11
Back at home to prepare for the wedding, Henrietta experienced a wide range of emotions. At times she stared, unseeing, into the fireplace. And other times she was in a flurry of packing. A gown she’d never worn was the designated dress. But were the shoes right? Who really cared anyway? She longed to be with Charles again and feared something would happen to him to keep them apart—forever.
Peaches came home to Rose Hill with her occasional “pish, posh” exclamation to make Henri smile.
“Balderdash and fiddlesticks. I’m beyond ridiculous.” She sat with her Bible and opened to the verses in First Corinthians that Charles had referenced when trying to convince her to believe his love was true.
Charity suffereth long.
Charles had suffered for her and was willing to do so again if need be.
And is kind.
He’d always been kind to her even when she was exasperating.
Charity envieth not.
She envied Charles the freedom to serve as he wished, unencumbered by the societal strictures she faced. She could learn much from him.
Charity vaunteth not itself, it is not puffed up.
The man had abandoned his title and never used it to impress her. His character was impressive enough. Why had she ever doubted him?
Doth not behave itself unseemly.
Even when faced with danger he’d refused to do anything that could upset her. Now he knew her better. She suspected if that first ruffian were to choke him again she’d be a witness to the power of the man she loved. She’d seen it a few days ago when a gun was pointed at his head.
Seeketh not her own.
What did Charles ever seek for himself? He served his country and other than requesting a kiss believing he might die, he’d been willing to do anything to see her happy and safe. She blinked back tears at her own selfishness.
Is not easily provoked.
Was there ever a man calmer in a crisis than Charles? She was the one who always seemed to be ready for a battle. Usually of wits, but still. Why did she always need to fight? To prove herself superior? A serious defect of character, indeed, by her own standards.
Thinketh no evil.
Charles saw only the good in her. She was ready to think ill of everyone. She wiped away a tear.
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.
This was the part Charles used to try to convince her he loved her and his love was true. She believed him now.
Beareth all things.
She was not fit to be any man’s wife. Would Charles be able to bear with her? He was her equal in many ways but she was quickly realizing she was the one who needed a change of heart and character.
Believeth all things.
He held a great hope for the work the two of them could accomplish together. She lacked his certainty of faith. Was his big enough for the both of them?
Hopeth all things.
Hope was a powerful thing and she had many. She hoped her love would be big enough for whatever was in front of them. She hoped they would have a long and blessed life together. She hoped…for children. She had hoped for love and God answered.
Endureth all things.
Attacks and almost dying and then fighting to win her heart. Charles had endured. She was weak.
Charity never faileth.
When set against that standard who could ever stand? Charles hadn’t failed her thus far.
She knew these areas were more an example of the purest love of Christ, and it humbled her even more to realize that Charles emulated their Lord to such a degree. Perhaps he could help her grow in those areas too. She didn’t want to be an uncomfortable wife or for him to ever regret making promises to her.
She knelt in her room, letting her Bible slide to the floor, and prayed for God’s grace and peace as she prepared to take the biggest step of her life. Marriage to a man who surpassed all others and who held her heart.
~*~
Charles tucked the Special License in his pocket. He’d sent his valet ahead to Rose Hill the day before. Now he started his own journey west. Tomorrow he would be a married man. The thought amazed him, and the image of Henrietta rose in his mind to make him smile and urge his horse into a faster gait.
They would spend a few days at his estate before heading to the coast and to France. Sir Michael promised to arrange passage across the channel but stated it would not be the most comfortable journey. By staying away from major ports they hoped to avoid any of the Black Diamond’s minions. Hopefully, with Henrietta as his wife, their enemy would abandon his pursuit of her.
But the Black Diamond was crafty. The devil personified. Charles suspected he would not take his loss well. Perhaps Henrietta would be safe, but himself? He’d put himself in harm’s way, and while fear rose up to mock him for his foolishness at marrying a woman to save her, his love rose up to defend himself. Love was worth the risk and sacrifice. If all he had were those few nights of bliss and days of verbal sparring with Henrietta, it was enough. She would be protected. He prayed that somehow God would grant them far more than that.
Just east of Didcot he spied another theft in progress. He pulled his weapon and urged his horse into a gallop. The miscreant saw him coming and aimed at him. Before Charles could pull the trigger, the driver, who was behind the thief, pulled his gun and blew the man’s head off.
A scream emanated from within the carriage.
Charles searched for any accomplices and managed to catch the panicked horse. He leapt from his saddle to the road to check on the occupants of the carriage.
“Are you unharmed?”
Two older women inside were shaking with fear.
“Your driver effectively dispatched the criminal. You are safe to go on your way.”
“Thank you,” one of them sniveled.
He shut the door and proceeded to haul the dead man’s body over the horse’s saddle to take to town. One more obstacle on his journey.
He arrived at Rose Hill late, covered in dust.
Lord Remington met him at the front door.
Charles looked around. “What a lovely home you have, Marcus.”
“I’m glad you made it. Henrietta has been beside herself in her eagerness to see you. I’m not sure what you said to keep her in such happy anticipation of your nuptials tomorrow, but I’m grateful.”
“God has favored me. I’m here but exhausted. Have you eaten yet?”
“Yes, we have. I’ll send a bath up for you and a meal. You may see Henrietta in the chapel in the morning. All has been made ready.”
Charles grinned. “Wonderful. You’ll let her know I’ve arrived?”
Marcus nodded. “I’m surprised she hasn’t flown down the stairs already.”
The stunning vision of his bride-to-be appeared from a doorway. “Flying down the stairs? Marcus, I’m shocked you would think of me as such a habble-scrabble girl as to do something like that.”
“Habble-scrabble adequately describes your younger years, dear Henri.” Marcus left to give instructions.
