The Lady and the Earl (Seabrook Family Saga) (16 page)

“I don’t understand.” Amelia truly didn’t. “If you are not here to stop
the wedding then why were Wentworth and William fighting?”

Emma glared at her husband. “I do not know why they were fighting,
although I have my suspicions. Amelia darling, do you have a handkerchief for
your brother’s mouth? We don’t want him to bleed all over the floor. I’m quite
certain the innkeeper’s wife has more pressing things to do than mop up your brother’s
blood.”

Swallowing her laughter along with her tears, Amelia entered her room
and rummaged around inside her bag for a handkerchief. She hurried back out
into the hall and handed it to Emma, who proceeded to gently dab her husband’s
lip.

“Ouch,” Wentworth said as he took the cloth from Emma and held it
himself.

“Anyway,” Emma said as she stood by her husband’s side and linked her
hand with his, “we are here to support you in your marriage choice and to
escort you safely to Gretna Green for the ceremony. Wentworth decided he did
not want the
ton
to think he did not approve of this union.”

William stepped forward, and Amelia cringed at his swollen, bloody lip
and the beginnings of a black eye. “But how did you know we planned to elope?”

“Because of me,” Emma said. “I had an inkling, and Bella spilled all
when I interrogated her.”

“So much for Bella keeping our secret,” Amelia said with a smile of
surprise and forgiveness.

“We were but an hour behind you,” Wentworth chimed in. “I had a quick
conversation with Myles, and he told me all about this place and several more
on the road. Thank goodness I have devious friends, although how Myles knows
about this place is a mystery.”

“So let me understand,” William said, leaning against the hallway wall
as if he needed support, which he must after fighting with her brother. “You
are not here to take Amelia back home? You’re allowing her to marry me?”

“Shocking, I know,” Wentworth said. “But regardless of what you think,
Bridgeton, I am not cruel and heartless.”

“Wentworth,” Emma warned.

“Indeed,” Wentworth continued, “Emma made me see the error of my ways.
You have my wholehearted permission to marry my sister.”

***

William could not believe his ears when Wentworth gave consent for
Amelia and him to marry. Never did he expect to hear those words. “Thank you.
You will not regret your decision.”

“I’d better not,” Wentworth said as he dabbed his lip. “Damn, you have
a powerful right punch.”

“Years spent sparring with my valet. If you think I have a powerful
punch, you should feel the power of his.” William smiled, and just like that,
his muscles loosened one by one. For the first time he believed him and
Wentworth could become friends in the near future.

“What did I miss?” Sebastian asked as he and Lady Bella strolled down
the hallway toward them.

“Your brother tried to take my head off,” William said.

“I know how that feels,” Sebastian laughed. “In the past we’ve had a
row or two.”

The duke and duchess looked at each other, and the duchess blushed a
deep pink.

Then William had an idea. “Wentworth, may I please have a private word
with Lady Amelia?”

Wentworth took his time giving his consent, and for a moment William
feared he would refuse.

***

Once both he and Amelia were sitting in upholstered chairs, in front of
the warmth from the fireplace in the private downstairs dining room, William
spoke. “Since your brother has given his approval for our marriage, would you
mind if we turned around and said our vows in the chapel at my estate in Dover
so your mother and my family can attend?”

Amelia looked at William with a wide smile and eyes alight with
excitement. And he knew he’d made the right decision. “Oh, William, I would
love that. But may I ask a favor?”

“Anything, my love.”

***

Amelia did not know how William would receive her request. But it meant
so much to her. “Do you mind if we marry in the chapel at Stony Cross Manor? It
is where Emma and Wentworth married, and…” She paused for courage. “It would
make me happy to marry there.”

“Very well,” William stood up and held out his hand, “Come, let us
share this with your family.” He glanced at the open doorway. “That is, if they
were not already listening.”

Amelia placed her hand in the warm confines of William’s as he helped
her to her feet. They joined her family who waited for them in the public
dining hall. “I think you should tell them,” Amelia said softly.

“Lady Amelia and I hope you will not be disappointed, but we wish to
turn around and marry at Stony Cross Manor.” William nodded to Wentworth. “That
is, with your permission, Your Grace.”

