She smiled back as the coach took them back to the inn.
Once they arrived in London, all the pressures would return. Maddie’s father’s will, dealing with her uncle, not to mention her introduction to society—a lot for her to face while they learned more about each other in their rushed marriage. Hart was determined to be as considerate a husband as he could, but knew he’d have to change. He was used to being alone. Making his own decisions. Not having to consider another’s feelings. And he’d had no example to follow. Certainly not his father, who was neither a good parent nor a decent husband. Hart considered himself not cut out for the role. He liked his freedom too much. If not for Uncle William, he would have remained a bachelor until the need for an heir forced him to consider marriage. And then it would have been on his own terms. So it came as a surprise when he faced the parson’s mousetrap without alarm. And that was because of Maddie. He smiled at her again and squeezed her hand.
His sister, Diane, could be a great help to them with her knowledge of London society. He would write and invite her to spend time with them at Montford Court. Diane’s children often stayed with their grandparents, so she might be free to accept. He was sure Maddie would appreciate Diane’s guidance as she settled into her new role.
Arriving at the inn, Maddie and Jane left him to do some shopping. Hart bathed and dressed and took a short walk before returning to the foyer to wait for his bride. He turned and saw her coming down the stairs in a lemon-colored muslin gown he hadn’t seen her wear. She had washed her hair, and damp curls the color of autumn leaves clustered charmingly around her face.
His gaze roamed over her, and he smiled. “A new gown? You are the veritable picture of a spring bride.”
“I think the shops here must cater to elopements.”
Hart ordered champagne. They entered the inn’s parlor and sat on the sofa by the fire. The innkeeper bustled in a few minutes later, holding a bottle Hart hoped would contain some resemblance to champagne. He raised his glass in a toast. “To us, Maddie. A joyful life. I’m sorry it was such a humble ceremony.”
Maddie put her small, slim hand over his. “I have no complaints. I am free of my uncle’s control at last. It’s a heady feeling. And married to the nicest man in the world. My parents would be happy for me.”
Hart would make her happy. He had wanted to kiss her in that plain little room where their marriage took place without a shred of pomp and ceremony. But it seemed inappropriate. And he wasn’t sure of Maddie’s reaction. She looked a bit stunned by the simplicity of the service.
He had made a mistake couching his proposal in those terms. While he no longer thought that way, perhaps Maddie still did. The problem was that he found it difficult to make things right other than demonstrating how much he cared for her. They had become friends, but he hoped for more, or their life together would be a dismal failure. Impatient to take her upstairs and make her his, he looked for a sign she would welcome it. But she seemed to hold herself at a distance, due, he supposed, to his clumsiness. He hoped for a wedding night to bring them closer.
After dinner, they returned to the parlor for coffee. “It’s a shame we must return to London so soon,” Hart said. “My trustees will await me at Pembury. I wish I did not have to leave you so soon.”
Hart saw the uncertainty in her eyes. “I should prefer to go with you to Pembury.” She drew in a breath. “But if Diane comes to stay, I shall cope nicely.”
He wasn’t sure how well he’d manage without her. He appreciatively watched his bride select a chocolate, her sweetly curved lips pursed in concentration, lips he was impatient to kiss. “My sister will come if she can. Diane loves London and misses the life there since her husband passed away.”
“What happened to him?”
“Heart trouble when he was only forty-one. His death left her with two children to raise.”
“Poor Diane. That is sad.”
“I would like to see her marry again, but I doubt she will. She loved Edgar and remains committed to his memory.”
“Perhaps time will soften her pain. It lessens grief a little.”
She was speaking of her own tragic experience. “We might spend a month on the Continent later in the year,” Hart said. “When all of this is behind us?”
“How thrilling,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to visit Rome and Paris.” Her coffee sat untouched, turning cold. “It’s hard to imagine this will be over. My uncle finally beaten.”
She seemed to doubt their marriage would put an end to her uncle’s villainy—didn’t trust him to get the better of Wakeham. As a boy, he hadn’t been able to help his mother when she suffered because of his father’s anger. But now, he would save Maddie from that brute, whatever it took. “As soon as we reach the city, we’ll meet with your solicitor and learn what was in your father’s will. Then we will make an informed decision about Wakeham.”
She pushed her half full coffee cup away. “I hope it gives some clue to my uncle’s behavior.”
Hart didn’t want to talk anymore about Wakeham tonight. He wanted this to be a happy time for them. But the man’s hold on Maddie was insidious. While his rational mind told him Wakeham could do nothing more, he struggled to believe it would be resolved with their marriage. “It should make his motives clear. I’m surprised the solicitors didn’t ensure the will was explained to you.”
She scoffed. “To an underage female? They wouldn’t consider it necessary.”
“You have a right to know.” He held her hand, threading his fingers through hers, impatient to put an end to this unhappy conversation. “Where is Jane?”
“She and Henry are dining alone. Do you mind?”
He raised his eyebrows, then shrugged. “Love must be in the air here.”
Her eyes rested on him for a moment.
Why had he mentioned love? He was not yet ready to confess he loved her, and he thought Maddie was not ready to hear it. He’d never said those words to any woman. Such a declaration must come from the heart. “Care for a walk by the river? Or would you rather go up to our chamber?” He knew which he preferred. His body grew warm, and he could think of little else.
*
