Chapter Eleven
For the second time in a matter of months, Mattie was at Stanhope Abbey for a wedding, only this time it was her own. Her parents were there, Mama helping her dress along with Charlotte and Lavinia, and Papa sitting somewhere with the other men.
Lavinia had been gracious when Mattie told her of her desire to have Charlotte stand as witness to the ceremony. “She’s a large part of the reason I’m marrying Markham.”
Lavinia had bitten back a smile. “Of course, because my introducing you so many years ago had nothing to do with it.” Then she laughed.
Lavinia had done much of the planning for the wedding, only letting Mattie speak up now and again. Mattie knew it was done out of love, so she didn’t complain. Her friend’s ideas were much better than Mattie would have chosen on her own.
When she stood in front of the full-length mirror, Mattie couldn’t believe that was her in the reflection. Her gown, pale green silk with three ruffles at the hem and a braided ribbon above them, suited her coloring, and made her feel beautiful. Lavinia had woven ribbons into her hairstyle, then added beads and tiny flowers.
She would never look as beautiful again.
When they got to the church, Markham and Thornton were waiting along with their guests. Her groom stood so proud, so incredibly handsome at the altar, she couldn’t take her eyes from his. The love radiating to her warmed her, filled her to overflowing.
She didn’t hear the words the vicar said during the ceremony, and Markham had to clear his throat to remind her to respond where she should. The words didn’t matter as much as the love she knew he offered her.
If Markham hadn’t taken her arm and turned her to face the pews, she wouldn’t have realized the service had ended.
“Come, love. Our families wish to celebrate with us.”
Of course they did, and Lady Stanhope’s breakfast banquet was as grand or more so than Lavinia and Ringley’s. But Mattie couldn’t eat. She was too full of happiness, there was no room for food.
“You must have something,” Markham argued.
“If you insist.” She took a bite of the sausage on his plate. “Oh, that’s excellent. Have someone bring me a plate, please.”
He chuckled and went to get her some food.
Charlotte sat beside her, her plate barely filled, too.
“You can’t claim it’s nerves that makes you not hungry.”
“Oh, no, it’s not. I’ll nibble during the day. It’s much more fun to watch the people. I’m not often in the company of so many dukes and duchesses.”
“Maybe we should find you one.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m clearly in no rush to marry, and there’s no one I care for above all others, like you did Markham.”
In spite of her friend’s words, Mattie noticed Charlotte watching Thornton approach their table, only to exhale when he sat at another table. A realization struck her, making her laugh. “I should warn you, Charlotte. Lord Markham and I were witnesses to Lavinia and Ringley’s wedding, and look where we are now! You and Thornton might find yourselves engaged before the summer ends.”
Charlotte laughed and blushed. She clearly had stronger feelings for Thorn than she would admit.
Markham returned, setting a plate in front of Mattie. “What’s this about an engagement?”
Mattie watched Charlotte’s eyes widen as she shook her head. Turning to her husband, Mattie said, “Of nothing. Just gossip I won’t bore you with.”
“That’s a habit I could grow to like, should you care to continue it.”
“Gossiping?”
“No.” His eyes twinkled. “Not boring me with it.”
She shoved his arm and laughed with him. The she rested her head on his shoulder. “I don’t deserve to be this happy.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You deserve every moment of it, and I make it my job to see you are always so.”
“I love you, dear man, and I intend to share my joy with you the rest of our days.”
“May they be many and long.” Markham bent to place his lips on hers, and for once, Mattie didn’t care who saw it. Let everyone spread word that she and her husband were in love for the rest of their lives.
***
I hope you enjoyed Mattie and Markham’s story. Read on for an excerpt of Betting on the Duke, which is available in the Untamed Ladies collection. The Duke of Noblegreen is losing more than a wager when he bets against Lady Madeleine Lumley and her horse. He’s in serious danger of losing his heart.