I will never allow anything to happen to her.
“I will,” he said boldly, believing it to his core.
The vicar nodded as a small susurration of approval spread through the congregants. “And wilt thou, Isabella Hunton, have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thy only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?” His voice hitched a little as he finished.
Cassian waited with bated breath, wondering what she was thinking, until, in a soft voice, she whispered. “I will.”
Relief flooded his body like a pleasant surprise. Cassian was not certain why, but he did not know what he would have done if she had changed her mind.
More nods came from the vicar before he turned a page in his book. “We shall now proceed to the vows.” He started instantly, addressing Cassian first again. “Turn to your bride and take her hands in yours.”
Doing as he was told, Cassian faced Isabella and waited for the vicar to proceed before continuing.
“Repeat after me, Your Grace. I, Cassian Brentwood, Duke of Everthorne, take thee Isabella Hunton,to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.” The vicar finished.
Cassian repeated the words, holding her gaze while feeling the slight tremble in her fingers. His pulse slowed as he noted the look of concern in her eyes.
I will have to reassure her of my devotion, if not my love.
Her vows were next as Cassian paid close attention to the way her mouth formed every word with a slight quiver. “I, Isabella Hunton,take thee, Cassian Brentwood, Duke of Everthorne,to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.”
It almost did not seem real to Cassian as the vicar proceeded to the exchange of rings. The past week had taken forever, yet this simple ceremony had passed as if in the blink of an eye.
Was it possible that something so Holy and important could be sealed in such a short frame of time?
And then, Lady Isabella Hunton became his wife.
The wedding breakfast at Ironstone townhouse was a mixture of faces and voices, none of which Cassian seemed fully aware of. He barely ate, barely spoke, and barely managed more than a curt nod or stiff half-smile as guests came forward to offer their congratulations.
Even his father-in-law’s expression remained wary of him when they exchanged words earlier. He had taken Cassian’s hand with the grim reserve of a father who was both proud but unconvinced.
At least, Henry had softened the atmosphere when he approached with his warning.
“I suppose if you hurt her, I shall have to challenge you, Your Grace.” The young man had approached him with wisdom beyond his years.
Cassian had blinked, surprised, before replying with a ghost of a nod.
“I shall endeavor to avoid inciting such a duel.”
The boy brightened, despite clearly meaning every word. But the strangest, perhaps the most endearing, interaction came from little Ellie, who marched right up to Cassian, her curls bouncing with her determination.
“You look mean,” she announced matter-of-factly.
Cassian stiffened. “Yes, I have been told this in the past.”
“But you aren’t,” she continued. “Not really. Only on the outside.” Then, with a small, shy smile, “Thank you for helping me.”
He blinked, twice this time, then bowed to her with a solemnity that made a few guests laugh softly.
He found himself glancing toward Isabella at that moment. She stood surrounded by a small cluster of women, smiling politely, her eyes flicking to him briefly. He did not know what she saw on his face, but something in her expression softened.
Tristan appeared soon after and kissed her cheek, offering warm congratulations before leaning in and murmuring something only she could hear. Watching from a distance, Cassian felt something unpleasant twist inside him.
Irritation, perhaps. Or something darker.
Why did he insist on vexing Cassian in such a manner?
Finally, his grandmother swept toward them with her usual mixture of elegance and enthusiasm.
