Page 71 of The Lady Who Said No to the Duke
I love her.I am in love with Thea.
As that hit him the chaplain’s words swam in and out of his comprehension.‘An honourable estate…not to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly…but reverently, discreetly…soberly…’
He had taken marriage lightly at first.Just another duty to be performed, no need to exert himself with his bride already chosen.That was a sobering thought, because this did not feel like a light thing now.Not now he realised how he felt about this woman.
‘…the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.Firstly, the procreation of children…’
There was a little blush on Thea’s cheeks.
‘Secondly…a remedy against sin…’
He had been very close indeed to sinning the day before in the library on that window seat.Still he could not drag his eyes away from Thea’s face.
I love you.
And that was something his almost-wife did not want to hear, surely.To have the burden of his feelings.At any moment they would be asked to promise to love each other, as though that was something that could be ordered, an obligation.She was already marrying him because of obligation—that old betrothal, the need to protect the family name in the face of scandal—and he would not heap more on her.If she ever came to feel for him what he realised he felt for her, perhaps he would be able to tell.Until then, he would show her how he felt in everything except words, he vowed silently.
* * *
‘Thirdly…for the mutual society, help and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other…’
That she could offer without blushing, Thea thought, wondering at the intensity in Hal’s eyes.There was no doubt that he took this ceremony seriously, that it meant something to him beyond the legalisation of their marriage.
I love you.I will help you and comfort you, she promised silently.Always.
‘…or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.’
There was the sensation that the whole congregation was holding its breath that Thea had noticed at other weddings.But, of course, nobody jumped to their feet to protest.
But now Hal had looked from her to the chaplain, although her hand was still secure in his.Soon, very soon, she must find her voice and make her vows.Say them strongly and firmly as she truly meant them.
‘Wilt though love her,’ the chaplain was asking Hal.‘Comfort her, honour her…’
How can they ask someone to vow to love?she wondered.
Just as Hal said, ‘I do.’
Now it was her turn.‘Wilt thou have this man?To thy wedded husband…’
‘I will,’ Thea said and heard her own voice, steady and certain in the still, chilly air.
‘Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?’
‘I do,’ she heard her father say, and he stepped back, leaving her with Hal, giving her to her new life.
‘I take thee, Thea Caroline Anne, to my married wife,’ Hal said, clasping her right hand in his.
‘I take thee, Avery Henry de Forrest Castleton,’ she repeatedafter the chaplain, speaking steadily until, ‘…and thereto I give thee my troth.’
The tall man in uniform, his cheek bearing the scars of battle, handed the ring to Hal, and Hal slid it onto her finger.‘With this ring, I thee wed.’
It was not a dream as she had half feared it was.This was reality, and any moment now she would be married to Hal.
‘I pronounce that they be man and wife together.’
And there, it was done.Her own deep sigh was echoed around the chapel.
Thea knelt beside her husband as prayers were said and the chaplain delivered a blessing.
