“His kiss will reveal his true identity. I am quite certain of it.”
He feigned astonishment so that she laughed again. “His kiss? Miss Emerson, are you in the habit of kissing strangers in disguise?”
“Only when such a man captures my heart.”
“And how frequent an occurrence might this be?”
“It has occurred only once, sir, and my heart remains in the keeping of my champion.”
“If only you knew who he was.”
“If only.” Helena smiled up at him as the music changed and he spun her to a halt. She remained in the circle of his arms, happier than she had ever anticipated she might be in Nottinghamshire.
“Then let me make a case in my own favor,” Lord Addersley murmured, his hand sliding into her hair as he pulled her closer. “And hope against hope that you might be convinced to accept me this time.” His mouth closed over hers with all the assurance and power that she recalled, his kiss deepening with satisfaction as she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
Long moments later, there was the sound of a footfall on the terrace. “Helena!” Aunt cried and the viscount lifted his head, shielding her from view.
“Dare I hope my suit is accepted, Miss Emerson?” he whispered against her ear.
“You know it is, sir,” she said, watching his smile broaden.
“Joshua,” he murmured and she repeated his name with pleasure.
“Dare I hope you have a special license?”
“I have arranged to collect it tomorrow,” he confessed. “For I have become convinced of the merit of haste in such opportunities as this one.”
Helena laughed with delight, stretching to her toes to kiss her champion again.
CHAPTER 14
Mrs. Agnes Dawlish of Carting Corners was relieved.
In fact, she was delighted. Matters could not have resolved themselves in a more satisfactory manner for the young lady she had assisted just over a month before.
When the wedding invitation arrived from Addersley Manor, there was no question of whether she would accept. Mr. Dawlish had made a token protest over the inconvenience but, as was so often the case, his objections were immediately over-ruled. The entire family had taken themselves to the inn at Haynesdale Hollow, in order to attend the wedding of Lord Addersley and Miss Helena Emerson on the second Saturday in May.
To be sure, Mrs. D. – as she was known to her friends and close acquaintances – was initially inclined to fear that Miss Emerson had embroiled herself in some mischief. The girl was not wicked, but she was exuberant, and Mrs. D. had witnessed that she could be willful. Had Miss Emerson beguiled an elderly viscount into marrying her?
But no, the widowed Viscount Addersley who Mrs. D. recalled had recently passed away. She had been able to ascertain that in Carting Corners, no less that his son and heirwas said to be both young and handsome, if reserved in his nature.
Such a man, cool and composed, perhaps so devoid of emotion as to have ice in his veins as she heard by one account, seemed unlikely to have captured the attention of the lively lady Mrs. D. had met. Had Miss Emerson overwhelmed that man’s restraint with her charms? To what purpose? Mrs. D. could not imagine Miss Emerson as one to wed a man for his fortune alone.
It was a puzzle. Mrs. D. had arrived at the church in Addersley village, husband and children in tow, with considerable reservations.
The day of the wedding was sunny and clear, and it seemed they were not the only ones making their way to the chapel in Addersley village. She recognized Captain Emerson immediately and that man’s satisfaction with the situation could not be feigned.
He had greeted them heartily, introducing his wife – the sister of the Duke of Haynesdale! Goodness! – and his aunt, Lady Dalhousie. They were introduced to the groom, a man of impeccable manners and grace. He seemed to be a man of composure, but not an emotionless one.
The Dawlish family found themselves in quite exalted company, for the duke himself soon arrived, along with his mother and his ward, a very beautiful French girl. All of the village was in attendance, their joy in the match unmistakable.
Mrs. D. awaited the appearance of the bride to be certain.
Captain Emerson had departed to fetch his sister and all the guests were ushered into the church. It was a lovely small country church, with old stone walls. The air was cool inside and the whispers fell silent at the sound of the horses’ hooves. They all turned to watch the door as the bride entered with her brother. Helena looked even prettier than Mrs. D. recalled her tobe. She was, in fact, radiant with happiness, and not with the joy of having secured her ambition. No, she was a lady in love and the sight made Mrs. D. heave a sigh of relief.
Even better, the viscount beamed at her, his attention so rapt that she might have been the sun, the moon and the stars. Perhaps he was the one who saw his ambition achieved in the vows of this day. Mrs. D. could imagine him as a man who recognized his desire when he saw it. The quiet ones were often thus in her experience. Unswerving once their goal was viewed.
Captain Emerson escorted his sister to the altar, then placed his sister’s hand upon that of the viscount. The pair appeared to be lost in each other’s eyes, their mutual adoration so potent that Mrs. D. felt a lump rise to her throat. There was more than one damp eye in her vicinity and even Mr. Dawlish gave her a gruff nod. Flora, close by her side, was transfixed by the sight and Mrs. D. could only hope for similar happiness for her oldest daughter.