Henrietta came to stand before Charles. “You made it.”
“But of course. Did you doubt it?”
She shook her head. “No, but fear crept in. We have an enemy.”
“We have several, but God is more powerful.”
Her smile lifted his travel-weary spirits. “You must be exhausted. Let me take you to your room. Your valet arrived yesterday and has made everything ready for you.”
“Marcus is ordering a bath and food to be sent.”
“My brother is a good man. I feared I would never find one his equal or better.”
They had arrived at the top of the stairs.
“And have you?”
“I believe so. There is so much I long to share with you, but our time is short.”
“We will have a lifetime to share those thoughts and tomorrow, after you have become Lady Percy, I will be making time to listen to them all.”
“I hope you plan to do more than listen.”
His eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve greatly enjoyed our verbal sparring, and I hope that never ceases.”
Charles let a grin grow wide. “I doubt you would ever be able to stop, and it is one of the things I adore about you.”
“You do?”
“But of course. Why?” he asked.
“I’ve come to realize that I’m not your equal in character, and I have much to learn.”
“I don’t understand.” He held her hand in his. “You are a woman of exceptional worth. I admire you greatly.”
“But you are…” She sighed. “I cannot explain it well, but I’ve come to realize the wonderful gift God has given me in you. If any man could exemplify the love of Christ, it is you.”
Charles blinked several times as she gazed at him with eyes the color of dark chocolate.
“I’m honored that you think so highly of me, but I am human. I’ve blundered more than I like on my journey to win your heart. A destination I hadn’t even planned. God knew what we both needed more than we did ourselves.”
“And I have been thanking Him often for that.” She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Rest well, Charles, and I will see you in the morning. I love you.” She stepped back.
He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. “And I love you as well, dearest Henrietta.” He let her go and with great effort stepped into his room and shut the door. He leaned his forehead against the wood. Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would have no need to shut her out of his room. The thought made him smile, eager for this night to pass so his new life as a married man could begin.
His valet strode into the room. “Your bath is almost ready, m’lord.”
“Thank you, Jenkins.” Charles began to untie his cravat and the valet assisted him in removing his coat and boots.
Soon his body was clean, his stomach was satisfied, and he climbed into bed. His last night alone. He fell asleep with a smile as he thought about the future with his beautiful wife by his side.
~*~
The next morning, Henrietta had eaten and was dressed and ready.
Lady Grey had explained the wonders of the marriage bed to her. The new bride wasn’t as afraid of what might happen given some of what Lady Grey shared. It seemed that those kisses could be a precursor to more wonders in store. She could hardly wait. Lord Charles Percy was after all, a handsome man, and his kisses were quite delightful.
Soon Marcus was before her to escort her to the chapel where her groom awaited.
“I wish Jared were here,” she whispered.
“Perhaps you’ll see him when you go to France. I’ve written him to inform him of the happy news and your destination.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you, Marcus. You are the best big brother a girl could ever have.”
“You say that now that I have no authority over you.” He grinned. “I love you too, Henri. Father and Mother would be proud of the young woman you’ve become and your choice of life mate.”
“I’d like to think so. Lady Grey said something similar as she helped me prepare.”
“We are blessed to have her.”
“Yes.”
They arrived at the door of the chapel. Henri toyed with her skirt, a pale green with lace overlay that was comfortable and elegant all at once. Daisies made up the bouquet she held in her hand.
She walked down the aisle with her brother and was handed off to Charles who looked dashing in his suit. The ceremony went on forever with words from the vicar’s prayer book as well as psalms being read. All she could do was wait for it to be over. Her feet ached from standing so long. Once all had been done and vows spoken they were presented as husband and wife. Charles led her down the aisle and soon everyone followed.
They headed to the house and all Henri could long for was his kiss. They were wed. The waiting was driving her mad. As they passed a room she dragged her husband inside and locked the door behind them.
“What…?” Charles asked.
“I can’t wait any longer. You promised.” She put her arm up to draw his face towards hers, and their lips met in a delightful dance.
Charles held her close, averting his face. He breathed heavily. “You don’t understand what you do to me.”
She gave a sly grin. “I have some idea.”
“An eager bride.” He grinned. “We owe it to your brother and aunt to dine with them. Then we will take leave for my estate, and all the kisses you want.”
“Oh, but I want so much more…”
Charles shook his head. “We’ll dine first.”
Henri pouted and then grinned as well. “All right. We eat and leave. As soon as possible.” She unlocked the door and dragged him to the wedding breakfast which lasted far too long for her.
~*~
Charles helped his wife into his coach. Wife. He savored the word. Miss Allendale had become The Right Honourable Lady Percy. Sharing the carriage with them was her pet parrot, Peaches. As Charles sat next to his bride, the bird in the cage on the seat across from them squawked, “Pish, posh!”
“I may need to have my butler or housekeeper work with the bird to learn some new phrases while we are away.”
“We can’t take her with us?”
“Sorry, but our crossing will be far less comfortable than you’re used to.”
“I thought the Black Diamond wouldn’t want me anymore now that I’m wed.”
“We can’t be certain of that, so we will sneak out of the country.”
Her face fell into a frown.
With a finger he brought her face to face with himself. “Listen, sweetheart, whether he was after you or not, the reality is, I love you, and our marriage would have hopefully happened in time. So what if it was hastened? I hope to prove to you that it was well worth it to place your heart, your life, and your future in me.”
“That’s not true. I placed all of those in God, and He led me to you. Now, you said you delighted in the truth?”
“Yes…”
“Well, so do I, and the truth is, I delight in your kisses and cannot think of a better way to pass our time.” She leaned forward, and he wrapped his arms around her.
In action instead of words, he gave further affirmation of her plan.