Page 11 of The Lovers
“No, we are on time.”
Hugh pushed open the gates and walked down the drive toward the front door. He used the heavy knocker to announce their presence as Elise hovered behind him, her heart fluttering in her chest, which was constricted with rising panic. She considered herself to be a sensible person, but at this moment, she had an overwhelming urge to run and hide. She supposed all brides felt frightened and unsure a week before their wedding, especially if the union was arranged by the families, and they barely knew the bridegroom. There was no reason to fear, she told herself as a servant opened the door and ushered them inside and into a large parlor furnished with several heavy settles and chairs situated against the walls and decorated with lavish tapestries that gave some much-needed color to the dark-paneled room. The roaring fire warmed the parlor, its orange flames dispelling the gloom seeping through the casement windows and providing enough light to supplement the two candles supplied by the servant.
“Lord Asher bids you to make yourselves comfortable. He’ll be down presently,” the servant informed them before leaving the room. Elise removed her cloak and hung it over a chair but remained standing, far too agitated to sit down. Her father pulled off his gloves, shrugged off his cloak, and took a seat closest to the fire. His eyes strayed to a portrait hanging above the hearth. It was of a fair-haired young woman posed in a splendid gown of aquamarine damask, a sweet puppy in her lap.
“Who is that?” Elise asked, marveling at how little she knew of her future husband and his family.
“His wife,” Hugh replied curtly.
“She is beautiful,” Elise said as she moved closer to the fire.
“Was beautiful,” her father corrected her. “You will be his wife now.”
The servant returned a moment later, bearing a tray, which she set on a low table between the two hardback chairs in front of the fire.
“Would you care for some spiced wine, Master de Lesseps?” she asked deferentially.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Hugh replied, holding out his hand for a cup of wine. “Have some, Elise. You need it. It will put the roses back in your cheeks.”
Perhaps her father hadn’t meant to sound critical, but she detected a note of displeasure in his tone. She must look a fright. Elise accepted a cup of wine and took a sip. It was delicious and instantly made her feel warmer. She took another swallow, savoring the delicate flavor of cinnamon and cloves with a hint of honey. The wine warmed its way down her gullet and gave Elise a pleasant sensation in her belly. She’d broken her fast hours ago, before the sun was up, and hunger seemed to be contributing to the effect of the wine, which was making her feel light-headed and languid. She had to admit that she welcomed the alcohol-induced calm. It was better than panic.
Elise had nearly finished her drink by the time Lord Asher finally graced them with his presence. He was elegantly dressed, despite the early hour, in an exquisitely embroidered dark-blue velvet coat with wide cuffs, matching pleated breeches, white hose,and shoes with silver buckles. His wig was in the latest style, long and curly, just like those Charles himself favored.
“Good morrow,” Lord Asher greeted them, his smile warm and welcoming. “I do appreciate you making the journey on such a frigid morning. I hope it wasn’t too arduous.”
“It was no trouble, your lordship,” Hugh replied as he rose to his feet to shake Lord Asher’s outstretched hand.
Lord Asher shook Hugh’s hand, but his eyes never left Elise’s face. He approached her slowly, a smile pasted on his face. Now that he was closer, Elise could see that there were dark shadows beneath his eyes, stubble on his pale cheeks, and the smell of liquor on his breath. Perhaps he’d just returned home from a night’s entertainment. The thought made Elise uneasy, giving her an unwelcome glimpse into what her life with Lord Asher might be if he continued to carouse after they were wed.
“My dear, what an absolute pleasure to see you again. I do hope you’re not angry with me for not coming to see you. I’ve been rather preoccupied with the business of the king, I’m afraid. I wouldn’t dare bore you with the details,” he added, waving his hand in a practiced gesture meant to disarm her. “Now, if your papa will allow it, I’d like a few minutes alone with my bride.”
“Of course,” Hugh readily agreed. “I’ll just step outside.”
“My man is outside with the signed marriage contract. Perhaps you can cast an eye over it while you wait,” Lord Asher added airily, making it sound as if Hugh was in a position to make changes or demands. They all knew that wasn’t the case, but her father bowed stiffly from the neck, acquiescing to the request and doing everything he could to maintain his dignity.
Elise felt a pang of unease as Hugh left them alone. She didn’t expect Lord Asher to do anything untoward, but it feltawkward to be alone with him. They were strangers to each other, strangers who would be united in matrimony in a week’s time.
“Elise, my dear, I am so pleased that you accepted my proposal,” Lord Asher said as he took her hands in his, squeezing them lightly. “I feared you’d refuse.”
“It was an honor to be asked,” Elise replied. She wanted to smile, but something held her back. There were so many things she wanted to ask this man but instinctively knew that she shouldn’t, at least not now.
“So like your dear mother,” Asher said as he gazed into her eyes. “She was a beauty, you know. I was very sorry to hear of her passing.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Elise whispered. There was a lump in her throat that made it difficult to speak. Elise wondered what her mother would have made of this match. And how well had Lord Asher known her mother? As far as Elise knew, the two never came in contact.
“Please, call me Edward. We are to be man and wife, after all. And speaking of that,” he smiled broadly as he extracted a heavy cabochon ruby ring from his pocket, “please accept this token of my affection and commitment. I expect you must be feeling a bit anxious, but we will be very happy. I promise you that,” Edward said, laying his hand over his heart. “I have every intention of being the model husband, a husband you can grow to love and respect.”
Elise stared at her hand as he slid the heavy ring onto her finger. She had to squeeze her fingers to keep the ring from sliding off.
“There now, it’s official. I suspect you’d like a tour of your future home, but the servants are going about their chores. Best not to disturb them,” he added dismissively. “You’ll have all the timein the world to explore once we are wed. Now, I hate to rush you, but I must attend to His Majesty this morning.”
Lord Asher slipped the cloak over Elise’s shoulders and maneuvered her toward the parlor door, the interview clearly over. “Take good care of my bride, Hugh,” he said with forced cheer as he clapped Hugh on the shoulder in a gesture of familiarity.
“I will see you in church, my sweet.” Lord Asher bent over Elise’s hand and kissed it lingeringly before gesturing to the servant, who sprang to attention and opened the door.
“Good day to you both.”
Elise followed her father back toward the riverbank. She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but it wasn’t this strange, impersonal tête-à-tête. Lord Asher seemed eager to be rid of them, and despite his pretty words, she felt he had absolutely no interest in her. She was young and innocent, to be sure, but she could always tell when a man found her attractive. She’d seen the look of desire in Gavin’s eyes, and there had been a few others who expressed their admiration. Lord Asher barely looked at her. Why the sudden decision to ask for her hand in marriage?
