pressed against her core. The image of riding him was a scalding vision that tempted her.
“Another day,” she murmured. With a wicked smile, she added, “Promise me.”
He kissed her hard, and agreed, “Any day that you wish, Lily.”
