Chapter 27
Marcus dressed in the wedding finery Jessimond had sewn for him, first putting on the new gypon and cotehardie and then topping them off with a formal houppelande. She’d heavily embroidered the high neck of this rust-colored outer garment, which struck the floor. It had full, flaring sleeves and hung in large folds that Jessimond had lined with fur. Marcus had never possessed such fine garb and thought his outfit a work of art.
He combed his dark hair and calmed the nerves skittering through him. They weren’t doubts regarding his upcoming marriage, but rather his wish to please and impress the hordes of de Montforts and their many relatives, who had descended upon Kinwick over the past week. Just when he thought he had remembered the right names and titles and could associate them with the correct individuals, someone new would arrive and confuse him all over again. Still, he’d enjoyed getting to know Jess’ large, extended family and couldn’t wait to add to their own.
Little Margaret already had him dancing to her tune. At three months, she was beginning to smile often and blow bubbles, which entertained her—and him—to no end. Marcus already thought her the most clever child in the world. He and Jessimond had discussed how they wanted to add to their brood. That would start after their wedding feast ended.
Mayhap even before.
Since he’d arrived at Kinwick two weeks ago, Marcus had refrained from touching Jess beyond holding her hand and stealing a few heated kisses. He’d spent countless nights over the past year recalling every curve of her lush body. His fingers ached to skim that satin skin once again.
Tonight, his longings would become reality.
Exiting the bedchamber, he found three very imposing men awaiting him in the corridor. Jessimond’s three brothers all were tall and broad-shouldered. Ancel, Earl of Mauntell, was the eldest male. Hal, captain of Kinwick’s guard, was the middle son. Edward, Baron of Shallowheart, was the youngest and closest male to Jessimond in age.
“Father would like a word with you,” Ancel said. His tone let Marcus know this was more an order than a request.
He followed the three men downstairs, remembering that a bevy of women had taken over the solar to help prepare Jessimond for the nuptial mass. They led him into the great hall, where he saw Geoffrey de Montfort standing near the fire. With him, he recognized Nan’s husband, Tristan, Earl of Leventhorpe, and Alys’ husband, Kit, Baron of Brentley. Marcus realized this group composed all of the husbands that were de Montforts or had married one.
“Welcome, Marcus,” Geoffrey greeted him as the four men joined the ranks of those standing with him. The earl handed Marcus a wine goblet and then passed one to each nobleman gathered in their circle.
“We’ve brought you here to toast you and Jessimond,” Geoffrey continued.
“And to recognize the remarkable women in this family,” Kit said. He gestured to Tristan. “Both Tristan and I feel blessed to have married into such a strong, loving family.”
“One of very strong-willed women,” Tristan added, and they all chuckled.
“We are fortunate that the women we’ve brought into the de Montfort family have also been resolute,” Ancel said.
“Yet, they are tenderhearted and faithful, as well,” Edward said.
“And every man standing here, be they de Montforts by blood or through marriage, have learned that love is the key to everything,” Hal said. “We are richer men for allowing the love in our hearts to guide us, no matter what we do or where we go.”
Geoffrey raised his pewter cup. “Here’s to Jessimond and Marcus—and to every couple represented here, man and woman alike—especially my dearest Merryn, the woman who has believed in me and showered me with love for decades. May we continue to live long and love well with our wives ever by our sides and forever in our hearts.
“To love!” Geoffrey declared.
“To love!” every man echoed.
Marcus swallowed the sweet, rich wine, enjoying the warmth it brought. He lowered the cup and said, “My family was not a loving one and I had been taught from an early age to beware of love. I am beyond grateful that Jessimond came into my life and opened my eyes to the truth. I know now that a life filled with love is an abundant one. Loving Jess has fulfilled me in ways I never knew existed. From now on, all de Harte sons and daughters will be raised in love and know how powerful a force it can be.
“To love!” Marcus proclaimed again and his new brothers-in-arms cheered.
