The day was a bit overcast but a good one. The weather was the least of Char’s worries. She wanted the marriage done.
The smithy itself was a number of buildings connected by walkways. They were greeted at the door by a jovial lady who introduced herself as Mrs.Lang.
“We are here to marry,” Jack said. “The sooner the better.”
“A long trip you’ve had of it, eh?” Mrs.Lang said. “Let me fetch my husband. He went home for a wee nap.”
“Please do,” Jack answered. “Also, how much is the fee?”
“It will be fifteen guineas, kind sir. I will return in a moment.”
“Fifteen?” Jack drew a breath and released it.
Char knew he was thinking of the ship fare. “We shall manage,” she assured him.
He nodded. “Wives are expensive.” There was no heat in his voice.
“And I only have one dress. I pray thee wait, I may become more expensive.”
He laughed and kissed her hand. “There are always breeches. We shall be fine once we return to Boston.”
Mr.Lang, “Bishop Lang,” was a handsome, officious man with a lighthearted attitude. “I married a couple this morning and thought I was done for the day. All right, shall we be on with it? We’ll have you stand right over here in front this anvil.”
Jack took Char’s hand, but before they could move there was a commotion of horses outside. A glimpse out the window showed the team.
Matched grays.
Char gave a start. She might have run if not for Jack’s steadying presence. He squeezed her hand.Courage.
“Let’s be on with it,” Jack ordered Mr.Lang.
Mr.Lang accommodated him. “Please tell me whence have you come?”
“London,” Char said.
“Boston,” Jack answered.
“This is a long way, sir,” Mr.Lang replied.
“And I’m in a hurry to return,” Jack assured him.
“Yes, well, then, let us begin.” Mr.Lang looked at Char. “Will you state your full name—?”
The smithy’s door flew open. The Duke of Baynton in greatcoat and boots ducked under the door and came striding in followed by a very worried Sarah. “Stop any ceremony,” he commanded. “This young woman is under age and I have her guardian with me.”
Sarah was heartily tired of traveling and overjoyed to see Char. She would have hurried to her, except Lord Jack had stepped forward, placing her niece protectively behind him. More telling, Char accepted him as her protector, even moving closer to the shelter of his body.
The gentleman who had appeared ready to perform the marriage ceremony closed his book and calmly informed the duke, “Sir, I need tell you, this young lady is legal under the laws of Scotland. Her guardian has no say.” He had obviously given this little speech before.
“Where are you in the vows, sir?” Sarah demanded.
“We haven’t started,” he answered.
“Yes, we have,” Char countered.
Lord Jack’s attention was on his brother. They glowered at each other like angry tigers. “Youare not welcome here.”
“I didn’t expect to be,” Baynton answered. “What the devil are you doing? Is this how you have plotted to strike back at me, Jack? By humiliating me through marriage to Lady Charlene?”
