Page 48 of In Compromise with the Earl
Are they friends? Related?
“Lady Aphrodite Newfield, Earl Oswald Bristol, my greetings,” the priest nodded. “His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury had given me, Leonard Bristol, the pleasure of presiding over these proceedings,” the man smiled. “And yes, My Lady, I can see the questions in your eyes, I am Lord Tennesley’s cousin.”
“I see,” Aphrodite shifted in her slippers and gave Oswald a warm smile.
She felt her nerves ease as the ceremony began with the prayers, and when she had to speak her vows she said them calmly, knowing that she would walk out of there today as Countess Tennesley.
“Oswald Alexander Bristol, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
With their hands clasped, Oswald said the binding words, “I will.”
Handsome, intelligent, decent, brave, but scarred. I supposed I’m scarred too.
When the priest reiterated the order, Aphrodite smiled. “I will.”
Facing the two witnesses. “Will you who have witnessed these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”
“We will,” Lady Pandora and Lord Easton intoned.
The rings were brought in and while she slid Oswald’s thick band onto his finger, she gave him a warm, promising look, silently swearing to uphold her vows. It seemed that Oswald might have gotten an inkling as to what her gaze meant because his eyes darkened with seriousness as well.
Priest Bristol joined their right hands. “It is my pleasure to pronounce you man and wife. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. You may kiss the bride.”
Oswald gently tipped her head up and her lashes fluttered closed as he brushed her lips across hers. The mere touch made memories of the sensual, scintillating kisses flare up and a pronounced bereft feeling twist her chest a little. But she consoled herself; the honeymoon would make the feeling a distant memory.
She pulled away with a smile. “A wonderful day, don’t you think Earl Tennesley?”
“I’d have to agree with you, Countess Tennesley,” he replied, tucking a stray stand of her hair away from her face.
Pulling away from him, Aphrodite met Lady Pandora’s placid gaze. Her lips were faintly turned up at the corners, but Aphrodite knew her friend was not completely happy. Six people had attended her wedding in total. Not one person from her family nor Oswald’s was present, and surprisingly, Aphrodite did not mind.
“Do you want to stay for the breakfast?” Oswald whispered in her ear. The desire to sample the cake and champagne melted away like butter under the sun when she saw the dark hunger in his eyes. Everything about him was raw heat and restrained power.
Mesmerized by his look, she replied, “I think Lady Pandora has it handled. I need to talk to her about it.”
With a soft nod, Oswald turned to his cousin and Lord Easton and Aphrodite went to sit by Lady Pandora. “I know you’re still not pleased, but understand, it might have come about in the most unorthodox way, but I am happy with the result.”
Lady Pandora’s smile was still slight. “I know you are, I just cannot believe it ended this way.”
“No, it starts this way,” Aphrodite replied. “And I only have you to thank. By the by, Oswald and I will not be attending the breakfast. It might be best to be on our way.”
“I understand,” Lady Pandora replied. “I would leave as quickly as I could if I were in your shoes.”
“Thank you,” Aphrodite stood. She moved off to Oswald’s side and saw his cousin pat him on the shoulder.
“Second time around, Oswald for you and me.” Leo said. “I hope I won’t have to preside over your third wedding.”
Paused in her tracks, Aphrodite stared at then.Leo married Oswald’s first wife as well. No wonder they are close.
Acting as if she had not heard them, she came to the two. “Priest Bristol, thank you.”
He bowed. “No, no, it’s my pleasure. Oswald has told me about your plans to leave soon. Have a safe journey, both of you.”
As he moved off, Oswald said. “Since we’re done here, I will summon the readied carriage and we will be on our way,” Oswald replied.
“Just allow me time to don a carriage dress and my coat,” she brushed over his chest. “And you should do the same. I don’t think wedding attire would be too comfortable to travel in.”
He shot a look to his jacket. “I suppose.”