“You have my permission.” Wentworth glanced at Emma, then back to them.
“We had hoped you would say that and have already sent word to Mother and to
your family. I also sent word to the Archbishop of Canterbury begging for a special
license. I do not think there will be a problem.”

Amelia’s legs almost gave way at the relief she felt. She was to wed
the man she loved, in her family’s chapel, with their families’ blessings. The
day could not come soon enough for her.

***

Once the ladies
had retired to their rooms, Wentworth, Sebastian and William sat downstairs in
the private dining room in front of the roaring stone fireplace. William’s mind
was still trying to grasp all that had transpired that evening. He had a hard
time believing he was going to marry the woman he loved. He never thought he
would be welcome in any family, never mind the Seabrook family. Yet here he
sat, brandy in hand, discussing things as mundane as the weather with his
future brother-in-laws. His muscles were lose, his heart light and his mind
free from worry. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this relaxed and
content.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

On the morning of her wedding to William Amelia had not only her maid
Gretchen but also Bella, Emma, and her mother fussing over her. Thank God her
mother had brought Amelia’s favorite pale yellow silk evening gown from London
for her to wear. With her mother’s pearl necklace and earnings, even Amelia had
to admit she looked beautiful. Against her mother’s wishes, her dark hair hung
loose, curly and cascading down her back. The contrast between her light
clothing and dark hair was stunning. At least Amelia thought so.

They were exchanging vows at eleven and then celebrating with the
traditional wedding breakfast. Amelia did not think she would be able to eat
with her stomach jumping around in excitement––she had to admit to a case of
the nerves. She might not be pure, but she was worried about her wedding night
nonetheless. Suddenly her lungs lacked air. “Could someone please open a
window?” she whispered.

She stumbled over to the open window and took several deep breaths,
hoping the cool morning air would settle her nerves.

“Amelia,” Emma said as she rubbed her back. “I felt the same way the
day I married your brother. I remember switching back and forth between
excitement and panic.” Emma continued to rub her back, which had a calming
effect. “Bridgeton loves you. Anyone can see that. You have nothing to worry
about.”

“Yes,” Bella chimed in, coming up on the other side of her. “The way he
looks at you…” Bella sighed. “I would give anything to see that look on a man’s
face.”

Emma burst out laughing, which had Amelia and Bella laughing as well.
“I have seen many a gentleman look at you that way, Bella,” Emma said. “It is
only a matter of time before we are here in this exact spot preparing for your
wedding day.”

“I certainly hope so,” Bella said. “And it better be soon––before
Society considers me on the shelf.”

“You…on the shelf? That will never happen,” Amelia said as she turned
back from the open window, placing a hand on her now calm stomach. “Thank you.
I think I’m ready to go now. Before we do, Gretchen, could you see if Olivia is
ready?”

Amelia stood in front of the cheval mirror one last time and ran her
hands through her hair. “It is getting late. Can we please leave so Bridgeton
doesn’t think I have left him at the altar?”

***

“I’ve never seen you so nervous before,” Spencer said to William as
they entered the carriage that would take them to Stony Cross Manor.

“Indeed. I’ve never been before. What if she changes her mind? What if
she comes to her senses and realizes I am too old or she cannot deal with my
scandalous past?” If she did, William did not think he would ever leave his
study again.

“She loves you,” his cousins Mary and Elizabeth said at once.

 “My dear boy, you have been given a second chance at happiness.
Take it and stop worrying,” William’s grandmother admonished.

“Does anyone else have anything to say?” William asked as he eyed the
occupants of the crowded carriage. “Aunt Sarah, you have not said anything.”

“William, dear…” His aunt reached across the seat and patted his hand.
“This is your wedding day. Relax and enjoy yourself. I only saw you and Lady
Amelia together once, but even I could see she loves you.”

As the carriage pulled up to the front of the Seabrook family’s small
stone chapel, calmness descended over William. Wentworth and Sebastian greeted
them and led them inside the chapel, which was decorated with white candles and
numerous bouquets of white roses.

William took his place at the front by the altar with Spencer and the
vicar. The calmness he had felt moments ago was replaced with his pounding
heart and sweat beading upon his brow. His slid his hand into his jacket pocket
but found it empty.

“Spencer, I seem to have misplaced my handkerchief,” he whispered. “Do
you have one?”

Spencer handed him a perfectly creased white handkerchief that William
used to wipe his brow. “Thank you. Do you mind if I keep this?”

