Scandalous Intentions (15 page)

Something caught his shoe, and he stumbled backward, landing on his rear. The dampness of the grass seeped through his trousers and coat. All for a woman who did not likely return his affections. He put his head back and chuckled. Lady Sarah had reduced him to a skirt-chasing fool. But, ah, what a fine skirt she was.

A light illuminated one of the second story windows. He peered up at it in time to see her moving past the glass. In a rush, he pushed himself to his feet.

Time to find out if she cared for him in the same way he cared for her. He picked up a few pebbles from the lawn.

The first stone went wide, striking the trellis that ran next to her bedchamber. He focused all of his attention on the windowpane and launched another pebble. A direct hit, the sound reverberated through the still night air. He held his breath, studying the illuminated window while he waited for her to open it or come down and join him.

Nothing.

Perhaps she failed to notice the sound. He shook out his arm in preparation and then launched another stone. A grin spread across his face when she opened the led-glass pain separating him from her.

She peered down at him, thick golden locks hanging loose around her shoulders. How he wished to run his fingers through her silky hair and feel it trail across his chest.

“Lord Luvington, is that you?”

Her voice was like a melody to his ears. It filled him with need. “Come out here with me, my pet.”

“I will do no such thing. It is not proper.” She scowled down at him. “Take yourself away from here before you are noticed.”

“If you refuse to come to me, I have no choice but to come to you.” He moved toward the trellis swaying with each step. “I have something I must say to you.”

“Good heavens, you are foxed.” She pressed one hand to her breasts.

The shift she wore did little to hide her assets. Thin white cotton, he guessed. His gaze trailed the outline of her body. “Not at all, my love.”

The crisp whitewashed wood of the trellis formed a ladder leading right by her window. He began to climb. She stuck her head out and stared after him, brows drawn together.

“You are going to hurt yourself. Get down. Stop being foolish. There is nothing to be said while you are intoxicated.”

He glanced up at her while he continued to climb. “I am not foxed.” His hand slipped and Lady Sarah emitted a startled sound. “All right, maybe just a little, but it does not signify. I must speak to you tonight.”

The wood of the trellis gave a loud snap. Hard ground and dew-dampened grass broke his fall. The wind left his lungs as his head thumped against a bush.

“Bloody hell.” He rolled away from the shrubbery and attempted to regain his composure.

A peek at her window revealed she had not closed it all the way. A sheer pink froth of curtain billowed in the night breeze. If luck were on his side, she would be there soon to fawn over his person.

Crickets chirping filled the empty space of the night as the minutes passed by. The fall gave him pause for nary a moment. He should get up and find his way home. Obviously, his plans to see her had not gone well. Perhaps if he left now, some of his dignity would go with him. He shut his eyes.

Too late. Julian opened his eyes when the warmth of her hand rested against his chest. She kneeled on the ground and leaned over him like an angel of mercy. Her pale hair formed a curtain around them as she gazed down at him through striking violet eyes. What a shame she had covered her shift with a dressing gown before coming to his aid.

“Are you hurt?” She ran her hands across his chest, over his hips, then down his thighs.

He stared up at her as his blood heated, his trousers tightening. The woman had no idea what a temptress she was. If she proved half as bold in their wedding bed, he would live out the rest of his days a happy man.

“Good heavens, can you move? Never mind do not try. I will get help.” She lifted her hands from him and moved to get up.

He reached out, grabbed her arm and pulled her onto him. “No, do not go.”

She lay across his chest, her face inches from his. “You took a nasty fall. You could be hurt. I must get someone to make sure you are not badly injured.”

“I assure you my pride is the only thing suffering.” He grinned.

“Why would you do such a risky and foolish thing? You scared me half out of my mind.” She pushed against his chest lifting herself several inches above him.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back down. “Because I needed to see you, darling.” Her softness pressed against him, molding to his body. A bolt of longing shot through him.

“We must get up before someone takes notice. And you need to get home. How did you get here? No, never mind, it does not signify. We simply must get you out of here. Perhaps--”

He pressed his lips to hers, effectively silencing her. She stiffened for a moment before her rigid form softened under his ministrations. He rolled her onto the grass and lifted his head, gazing down upon her. “You fret too much. Let us have this moment.” He brought his lips back to hers, relishing her sweetness.

Sarah turned her head, breaking the kiss. “What is it you needed to tell me so badly you risked your life to do so?”

“It seems unimportant now, my pet. Let us forget about it.” He cradled her head with one hand, bringing her back to his hungry lips.

SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Nothing helped. No
matter what Sarah tried, she could not get Lord Luvington or the kiss they shared off her mind. She ran her fingertips across her tingling lips and sighed.

