“Yes. We will have dinner at seven. Will that give you enough time?”
“Done. See you and my new sister-in-law then.”
Chapter Twelve
It was time to go to the church. Marion and Lauren were helpful in getting Lilli ready for the most trepidatiously exciting day of her life, thus far. Her wedding. It was to happen at nine, for Oliver wanted to finish it before Lilli became too apprehensive. Too late, she thought. Lauren pulled an envelope from her skirt pocket and handed it to Lilli.
“What’s this?”
“From your grandmother to be delivered on your wedding day.”
Tears ran down Lilli’s face as the women left her alone to read.
My Dearest Lilliana,
Today is the day that you take your chosen husband and live a wonderful life. I’m sorry I have missed this day, but I shall be watching from heaven along with your grandmother and mother. There are three generations walking you into your husband, my dear.Know we love you very much. If this is the man you have chosen, and I am sure you would not take him otherwise, he will be strong and able to stand up to your stubbornness and yet tender when you are in need of understanding. Remember us all to your children and enjoy your life. You deserve all the happiness.
Love,
Gran
The tears flowed freely and Lilli worried she wouldn’t stop but Lauren and Marion returned. “The time for sad tears is over, my dear. Let’s get you ready to meet your duke.”
Lauren gave the letter to his valet. “Deliver this to Your Grace immediately. It is of vital importance.”
Alarmed, the valet nodded and walked into the duke’s room. “Your Grace, this was delivered for you as urgent.”
“What?” Oliver took the note and realized the handwriting was from a woman who now felt like an old friend.
Oliver,
I hope I may call you that now that you are marrying my granddaughter. You are the one I chosefor her that very day you walked into my home and declared you were honoring your father’s obligation towards Lilliana. And when she overreacted to you every time you were in her presence, I knew it was the right choice. Take care of my darling. Her life has been difficult. I know you will listen to her when appropriate and take over when it is right. Love her, protect her and be the man her father never was for her. You have all my blessings for this day. Do well. Three generations will be watching on.
Lady Elizabeth St. Matthews (Gran)
Oliver’s vision blurred for a moment. He spoke quietly into the empty room. “I will take very good care of Lilliana, and she will want for nothing, my good Lady Elizabeth. I will spend my days loving, protecting, disciplining, supporting and possessing her in every way. She will be very happy.”
He wiped at his eyes and called his valet. “It’s time to get to the chapel.”
The day had been long but now it was time to consummate her marriage and she was back to being anxious. Oliver had been so solicitous, and the breakfast was a larger gathering than the wedding but not much larger. Her new mother-in-law, Georgiana, had promised a ball in a few months to introducethem to society but until then, it would be learning to be Oliver’s wife and he learning to be her husband.
But tonight, would be the coming together they had yet to do. Oliver had brought her to such ecstasy with his fingers that still brought a blush to her cheeks, but this was to be so much more. She was in her nightgown waiting for her husband. The door opened and in walked Oliver, magnificent in his dressing gown, the silk fabric clinging to his broad shoulders.
Her heart beat faster as she took in the expanse of his olive complexion and a few dark chest hair revealed by the parted fabric. Lilli’s breath caught in her throat as he approached with that purposeful stride she had come to both fear and crave. His eyes, dark with desire, raked over her nightgown-clad form.
“My beautiful, defiant, perfect bride,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers dancing across her skin. “Are you nervous, little one?”
“No,” Lilli lied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Oliver’s lips quirked into that knowing half-smile. “Rule number one, remember? No lying to Daddy.” He closed the distance between them, his movements deliberate, controlled, his large hand cupping her cheek. “Your pulse is racing. I can feel it here.”
His thumb brushed the delicate skin beneath her jaw as his lips glazed hers. He took her trembling hands in his, bringing them to his lips. “There’s no need for nerves between us, darling. Not tonight.”
Lilli felt her cheeks flush with heat. The thin silk of her nightgown suddenly seemed an inadequate protection against his hungry gaze. She clutched at the bedsheet, drawing it slightly higher.
Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Perhaps a little nervous. You know that I have only felt this excitement with you, but I amsure there is more than only my gratification. I have been told of some of it, but more.” She shrugged her shoulders.
Oliver’s expression softened as he sat beside her on the bed, the mattress dipping beneath his weight. “I know, my love. And I will cherish being yours as I make you mine.” He traced his fingertips along her collarbone, sending a cascade of shivers down her spine. The heat of his body so close to hers made her heart race even faster. “We have all night, and I intend to go slowly.”
