Page 108 of Enslaved to the Seduction of a Lady
Alison’s gown was a perfect white, with the tiniest gold detail around the hem of her long, straight skirt. The bodice, though short, was full and rounded, all just visible beneath the long, embroidered veil that covered her face.
It was the long cloak over the top that was most impressive. It was ivory silk with a golden trim, the mid-length sleeves finished with tiny pearls. A clip stretched belong the bodice of her gown, similarly adorned with pearls and gold. The cloak ran down her back and then three feet across the floor.
Her delicate arm was wound around her father’s ample one, and he patted her hand, looking at her with great pride and love. He mouthed something—something Luke could not hear nor see—but it made Alison break into the happiest of smiles, and then they began their journey toward him.
“You look incredibly beautiful,” Luke whispered with a half-smile when she arrived at his side. “I mean, youalwayslook beautiful, but this morning—”
“Thank you,” she whispered back. “You look very handsome, too.”
She reached behind her, handing her delicate bouquet of roses to Jenny to hold.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the priest began, and everyone took their seats.
It was a long ceremony, the priest slow-talking and benefitting from every second of people’s attentions, but Luke was pleased he did not hurry it. Luke embraced every moment, allowing it to sink into his memory, for he knew this would be a day he would want to revisit over and over.
The day I am finally complete.
After the wedding, the guests made their way to Salsbury Manor, where the Duke and Duchess had laid out a feast. They ate and drank until they were merry, and the room was filled with raucous laughter and loud chatter.
“Well, Jones,” the Duke said. He sat back in his chair, his hands clasped over his paunch. “It seems you’ve done it.”
“It seems so, Your Grace,” Luke said. He had hold of Alison’s hand as they sat next to each other, surrounded by their dearest loved ones while the party raged on behind them.
“I always thought you were such a great groom,” the Duke said wistfully. “Quite a find.”
“Father,” Alison said, “do we really need to talk about thatnow?”
“I rather think the wine and the excitement has gone to his head,” the Duchess interrupted.
“And then,” the Duke said, “my daughter came to me claiming to love you. And Ihatedyou.”
“Father!” Teresa said, but she was chuckling too much to continue.
“Hate seems a bit… strong,” Jenny said.
“Not at all,” the Duke said, his words beginning to slur. “But I admit,” he said, holding a finger in the air, “that part of me would have hated any man she claimed to love.”
“And now?” Luke asked.
“Now, my dear boy,” the Duke leaned forward and patted Luke on the cheek, blearily smiling at him.
“Heavens, Charles!” the Duchess snapped, pulling him back into his seat. “You are drunk!”
“Now,” the Duke continued, ignoring his wife’s words but letting himself fall back into his seat. “Now, I rather like you. It has been far too long since I have seen Alison smile in the way she smiles with you.”
Luke grinned and looked at his new wife.
“Is that true, Mrs. Jones?” he asked.
“It is, Mr. Jones,” she replied. But then she put her own warning finger out and began to laugh. “But don’t you think that gives you any special privileges.”
“Now you tell me,” he said, chuckling, “afterwe are married.”
“I think,” Thomas whispered, leaning forward, “that the marriage in itself gives you some… special privileges, if you know what I mean.”
“I guess that’s something for later,” he said, looking again at Alison’s beautiful face, “for when we are alone.”
Alison slapped his arm playfully.
