And then the doors at the end of the aisle opened and Viola appeared, dressed in a simple white gown. She was holding a pretty bouquet of various flowers that Henry failed to register in detail because his eyes were fixed on her beautiful face. Swallowing, he clenched his hands and inhaled slowly to quiet the sudden urge he had to run toward her and carry her out the door so they wouldn’t have to wait one additional second to begin their lives together.
But there was protocol for them to adhere to and of course the necessary service, which he did want to get through, though preferably at an increased pace if at all possible. Another deep breath had the blessed effect of slowing his heart ever so slightly, which allowed him to focus with greater ease on how lovely she truly looked with her rosy cheeks, her eyes glowing and her lips dimpling prettily at each corner as she smiled at no one but him.
Overcome by emotion, he felt the sting of tears press firmly against his eyes. Christ, she was perfect and she would be his and he knew... he simply knew without any shadow of a doubt that the rest of his life would be flawless from this day forward.
“I am the luckiest man in the world,” he told her as soon as she reached him. Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles and helped her turn so they could face the vicar together.
The rest happened in a blur and with only a slight awareness of reciting a few important lines that would bind him to Viola forever. Whatever they were, Henry didn’t really care. He would have promised to walk through hellfire for her if that was what had to be done in order to make her his before God and the rest of the world. And then it was finally over, and for a startling second it was almost as if time drew to a halt, announcing the end of the life he had led before her and then ticking onward again with her as his wife.
Joy surged through him and he pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Mrs. Lowell.” She answered with a wide smile meant exclusively for him and laughed as he bent to kiss her, sealing their union with every bit of passion he felt toward her, the most wonderful woman he’d ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Viola was tempted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Everything was perfect, especially Henry, who hadn’t stopped looking at her as though she were an angel descended from heaven to bestow a blessing on him. Incredibly, in spite of the swift wedding arrangements, Henry’s mother and grandmother had managed to organize a lovely wedding breakfast at Scranton House. After almost four hours of eating and drinking with friends and family, Viola and Henry had finally managed to take their leave and head for Henry’s more modest town house. Her own would remain in her possession for the benefit of Diana and Harriet and any other women who might one day need a place in which to recover from a difficult life.
Leaning into Henry, whose arm was wrapped firmly around her waist as they sat side by side in his carriage, Viola considered what was to come with a mixture of thrilling excitement and apprehension.
As if reading her mind, Henry dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t be nervous, my darling. I have every intention of ensuring that you enjoy all aspects of your wedding day and night to the fullest.”
“I know,” she said, taking comfort not only in his words but in the way her body instinctively clamored for his. And yet, “It is just...” She hesitated, unwilling to bring up the past and ruin the mood.
Turning slightly, he tipped her chin up so her gaze met his more directly. “You want this, Viola, but your previous experience has been unpleasant. I know this, so you mustn’t fret. Our lovemaking will be entirely different because of the love we share and because I would never ever do anything to hurt you. Nor would I force you into something for which you’re not ready. Just... try to put everything else out of your mind so all that remains is you and me and the pleasure we long to give and receive. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded, and his mouth met hers in a gentle caress that continued until the carriage jostled her toward him and she caught his shoulder for support. The impact forced her more firmly against him, and the deep rumbling growl he emitted in response sent waves of heat darting straight down her middle. His arms tightened and the kiss deepened, transforming into something else entirely, namely a primal urge to claim and be claimed in return.
“Dear God, we need to get out of this carriage,” he murmured while scraping his teeth against a sensitive spot by her ear. “I cannot wait to fully seduce you.”
Viola shivered in response and pressed herself further against him in a futile effort to relieve her response to his touch. “Are we almost there?”
He planted a row of scorching kisses along the length of her neck. “I hope so,” he told her gruffly as she arched up against him. “Bloody hell.”
Henry kissed her again as if he was starving and she was the nourishment he required to live. It was urgent and rough and unapologetic, and Viola cherished every wonderful second of it until they arrived at his house. Henry opened the door with an urgent thrust of his hand and leapt out so he could help her alight. He then escorted her up the front steps and into the foyer, where they were met by Rex, who proceeded to circle their legs and sniff at their feet. They’d given the servants the day off, so only the pets remained. Newton watched as if bored from his position at the top of the landing.
“Would you like some treats?” Henry asked. He approached a box on the hallway table and pushed back the lid. “I asked Cook to prepare something special for these two.”
To Viola’s relief, Rex and Newton had accepted each other almost immediately when they’d been introduced the previous evening. Rex had bounced back and forth a bit as if hoping to get a playful reaction out of Newton. When the cat had walked away without any sign of interest, the pair had both settled down for naps at opposite ends of the parlor.
“Sit,” Henry ordered. When Rex complied, Henry offered him a large bone with meat still clinging to every side. Rex disappeared down the hallway with his prize.
Henry directed his attention toward Newton next. “How about you?” He waved a dried herring at the cat, who rose to his feet, stretched his back and proceeded to come down the stairs. Henry gave him his treat and the cat sauntered off to another part of the house.
Henry turned his full attention on Viola. “Mrs. Lowell,” he said with a glint in his eyes. “The things I have planned...” He smirked, no doubt because he could tell she was struggling to remain upright.
“You did mention something about seduction,” she said, her voice slightly thinner than she’d hoped.
Henry chuckled. “I did, didn’t I? But before we get to that, I have a surprise for you.”
“But...” She glanced toward the stairs.
He stepped toward her and offered his arm. “Consider this little detour of ours part of the lovemaking process.” He leaned in, scraping his jaw against hers. “It will only help heighten the anticipation of what is to come—of you and I fully undressed in my bed.”
“Good Lord,” Viola squeaked as she let him escort her.
He drew her closer. “On the contrary, I have every intention of being rather bad.”
Viola’s stomach dipped and her heart took flight, pounding against her chest with increased frenzy. “I see,” was all she could manage to say as visions of him and her in the most debauched embraces proceeded to clutter her brain.
Henry paused in the doorway to the library and stared down into her upturned face. A wolfish grin tugged at his lips. “Yes,” he murmured, “I believe you do.”
It took some effort to force her feet to cooperate and to follow him into the room. Was it hotter in here than in the rest of the house or was she simply having a blistering reaction to his words? Of course, he’d collected himself once again while she was left feeling as though she might suddenly combust.
