CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Three days later…
“Ihope you’re happy that I was tossed out of my residence bright and early this morning.”
Roarke glanced up from his desk as Lord Rockford strode into his study without even bothering to knock.
The earl lifted an arrogant brow, although his blue eyes twinkled mischievously. “I assume there is a fine French brandy waiting for me for my sacrifice.”
Roarke shook his head as he poured the requisite drink, but when he handed the crystal tumbler to Rion, he couldn’t seem to quit smiling like some besotted fool. “I’m sorry my wedding day is putting you out of sorts, Rockford,” he returned dryly.
The earl waved a hand. “Well, I must admit I’d rather be here than in that house full of shrieking women.” He gave a mock shudder. “They nearly went into hysterics over a strand of lace!”
Roarke merely grinned before he pointed out, “May I remind you that it wasyourwife who whisked away my betrothed? I would have been perfectly content having her under my roof until the vows were spoken.”
“I’m sure,” Rion countered slyly, “In fact, I shouldn’t be surprised if your first offspring turns out to be ‘premature.’”
Instead of taking offense, Roarke threw his head back and laughed. “Athena must be a saint to put up with you.”
Rion took a sip of his drink and offered a wink. “You have no idea.”
“Baron Ambrel,” Winston announced from the doorway before he silently took his leave.
“Ah, Gregory!” Rion pronounced, “Come join the party!”
His brother-in-law eyed him warily. “Be careful that you don’t enjoy yourself too much, Rion, or else you might have trouble standing witness to the ceremony.”
“Killjoy,” Rockford mumbled, but he was ignored as the baron greeted Roarke with a hearty clap on the back.
“Congratulations, Eversleigh,” Gregory smiled. With a deep breath, he added, “Look at us. Three young bucks who ruled Eton back in our day now to be happily married men. How times have changed.”
“Indeed, they have,” Roarke concurred softly. “And thank God for it.”
* * *
Mara couldn’t seem to stop humming as the dress chosen for her wedding gown was fitted with last minute alterations. As the maid took it away, she threw a robe over her undergarments and sat at her dressing table. She smiled when she remembered walking into the guest room at Rockford House after leaving Madame Celeste’s and her gasp of delight upon seeing the array of colorful gowns spread out on the bed. She was even more surprised to learn that they were hers, an early wedding gift from her husband-to-be. Not only was that enough to endear Roarke to her even more, but there was a plethora of undergarments, bonnets, shoes, and accessories to go with them.
As she’d touched a ruby brooch, Mara felt guilty that she didn’t have something this grand to give Roarke in return for his generosity, but then she’d lightly touched her stomach with a happy grin. The child that was growing in her womb would be her wedding gift to him.
“I still don’t see Lady Weston’s carriage,” Athena murmured, shaking her head in obvious distress as she stood by the window overlooking the street. “I do hope they make it in time for the ceremony. I know Lyra would be heartbroken if she missed it and I’m sure Roarke’s mother would be the same.”
Mara worried her lower lip at the thought of facing Lavinia again, but as she twirled the band on her left hand, she pushed her doubts aside. Today her long-awaited dreams would come true, and the only thing that mattered was Roarke’s devotion.
At that moment, Cassie rushed in. “Locating flowers in late autumn in London that don’t look like a wilting cravat in summer is quite an undertaking, but I managed to secure a lovely bouquet!”
“Splendid!” Athena clapped her hands together. “That’s one more thing we can mark off our list. I already have my cook preparing a meal to outdo anything we’ve ever done before.”
Cassie gave a slight roll of her eyes at Athena before she sat down beside Mara.
“Do you know if Roarke is planning on taking you on a honeymoon?”
“He hasn’t said anything yet,” Mara replied, “Though I’m perfectly fine if we don’t go anywhere right away. In truth, I have no idea where I’d want to go first. I haven’t been anywhere besides England.”
“Well I would suggest either Switzerland or Italy, but I’ve heard Greece is lovely…”
“They’re here,” Athena gave a sigh of relief as she turned away from the window.
“I’ll go down,” Cassie offered as she stood. “I should check on the children anyway.”