William did not hear Spencer’s answer. At that precise moment, Amelia
entered the chapel and William’s heart stopped. Amelia, a vision in pale yellow,
walked down the center aisle toward him, she never took her eyes off his and
his never left hers.

“You look beautiful,” William said as they joined hands in front of the
vicar and all of their family. During the short ceremony all William could do
was grip Amelia’s hands to keep his from shaking and to keep himself from
thinking he was dreaming the whole thing. When it was time to put a ring on
Amelia’s finger, his trembling fingers placed a diamond and emerald ring there.

“William,” she whispered with tears in her eyes, “it is lovely.”

“It belonged to my mother.”

“Thank you.”

***

Amelia’s eyes went from the ring on her finger up to William’s face. So
intent was the pull of both she never heard the vicar pronounce them man and
wife.

When Amelia had first entered the chapel and her eyes settled on
William her steps had faltered. He had never looked so handsome dressed in his
black formal wear. And now, surrounded by their family members, Amelia realized
how blessed they were. And to have her daughter present, while she and William
said their vows, made it even more special

Sitting through the wedding breakfast, Amelia felt her body tingle every
time William sent her a sensual, longing look. She knew what that look meant
and what was to come, and her body hummed with anticipation. Which made her
wonder if it would be considered bad manners if they were to leave their guests
during the meal. Undoubtedly it would be. She pushed her food around her plate,
sipped champagne, and waited for the real celebration to begin––the one where
William made her his wife in every way.

“My dear,” William said as he stood behind Amelia’s chair, “I believe
it is time for us to depart.”

Finally.
That was all Amelia could think. They said their
farewells and traveled the short distance to William’s country estate in his
phaeton. The fresh air invigorated her and made her all too aware of her
husband sitting close beside her. Several minutes later she found herself
scooped up into William’s arms and carried up the curved staircase to the
master chambers.

“I apologize that I have not redecorated since my brother and his wife
occupied these rooms.” He bowed. “I’ll leave you to prepare yourself.”

Amelia watched William leave through an adjoining door that she
presumed led to his bedchamber. She smiled as her eyes scanned her new bedroom.
The previous countess had beautiful taste. The wood floors were covered with a
lovely thick cream Oriental rug, with subtle splashes of pink and light blue
flowers intricately woven here and there. On the large sleigh bed sat a soft
blue silk coverlet. Numerous pillows made it inviting. A pink chaise sat in
front of the blazing fireplace. Amelia didn’t think she had ever seen a warmer,
more inviting room.

Gretchen, her maid, knocked and entered her chambers. “My lady,
marriage suits you. You look radiant.”

“Thank you,” Amelia said as her heartbeat sped up in anticipation of
what would come next in this fairy-tale day.

When William knocked on the door a short time later Amelia stood ready
in a long white chemise and dressing gown which did little to hide her figure
beneath the gossamer silk fabric.

“You look…beautiful,” William said as he entered the room wearing a
thick navy robe.

“Thank you,” Amelia said as she studied her husband. She wondered what
he wore beneath his robe. Heat scorched her cheeks.

“Blushing becomes you, my dear,” William said as he held out his hand,
which shook ever so slightly, she noticed. “Shall we?”

William led Amelia into his bedchamber. She would have to admire the
decorating style another time as her heart soared, her body trembled, and her
mind spun. She kept expecting to wake up and find this whole day a dream.
Please,
God, let it be real.

“I have brought you into my room in hopes you will share it with me. I
do not wish us to sleep in separate beds, ever,” William said, his eyes dark
and serious.

Nothing he could have said would have pleased Amelia more. As they
stood face to face she realized for the first time how much he towered over
her. His large hands combed through her long hair, sending intoxicating shivers
up her spine. “William?”

“Yes?” William answered as his hands left her hair and began undoing
her robe. It quickly pooled around their feet. She felt one hand gently
caressing her back, the other tilting up her chin. “You are beautiful, Amelia.
So beautiful and I…thank you for becoming my Countess,” he said right before
his lips made contact with hers. He kissed her hesitantly at first and then
deepened the kiss. She heard him groan. Or was that her? William pulled her
tightly against his hard body, and Amelia held on as her knees weakened. He
tasted familiar and good, and she didn’t think she would ever tire of his
kisses.

