CHAPTER 23
Ryan could not have told you what flowers decorated the drawing room that day. Nor what jokes his brothers pulled on one another, and decidedly there were more than a few.
He knew that the crème de la crème of society had attended their wedding, but aside from getting a sharp knock on the ankle from Lady Genevieve, he couldn’t have named a soul on the guest list.
It was interesting that Lady Gen had played fast and loose with her cane at that particular moment, but perhaps she had wanted to impart some advice to the young groom.
Ryan was feeling more than a bit anxious. He had been informed that his bride was present and in the process of preparing for the ceremony. However, some things were taking a bit longer than anticipated.
Lady Gen chose that moment to make her strike.
Ryan, being a man of size and strength, knew that crying out would be considered unmanly, but damn if he didn’t want to.
“Oh, pardon me, dear, did I catch you there?” Lady Gen’s clear blue eyes peered up into his.
Ryan could have sworn she was laughing at him. Surely a woman of her age and station wouldn’t run around striking people for fun?
“Not to worry,” he did his best to keep the pain out of his tone. What Ryan wanted to do, was howl like a baby.
A smile cracked her weathered cheeks, “I am very fond of Lady Lillian, Mr. Stanford.”
Ryan couldn’t believe this, wasn’t someone supposed to watch the elderly? Were they allowed to wander freely about during weddings?
“I am overly fond of her as well, Lady Genevieve,” he replied.
Her smile widened, “Yes, I would suppose that you are, that is why you are marrying the child. I just want to wish you well, Mr. Stanford, please care for her, be patient and loving, and let her be your greatest asset.”
Ryan blinked, he hadn’t expected such a speech from the old woman. “I will, Lady Genevieve, I swear it.”
“Then all will be well,” she reached over and patted his coat sleeve.
And then a hush fell over the crowd, and Ryan knew that Lilly was there. The priest said some words, but Ryan hadn’t the foggiest notion of what because he couldn’t stop staring at her.
She was beautiful.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Lilly breathed.
“I might have to hit him after all,” Phillip clenched his teeth.
“Hush!” Lilly admonished, batting at her brother, “You already gave me away!”
“I can take you back!” Phillip argued. He hated the swooning puppy dog look that Ryan couldn’t shake. His brothers looked to be in wide grins.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life. I can’t take my eyes off you,” Ryan breathed softly.
The priest rolled his eyes.
Lilly sighed in delight.
“Ohhh,” half the female audience melted.
Phillip thought he might vomit.
Somehow, they managed to make it through the ceremony without losing anyone. Some said it was the most romantic wedding they had ever attended.
Others went on and on about the flowers and the decorations which were the best that money could buy.
The French spirits had to be a fortune, and rumors of the Duke’s largesse started to circulate once again. A single handsome Duke was always a good topic of conversation. But a single handsome Duke with eligible brothers, well, that was like Christmas and May Day all rolled up into one.
It was most certainly a love match, which could not be refuted, and that topic was discussed in every household.
What lingered in mind, however, was an indelicate topic that one really shouldn’t discuss, but it had made a rather firm imprint.
When the priest had given Ryan permission to kiss his bride, he did not go for a gentle butterfly brush. Nor did he lean down and politely plant a kiss on her firmly pursed lips.
Our hero cupped Lilly’s face, tilting her head back until her jaw dropped. He then placed his mouth over hers, sinking into the kiss. It was hot and carnal, something that Cece wholeheartedly approved of.
Phillip had to be escorted out by his wife. It was that or ruin his sister’s wedding.
The Dowager Marchioness slid sideways in a mock faint, that is until Juliana said out of the side of her mouth, “I have seen you do far worse with Joseph in the conservatory.”
Her mother’s recovery was astounding. She bounced back with surprising speed.
All the while Ryan continued his assault on Lilly’s mouth. And then when the Priest had cleared his throat for what must have been the twentieth time. Ryan scooped her up into his arms.
“Where are we going?” Lilly gasped.
“Away from here,” he grinned at her.
“But the party?” she looked around.
“Do you wish to stay?” Ryan asked her.
She shook her head and so, without so much as a word to anyone else, they fled.
The Duke looked at his brother in outrage, “You cannot just leave! Ryan! You have responsibilities!”
Juliana turned to the Duke, “Your Grace, it is their wedding, they can do as they wish.”
“It is not done!” Oliver insisted.
Juliana smiled, “Perhaps it ought to be.”
Lilly turned back to her sister, “Don’t miss this time! I love you, Jules!”
Tossing the flowers, she laughed as Juliana caught them.
Juliana waved them in return, “I love you, too! Be happy, Lilly!”