“Is something weighing on you? You seem a might distracted?”

She turned to face Father. “Nothing overmuch, just lost in thought is all.” How had she not heard the door open?

Papa placed his hands behind his back, studying her. “Your mother told me you asked for a few moments alone before I came to escort you. If you have changed your mind, I will go make the announcement. You need not go through with the ceremony.”

Her eyes widened. “I would not dare beg off. I was merely reflecting on the past few days, Papa.” She grinned, taking his hand. “I assure you, I am more than ready to wed Lord Luvington.”

“It seems like only yesterday when you twirled through the house hugging your favorite dolly and reciting nursery rhymes. Now you stand before me a bride draped in organdy and lace. You are stunning in your mother’s gown.” Moisture clouded his eyes.

Sarah grinned. “I love you, Papa.” She lifted herself up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek. “I will always be your little girl.”

“And I will always adore you. Come now, your bridegroom waits.”

“Indeed.” Ready to embrace her future, she let Papa lead her from the room.

* * * *

Sarah walked up the aisle on Papa’s arm. She allowed a cursory glance around the church. Plumes of greenery and white flowers transformed it into an indoor garden. It smelled of fresh roses and cut ferns. White organdy draped the pews, floral bunches pinned to the ends. She inhaled then let her breath out slow.

Grace and Lady Jane stood off to one side of the altar. Both wore white gowns, had veils draping down their back, the cloth secured atop their curls and plaits with coronets of white roses, and held additional flowers in their hands. Her brother and Lord Keery stood off to the opposite side of the altar, hands clasped in front of their gray dress jackets. Guests filled the pews from the back to the front row where the Duke and Duchess Tisdale sat.

White rose petals covered the red carpet beneath her slippers. Her gaze locked with Lord Luvington’s. His wink sent heat flooding into her cheeks. Always such a rogue, and all hers from this day forward. She must be the luckiest lady in London.

Papa brought Sarah to Lord Luvington’s left side and kissed her cheek, before he stepped back.

“Please remove your left gloves.” The clergyman nodded to Sarah and Lord Luvington.

She peeled her white glove from her hand and gave it to Grace for safe keeping.

“Dearly beloved, we are here to witness the union of Lord Julian Carrington, Marquess of Luvington, to Lady Sarah Roseington, daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire.” The clergyman glanced at the leather-bound Bible in his hands. “If anyone present knows why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now.”

Sarah nibbled her bottom lip as she listened to the minister’s words. He read a passage about faithfulness and said a blessing over her and her future husband. The words passed right through her, crowded out by her thoughts and the bliss filling her heart.

“Lord Luvington, pray answer these questions before God and kin.”

Sarah focused all of her attention on him. He appeared so regal in his long coat and silk cravat, with a rose pinned to his lapel. His green eyes sparkled as he held her gaze. She offered a shaky smile.

“Lord Luvington, have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a husband?”

“I have.”

The clergyman angled his head toward Sarah. “Lady Sarah have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a wife?”

“I have.” Her pulse sped up.

“Please join your right hands together.”

She slipped her hand into the palm of Lord Luvington’s outstretched one. He gave a gentle squeeze and moisture clouded her eyes. The heat of his hand wrapped around hers sent excitement coursing through her. Tonight, she would lay with him, bare to him. Her insides tingled.

“Lord Luvington, this woman before you is to be your wife. She has given you one of the most sacred things under heaven, a woman’s life, and a woman’s love.”

He smiled with mirth and his hand tightened on hers.

“You may bring her great joy or cause her deep sorrow. It is not what you bring her in a material way that will make true happiness--riches without love are nothing. The gift without the giver is bare.”

Sarah’s chest tightened.
Nothing. Without love, there is nothing. Do not let it be so.
She loved him, but could it be enough for both of them? It had to be. For she would never be happy without him.

“Lord Julian Carrington, Marquess of Luvington, do you vow here, as you have promised, that you will be true and loyal, patient in sickness, comforting in sorrow, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto her so long as you both shall live?” The clergyman read.

Lord Luvington swallowed, gaze never leaving hers. “Indeed, I do.”

Her heart soared at his words. He vowed before God, their family and friends to keep and care for her. Perchance love would follow.

She stared into his eyes as the clergyman spoke the same set of vows to her. Lord Luvington rubbed his thumb in small circles over the back of her hand. Everyone else in the church faded away as she focused on him and the vow she took.

“Lady Sarah Roseington, do you vow here, as you have promised, that you will be loyal in adversity, ministering to him in affliction, comforting him in sorrow, and forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto him so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She beamed.

“Lord Luvington, place your ring upon Lady Sarah’s left ring finger.”