Warm lips left her mouth and kissed a path down her neck, making her
shiver. “William,” she heard herself say.

“I need to explore,” he murmured. “Need to taste every inch of your
silky skin.” 

Amelia removed her hands from William’s shoulders and untied the belt
at his waist and let his robe fall from his broad shoulders to join her
clothing on the floor. She gasped at the magnificent sight of William, naked
and aroused.

“You are beautiful, too,” she whispered.

Deep laughter surrounded them. “Me, beautiful?” He kissed her cheek,
then lifted her up into his arms and gently placed her on his large four-poster
bed. His body came down upon hers. Instantly she wrapped her arms and legs
around him. William groaned. “If you keep this up, it will be over before it
even starts. I wish to savor this. Our first time together. Make it memorable
in even more ways.”

This time Amelia laughed. It was replaced by a gasp when William’s
tongue suckled one of her nipples. Warm moisture pooled between her thighs as
she tingled all over. “William, what are you—”

She gasped as his hot mouth traveled down her belly and found her
womanhood. “Oh. Oh, my.” One part of her screamed in protest at such an
intimate act, while the other part reveled in it and never wanted it to end.

***

“Amelia,” William breathed out as he thrust his tongue into her soft
warm body, tasting her juices. Her taste intoxicated him. His mind spun and his
body trembled. He could feel her body quivering, too. She was close, so close.
He wanted to continue tasting her, but he also wanted to be inside her when she
climaxed. William slid up her delectable body.

“Amelia,” he cried out as he thrust deep inside her with one push until
she gasped. His muscles froze in place. “Did I hurt you?”

Though his wife was no virgin, had he hurt her?

“Did I hurt you?” William repeated as his heart pounded inside his
chest.

“No,” she replied, panting softly. “Just surprised me, that is all.”

William still did not move. Then slowly his wife’s body became soft and
pliant beneath him. She stroked his back with her hands, causing his nerve
endings to scream out. Her legs wrapped around him and her body arched up into
his, taking him deeper inside her.

“Amelia,” he moaned as his hips began moving with hers––faster, harder,
deeper. Her insides convulsed, gripping his cock, over and over until at last
he fell over the precipice with her.

As his senses returned, and their breathing slowed, William rolled off
Amelia and pulled her tightly against his chest. The same chest that held his
heart, which now belonged to his wife.

“I love you.”

Amelia’s hand played with his chest hair. “I love you too.”

Right then and there William knew he was finally complete. And for the
first time, in twelve years, William slept soundly.

Amelia’s breath paused in her lungs at the sight of William sleeping.
Never had she seen his features relaxed in such a way. Had he ever relaxed
before? She doubted it. Not for a longtime anyway. But tonight the worry lines
around his eyes were soft and barely visible. Same went for the deep crease
between his brows. His full lips were turned up into a half-smile. His
breathing was deep and even. A calm contentment and joy filled her heart. The
path that took them both to this place was filled with pain, tragedy and death.

She believed fate brought them together that first day by the stream.

She believed in her heart they were meant to be together.

They were meant to heal each other.

They were meant to raise Olivia together.

As Amelia’s eyelids fluttered closed for the last time before
succumbing to the pull of sleep, she whispered, “I love you.”  

***

Amelia found it easy to fall into the wonderful routine of spending
nights wrapped up in her husband’s loving arms. Days were spent mothering
Olivia and listening for William’s voice as he worked in his study. Once they
took a picnic lunch up to the white cliffs and watched ships travel into and
out of the Port of Dover. Each day brought new adventures and feelings. Not a
day went by that she didn’t thank God for her new and wonderful life.

One afternoon, while Olivia napped and William sat locked up in his
study with his estate ledgers, she visited the stream where she’d first met her
husband. As a family, the three of them spent many leisurely afternoons on the
banks of that stream.

 Today Amelia found the solitude refreshing, giving her time to
reflect on her good fortune. She laid back on the soft grass, her bonnet on the
ground beside her. When the sun poked through the puffy clouds it warmed her
face. It wasn’t long before every muscle in her body relaxed. Her heart slowed
and she drifted into sleep. Dreams flittered in and out of her mind. Dreams of
Captain Rycroft, William, and Olivia filled her with joy as she slept.