Page 78 of A Stormy Season

“May I go with you?” Would he think her terribly forward?

“I was hoping you would wish to come. We can stay and get married the next day at the parish church, if the clergyman is available.”

Luke spent the rest of the day with Jane, staying for dinner that night. And just as dinner was over, the housekeeper announced, “A servant has come from Mr. Watley’s house saying that Mr. Cobb, the butler, is awake and talking.”

Luke said a quick good-bye and he and Henry left.

When Henry arrived an hour later, he said that Cobb had already identified Stokes, the man who was captured at Luke’s country estate, as his attacker.

“And he shall recover?” Jane asked.

“He will be weak at first, but he should make a full recovery.”

“That is wonderful.” Jane clasped her hands together, wondering what else she could possibly wish for.

“You should be in bed,” Henry said in his older brother voice. “You have a busy day tomorrow, traveling to Hertfordshire and preparing for your wedding.”

“You are coming too, I hope.”

“Penelope and I will be along for your wedding day after tomorrow.”

“Well, enjoy this moment of telling me to go to bed, because I shall be married and you will not be able to command me as you have done, practically ever since I was born.”

Henry only grinned. “I’m too pleased at the moment to argue with you.”

~ ~ ~

Luke and Jane were married three days thence in a small ceremony in her parish church. And it was said that Jeffrey celebrated the most enthusiastically of all the guests, as every time they raised a glass to toast the newly wedded couple, Jeffrey squealed and clapped his hands.

In the evening Jane sang Jeffrey to sleep while Luke looked on. When they tiptoed from his room, leaving him asleep in his little bed, Luke took her by the hand and kissed her cheek.

“I am truly a fortunate man.” He gazed into her eyes.

After all that he had been through, Jane was touched by his words. She ran her thumb over the stubble on his jawline. “I am the fortunate one.”

Their lips met in a kiss that became more passionate, and Luke suddenly swept her up into his arms.

It was not Jane’s nature to wish to be carried anywhere, but just this once, as he carried her the short way to their bedroom, she would enjoy letting her protective, good-hearted husband carry her wherever he wanted to go.

THE END