Page 75 of Taming Ivy
“You are closing in right behind me, with your own lovely treasure.” Sebastian winked at Sara. “And you’ll be damned lucky to have her running your life.”
Just outside the chapel, Brody and Molly waited to greet the new couple, along with William, Sebastian’s rather somber valet. It surprised her Sebastian invited the two trusted servants, as well as his valet, to attend the private ceremony. As much as she hated to admit, it almost endeared her new husband to her. Brody, in particular, seemed befuddled by the earl’s invitation.
Accepting congratulations from the men, as well as Molly’s curtsy and quick embrace, Ivy was astonished by Brody’s announcement.
“We will be situated at Ravenswood Court, milady, before your return to London. Molly and I are grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve you.” A familiar, audacious wink accompanied the formal words.
Ivy turned an unconsciously tender gaze to Sebastian when he slipped an arm about her waist. “Is this true?”
“Yes, my dear. Jackson, our own butler, has hinted for years he’s ready for retirement. Your father had no objections to my stealing Brody away, and I believe no one better qualified to safeguard the front door of our home. You require a maid, so I obviously extended the offer to Molly.”
He knew it would please her to see two familiar faces in his household. To put forth such confidence in Brody when he exhibited such cheekiness was an admirable gesture.
Molly, never one to bottle her thoughts, piped up with a brash grin. “Right smart of milord, too. He’s doubled our wages! We’re happy to be comin’ with you, milady!”
Sebastian threw Molly an exasperated scowl, then taking Ivy by the arm he hustled her out into the morning sunlight.
Following the wedding breakfast, Sebastian and Ivy would depart for Beaumont. They would spend the next three weeks there before returning to London for the remainder of the season. Trepidation stabbed Ivy. She was married to the man striding silently beside her.His wife, his wife.The words repeated themselves in her mind. No need to be concerned for propriety’s sake, no need for chaperones or doors shut between them. Soon, she would be alone with him, with nothing to stop him from claiming what legally belonged to him.
“Having them at Ravenswood Court means a great deal to me,” she said.
“I did not bribe them. They were surprisingly willing to be at my mercy.” Sebastian grinned, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. “They would have come if I only paid wages in the form of apples and walnuts. They are devoted to you. Your father was especially agreeable to the idea of Brody serving in our household. Once we came to terms on salary and benefits, Molly followed suit.”
“It was a lovely gesture.” Emboldened by his good mood, Ivy considered the best way to approach the subject plaguing her the past three days. She tossed and turned into the wee hours of the morning, the faint circles under her eyes now its direct result. “May I speak with you? Privately?” She slowed until he came to a halt on the pathway.
“Of course.” Calling to the others, Sebastian waved his hand. “My bride requires a moment of my time and her slightest wish is my command.” His gaze lingered on Ivy’s lips and she knew he was thinking of later, much later, when they would be alone without bothersome interruptions and he could indulgehisevery wish.
Cursing the hot blush spreading across her cheeks, Ivy let him pull her to a white iron bench. In the shade of a young oak, there was barely enough room for two on the seat. The length of his thigh pressed to hers. She desperately inched away as much as possible. They sat quietly while she fretted over the matter until it finally blurted out.
“Bentley went to the Viscount Basford’s estate. You are looking for him, to set terms for this blasted duel.”
“Yes. I told you this would happen.” Sebastian’s response was affable, even as he gave her a glance glittering with a frightening darkness. “They’ve had a devil of a time tracking him down. Basford has decided avoidance to be the best defense.”
Ivy swallowed, meeting his cool silver eyes without blinking. “Please. Do not do this. Can't we forget that night occurred? Do you wish all of London gossiping why you challenged the viscount following our hasty marriage? Call it a wedding gift if you must. For me, for us. Only, do not go through with it.”
She did not realize she held her breath until he smiled. Kissing her hand, Sebastian’s warm breath sent unwelcome shivers quivering through her. That was simple. Too simple. Her heart thumped with relief as he regarded her for a long moment, as though deciding how best to respond.
“No.”
Ivy snatched her hand away. “It is beyond ridiculous. There’s no need for a duel.”What if you are injured… or worse?“Will you enjoy the gossips ripping us to pieces?”
“We should be used to it, but ours is a wildly romantic tale. We shall start a new trend, don’t you think? Elopements with friends and family sharing in the festivities. And whispers we were secretly engaged have already reached my ears.”
“You mock me,” she said stiffly because although the wedding was lovely and sweet and Sebastian seemed sincere repeating his vows, he forced this wedding upon her. To insinuate they were in love, after she endured weeks filled with such heartache, was more than Ivy could bear. Launching herself from the bench, she walked blindly in the direction of the house.
With a muttered curse, Sebastian rose, trailing a few paces behind. Hands clasped behind his back, he followed while she stomped like a furious Clydesdale. When she tripped on some loose gravel, he reached her in two strides to steady her.
Catching her chin between thumb and forefinger, Sebastian tilted her head, forcing her to look at him when she would have jerked away. “I’m not mocking you, but it must be done. Nothing you say, or do, will sway me from it.”
Ivy’s teeth clenched. “Ah! There’s the earl I know…in all his arrogant, heavy-handed glory!”
Sebastian, to his credit, only smiled benignly. “Compliments will certainly not change my mind. Now, shall we try and have a pleasant breakfast with our friends and family? They all wait for us, and I prefer to reach Beaumont before nightfall. Husbandly rights and all that taken into consideration.”
Their trunks were secured in a second coach. Goodbyes were now being exchanged. Sebastian feared his new wife might possibly change her mind when it came time to leave with him. She was pale as she and Sara embraced, sharing quiet words no one else could overhear.
“I would have found a way to destroy you,” Jonathan said, coming to stand beside him.
“I know.”
