Simon's Brides (22 page)

Never, in thoughts about his future, had he imagined a title. The Baron had two other male relatives in line to inherit. Unfortunately, both men had died before Simon returned from his voyages. So, here he was, titled, about to become a land owner and ready to marry a woman he wanted in the worst way.

He remembered the feel of her body pressed against his the night Aunt Agatha caught them. And, tonight, he would have the right to take everything she’d offered that night. He scolded himself. What he needed to do was concentrate on finding the miscreants who kidnapped the women instead of thinking about tonight.

He needed to locate Harold.

Ellie had told him about Harold’s arrival at the mill. If he hadn’t been certain the two had fled, he would have sent his sailors after them that moment. He didn’t want those fellows Aunt Agatha told him about coming here to collect on debts that had nothing to do with his wife or his new sisters. That must not happen again. He’d send for another runner. With two men on the job, he should have Harold within his sights in a matter of days.

He stepped out of the tub and reached for a drying rag. The sooner he had Harold, the better. If the thief was as desperate as indications led Simon to believe, the man would try anything. In fact, Simone needed to know just how many obligations the man had. That should attest to his willingness to commit any kind of crime.

Jonathan Miller had been asked to the wedding. The accountant should have some idea how to proceed. Simon would talk to him. In minutes Simon had dressed and made his way to his office. He had a great deal yet to do.

As he gained the office, he said, “Bolton, I want to see Jonathan Miller as soon as he arrives. Then bring the Reverend Mr. Sudsberry when he arrives.”

Bolton nodded and made his hesitant way toward the entrance of the house. Simon watched him go, measuring each step the old man took.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered. Bolton really should retire, but the old man seemed intent on dying in his traces.

Bolton announced Jonathan Miller’s arrival soon after Simon settled at the desk.

“Good afternoon, my Lord. I understand that you found Eleanor this morning and there is to be a wedding this afternoon,” Jonathan held out his hand in greeting.

“I’m afraid Ellie found us. And, yes, I’m to be married as soon as the vicar arrives. However, before we gather, I’ve got several things I want you to oversee.” Simon went on to explain about the fellows appearing, claiming Harold owed them money. “I also want to know how many other debts Harold has. That will tell us how desperate he is.”

“I’ll want you to engage another runner,” he added.

A brief knock on the door drew his attention.

“Come,” he called.

“My Lord.” The Reverend Mr. Sudsberry stood in the doorway.

“Yes, Mr. Sudsberry, come in.” He introduced the two men and after Jonathan left, Simon handed the vicar the special license.

“Everything appears to be in order. Your Aunt informed me the women are ready. Shall we begin?”

Simon wondered at the anticipation that filled him. He felt the same kind of thrill he’d felt that first day he’d stepped on to the deck of his first ship, with all the sails filling with air and the ship running ahead of the wind. He smiled as he followed the reverend out of the office.

His new sisters lined the side of the room. Aunt Agatha sat before them, her hands fluttering over her gown.

“Amy?” Simon asked.

“Bolton!” Agatha shouted toward the stairs.

“For what do we need Bolton?” Simon asked.

“He’s giving the bride away.”

Simon fought a chuckle at the disgust in Agatha’s voice. She didn’t approve of this at all. He glanced toward the stairs where Bolton waited.

At that moment Amy began her descent and when she reached the floor, she placed her hand on his butler’s arm. Simon’s breath caught in his throat. The ivory gown she wore gave her hair the appearance of strands of golden copper through a crown of dark red. Her emerald eyes gleamed like the waters of the deepest sea. He fought to breath. She was beautiful. Goose flesh covered his arms as he stared at the woman soon to be his wife.

She stood tall, taller than Bolton. With all the grace of a queen, she glided toward him. And he fantasized about adorning her like a royal.

Emeralds!

He’d ask Jonathan about a jeweler and commission several pieces just for her. And, he’d talk to his aunt about finding someone in London who would make her a wardrobe that would display the beauty she was.

He waited until she drew next to him. He accepted her hand from Bolton and laid it on his own sleeve.

Her fingers were as cold as ice.

He smiled trying to reassure her and turned them toward the Reverend Mr. Sudsberry.

“Dearly beloved...” Mr. Sudsberry began.

Amy stared straight ahead, paying little attention to the exhortations of Robert Sudsberry. She whispered her pledge and listened as Simon replied in a firm voice. The words swirled around her as she tried to concentrate on what she promised.

She didn’t want this. Simon could not want a marriage anymore than she did. Why was he agreeing to this farce and sounding so accepting? Then again, what would he say when she told him that it would be a marriage in name only?

Simon nudged her and whispered, “Your hand?”

Amy glanced at Robert Sudsberry and then at Simon.

“Place your hand in Simon’s, Amelia,” Robert instructed.

