Argyll swallowed back another unexpected laugh.
Taking mercy on his befuddled bride, he said, “Yes, Daria, I was, in fact, looking to assure you I’ve no intention of running. My feet are firmly fixed to the floor. A man mustn’t stand in fate’s way and all that.”
“…one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity… and—”
“I thought so!” For the way she beamed, she might as well have declared checkmate.
AndArgyllmight have handed Daria the Hope diamond for the adoring glow she tendered him like a rare jewel. The fact he’d been speaking sarcastically was a secret meant for the grave—one she spoke of with unsettling enthusiasm.
Argyll didn’t have the heart to point out his sarcasm.
In fairness, he didn’t have a heart.
“Where the hell was I?” Lyon flipped violently through theBook of Prayers. “Prosperity and adversity…” he muttered.
Rip.
Rip.
The quiet tear of pages underscored the absurdity of their wedding.
“I’m sorry,” Argyll said quietly.
Daria blinked confused eyes. “Gregory?”
Argyll gestured to Lyon, who’d finally located his place. “I’m certain this isn’t what you imagined for your wedding.”
How could it be?
“Oh.” His enigmatic bride shrugged. “I didn’t imagine a wedding.”
So accustomed to prevarication in all the company he kept, he actually found himself increasingly welcoming a woman who didn’t engage in word play, saying one thing when meaning the exact opposite.
“To me?” Argyll gave a slow wink meant to melt.
Daria’s composure remained uncracked. “To anyone.” She devoted all her attention to Lyon’s miserable ministering attempts.
“Anyone?” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “All ladies dream about marriage.”
“…Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined….”
“Not me. I know I’m going to die.”
He’d begun to tire of her constant talk of death. “And so you chose me…why?”
“I know you will not care when I’m gone.”
A muscle jumped in Argyll’s jaw and he set the bone. Hewouldn’tcare.
Unbidden, his gaze halted on her face.
Something about her calm needled him.
“Ahem—”
Argyll turned all his annoyance on Lyon. “What the hell do you want now?”
From the front seat she’d made amongst the hastily gathered chairs, Daria’s sister made herself plainly heard. “The sooner to effect and surer bind this knot.”
