The ceremony was soon done. The vows were said and the golden band slid onto her finger. Andrew declared, “May your union be blessed, Lord and Lady Dauntry.”
Kitty’s smile was spontaneous, summoned by surprise at actually being Lady anything. She thought she saw a trace of humor in Dauntry’s eyes. For similar reasons, or laughter at her? They had so much to learn about each other. There would be surprises and disagreements, but they’d navigated the waters this far—to the point of no return.
Ruth was beaming. The Misses Purslow seemed in bliss over the romance of it all. Sillikin was looking between Kitty and Dauntry as if contemplating a stare. Kitty just managed not to tell her to stop. She remembered to put her diamond ring on top of the wedding band.
Marcus had given her a diamond ring, though with a much smaller stone. The stone had fallen out one day and never been found. Such tears she’d shed, but Marcus had been philosophical. She remembered him saying that they had each other and no need of a diamond to protect them. He’d wanted to replace the stone, but they’d had better uses for any money, so she’d sold the gold ring. He’d teased her, perhaps even complained, about her practicality.
How long ago had that been? Six years? What would happen if she lost this stone? Perhaps she’d not wear the ring every day.
When they emerged from the church, the villagers cheered.
Braydon murmured, “They must have heard that I’ve paid for a free cask of ale at the Abbot’s Arms.”
Kitty chuckled, but she thought most of the villagers’ goodwill was from the excitement of a noble wedding ontheir doorstep, especially one connected to Beauchamp Abbey. They’d be hoping that in the future, the Braydon family would be more involved with matters here, providing charity, entertainment, and employment. If she had any say, they’d not be disappointed.
Braydon was prepared in another way. He pulled out a pouch and gave it to Mrs. Price, the shopkeeper. “Silver threepenny pieces, ma’am. If you’d be so kind, ensure that all the children under ten receive one in memory of this happy day. And then one for every household without such a child. Any remaining should go to Reverend Lulworth for benefit of the poor.”
Another cheer, and a clustering of children and parents.
Kitty thought back to her first marriage. There’d been cheers then and flowers, for it had been a summer wedding. Marcus had tossed pennies, leading to a mad scramble. Braydon’s way was more orderly and efficient, but the mad scramble had been fun. Back then, many people must have had doubts at seeing such a young lady marrying a damaged man, yet that had been a love match. This was not, but no one here showed doubts of their future bliss.
How odd weddings could be.
Enough.It was done.
Chapter 13
At the parsonage, they ate cake and drank wine. Real wine. Had Braydon provided it?
Toasts were made, and Braydon replied with a speech that contained all the appropriate sentiments but managed not to imply too many untruths.
As they all settled again, one of the Misses Purslow said, “So lovely to have a Braydon married here once more.”
Ruth asked, “When was the last occasion?”
The sisters looked at each other. “That would have been the third viscount, wouldn’t it, Mary?”
“Yes, dear,” said Miss Mary, “for the fourth married in Hampshire somewhere. Before our time, of course.”
“And the fifth in London.”
Miss Mary smiled at them all. “It is quite customary to marry in the bride’s parish, of course, but it’s such a pleasure to see a Braydon wedding here. And perhaps...”
“Hush, dear,” Miss Martha said with a touch of color in her cheeks.
Kitty fought a smile. Miss Mary had been about to mention christenings. That would never do. The implications!
But everyone knew what was supposed to happen tonight. Perhaps she was blushing herself. She wasn’tnervous about the act, but the man beside her was still almost a stranger.
“I think it a great shame that the family hasn’t worshipped here,” Kitty said. “We will as often as possible, won’t we, Dauntry?”
“Certainly. Of course, the dowager is something of an invalid these days. Does she consult you, Doctor?”
“No, my lord. Sir Percy Lansing comes from London twice a year, but I gather her limitations are not amenable to treatment.”
What an odd, secluded life. Kitty wondered if it had always been this way. No wonder the fifth viscount’s wife had run away. Kitty needed to know more, and this gathering was an opportunity. What bride wouldn’t be curious?
“I understand my predecessor left,” she said, trying for innocence with a touch of stupidity. Eyes slid left and right. Perhaps no one would answer.