“Oh,” Amy said. “Oh, yes,” she lifted her left hand and laid her fingers in Simon’s waiting palm.

“Now, repeat after me,” the vicar said.

Simon echoed Robert’s words as he slipped a plain gold band on the third finger of her left hand. Amy stared at the ring as Robert continued.

Finally, the vicar cleared his throat and Amy glanced at him.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” he cleared his throat again and added, “You may kiss your bride.”

Amy gasped and realized that Simon was pulling her into his arms. No, he couldn’t be allowed to kiss her on the lips. When his scorching kisses touched her mouth, she lost all her senses. But, his head was descending, the intent clear in his eyes.

At the last minute, she turned her head. His kiss landed on her cheek. Simon grabbed her chin. His lips caressed hers and she sighed with resignation. Once again heat surged through her body, her lips tingled and a shudder raced through her limbs. Time stopped for her.

When Simon released her, she stood still, her eyes closed, praying that her heart would cease its frantic beating. She stepped back and opened her eyes. Simon was grinning at her.

Without a word, he turned her around to face the people who had witnessed their union. Agatha dashed forward, and Amy found herself enveloped in a hug.

“Oh, you made a beautiful bride,” Agatha said and sighed with satisfaction. Then she turned toward the others assembled in the room.

“Cook promised a celebratory meal, so would you all join the bride and groom in the dining room?”

Amy glanced around the room and gasped. Both Oscar Hazelton and Philip Anderson had taken their places beside her sisters and the Reverend Mr. Sudsberry had now joined Beth.
When had they been invited,
she wondered. She scowled at Agatha.
Simon’s aunt had been busy.

Amy was given no more opportunity to consider their guests as Simon led her toward the formal dining room.

He seated her to his right. The vicar offered grace and the servants began filing into the room, their hands full of Kirkley Manor’s best china. As they passed her chair they whispered their best wishes.

Amy had a hard time controlling her tears. Everyone in the room was happy, everyone but her. And this wedding brought no joy to her heart. She gazed at Simon. Even her groom looked content.

Amy stirred the food around her plate during each course. She had no appetite. Simon noticed, she was certain, but he said nothing. Probably thought it was bridal nerves. It was, but for a far different reason than he thought.

Something told her he would be furious with her announcement, but she couldn’t help it. She would not sleep with him. Theirs would be a celibate union, for that was the only way she could make certain she never conceived.

After what seemed like hours, the meal drew to a close. The women left the table and moved to the parlor where tea was served. A short time later, Simon and the men entered the room.

Simon stood at Amy’s side and thanked everyone present for celebrating the day with them. Then he turned to Amy, “I have things about which I must see.” He leaned down and whispered for her ears alone, “Aunt Agatha will help organize the move from your room to the master suite. I’ll see you later.”

Amy shuddered. She had no intention of allowing her things to be moved from her room. Of course, she also had no desire to mention her reasons for declining the master suite in front of their guests.

Amy and Caro headed for the family parlor while Beth, Dora and Ellie said goodbye to their guests. In minutes the sisters joined Amy and Caro followed by Agatha.

“I liked your wedding, but I want a bigger ceremony in a church,” Dora exclaimed.

“Well, when I marry I want a Cathedral wedding,” Ellie flounced into the room. “An organ and a choir and that long walk down the aisle. Of course Simon will be giving me away.” She looked smug.

Beth giggled. “I’ll be married by a Bishop. Mr. Sudsberry said his bishop had already said he would officiate if he married again.”

Amy glanced at the three of them. How could they laugh and joke about something as serious as marriage? Of course, none of them cared about the curse. They hadn’t seen it at work. Her sisters had all dismissed it.

But, Amy knew it could not be dismissed. Women living on Kirkley estate died trying to bear children. It wasn’t going to happen to her. And, she would have to tell Simon soon, before he had an opportunity to plant one of his earth shattering kisses on her lips.

Another thought registered, and she groaned. She didn’t want to face him in the master suite. Perhaps telling him of her intention in his office would be much better. She’d seen Bolton leading Jonathan Miller from the house so Simon was now alone. This would be the best time.

She stood and waved an eager Agatha back into her chair.

“I’m going to see Simon.”

Dora also stood. “I’m going for a walk. I ate too much,” she moaned.

“Tell one of Simon’s sailors where you are going. It’s almost dark,” Ellie offered in her motherly tone.

Dora chuckled. “Now look who’s giving advice like she was my mother. Oh, I won’t be long. Out to get a breath of fresh air, that’s all.”

“Did you make arrangements to meet Mr. Hazelton in the garden?” Caro teased.

Dora blushed. “Not at all.”

Amy smiled, “Well, don’t go any farther than the garden. Simon will not be happy if anything else happens to another one of us.”

“Nothing will happen,” Dora announced as she led the way through the door.

Amy followed and turned toward Simon’s office while Dora strode toward the staircase.