*
Jessimond nursed Margaret while Nan sat beside her with her seven-month-old babe, doing the same. Alys and her cousin, Avelyn, continued intricately braiding Jessimond’s hair in preparation for the upcoming nuptial mass.
“If you’d like, you can feed Margaret after the feast and then let Tristan and me keep her overnight. I know you and Marcus would enjoy time alone after spending the last few days with so many relatives. If she gets hungry during the night, I will nurse her.”
Jessimond gave her sister a grateful smile. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Nan. So will Marcus.”
She had tried not to think of Marcus during the year they were apart. Many days, she had worked until the brink of exhaustion, hoping her sleep would be dreamless. Yet, even after giving birth to Marcus’ child and knowing he was wed to another woman, Jessimond had daydreamed about her lover’s touch. She eagerly awaited tonight, the first in which they would sleep side by side as man and wife.
Chuckling, she thought, mayhap, not much sleep would occur.
Margaret finished feeding and Jessimond burped the babe before handing her to Agatha. She knew from her friend that Marcus had once more extended his offer for Peter and Agatha to come live at Hartefield, with Peter serving either as a soldier or blacksmith. The couple was still considering what they would do. Selfishly, Jessimond hoped they would choose Harte Castle so their first babes could grow up together, playing as she and Peter had so long ago.
Knowing it was time to dress, she stood as Elinor and Rosalyne brought the layers of clothing she’d sewn and helped her into them. She’d chosen to wear shades of blue interspersed with gold. As she smoothed the folds of the rich silk, Elysande handed her a mirror to admire herself. The image reflected spoke of a woman deeply in love. One eager to start the rest of her life with the man she loved by her side.
Beatrice bent and pinned Jessimond’s amethyst brooch to her breast as a finishing touch and then suggested, “Let’s give Jessimond a few moments alone to reflect.” Beatrice herded the group of women from the solar.
Only her mother remained behind. As Jessimond went to her, they clasped hands. Merryn’s eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“The happiest day of my life was when Geoffrey returned to me after being gone for so many years,” Merryn began. “The second happiest was when he and Nan brought you home to us. You were the sweetest of all of my babes.” She paused. “And today is the third happiest day I have experienced, for the last of my children will unite in marriage with the man she loves.”
Merryn kissed both her cheeks. Jessimond repeated the gesture.
“I can’t thank you and Father enough for taking me in,” she began. “You changed the course of my life. You raised me as one of your own, with no difference between me and my siblings. You and Father are good people, Mother. The absolute best. I am proud of you and all my brothers and sisters. I was raised in love. I will continue to live in love and hope I can be half the mother you are to my own children.”
They embraced as a quick knock sounded. Geoffrey de Montfort entered the solar. He held her to him for a long moment.
“The last of our children to leave the nest,” he said. “You have added great riches to our lives, Jessimond. I thank the Virgin and Christ Almighty for bringing Marcus back to you—and Margaret.” He pressed a kiss upon her brow. “You look so very beautiful, Daughter. Are you ready?”
“I am, Father.”
The trio left the solar and headed to Kinwick’s chapel. Flowers had been strewn along the path and a band of musicians played as they made their way to the entrance, where Marcus and the priest stood awaiting them. She spied Uncle Gregory standing with Lina and Byrom on one side and Lora and Richmond on the other. He blew her a kiss as she passed. She and Geoffrey arrived at the steps to the chapel. Jessimond took a sleeping Margaret from Agatha’s arms and kissed the babe. She allowed Marcus to do the same and then handed their child to Merryn.
Marcus threaded his fingers through hers and the ceremony began. As they spoke their vows, Jessimond marveled at everything that had occurred during the last year. She’d joined the mummers’ troupe and made countless friends during her travels. Learned the story of her birth and grown close to her birth father and his children. Fallen deeply in love with Marcus and brought little Margaret into the world. Now, here she stood, uniting with this man in holy matrimony. From an unclaimed orphan to a noblewoman marrying for love, Jessimond knew she’d already lived a wonderful life.
And the best was yet to come.