Page 47 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
Tears came into Lady Temperance’s eyes as she then took her turn, repeating the words after the vicar. “I, Lady Temperance take you James, the Earl of Calverton to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance.”
James pressed her hand gently, seeing how she blinked back the tears of happiness.
“Lord Thurston?”
After a moment, Lord Thurston handed the vicar a small, gold ring, having it then placed on the Bible, the vicar held it out to him. With a broad smile, James took it from him and taking Lady Temperance’s hand, held it to her finger.
“Lord Calverton, speak these words after me,” the vicar intoned, as James nodded. Lady Temperance looked into his eyes, her lips curved softly and James’ heart exploded with all the love he felt for her.
“With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.”
The vicar nodded. “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
At that, James pushed the ring onto Lady Temperance’s finger and then pressed her hand again with his. He took in a deep breath and then let it out again, overjoyed at this wondrous moment which was so near to completion.
The vicar set his hand over their joined ones and then looked out at the sparse congregation. “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. For as much as James, the Earl of Calverton and Lady Temperance have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth to each other and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
James turned, taking Lady Temperance with him as they both knelt down, ready to receive the final blessing. His heart was pounding, relief and joy twining together and rushing through his veins as the vicar prayed over them both.
“May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you. May the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.”
“Amen,” James murmured, hearing Lady Temperance say the very same thing. He turned to look at her and saw one single tear drip to her cheek, though her smile was dazzling. Did she too feel the very same delight that he did? Was she too just as relieved, just as contented as he? The next few minutes passed by with great speed as the marriage lines were signed and, thereafter, James looked down into his bride’s face and, after a moment, caught her up in his arms. Normally such a thing would not have been permitted at a wedding service but, given that there were so few guests and the church such a small one, James did not care.
“My hearty congratulations!” Lord Thurston clapped James on the back as he released Lady Temperance, though caught her hand immediately thereafter. “This brings us all such great joy.”
In an instant, Lady Thurston, the Duchess of Danfield and Lady Hartford surrounded them both, each exclaiming with great joy and with all the ladies taking out their handkerchiefs to wipe away lingering tears. James could not help but beam with pride and delight, Lady Temperance’s hand on his arm – only for a loud exclamation to interrupt them all.
“What is the meaning of this?”
James reached across and kept Lady Temperance’s hand on his arm, feeling her jump in surprise as Lord Barlington strode into the church, his face a picture of anger. His brows were low over his eyes, his gaze sharp and angry, his hands curling up into tight fists.
“Iam engaged to Lady Temperance,” he hissed, pointing one hand at Lady Temperance. “Weare to be wed! This is nothing but a sham!”
The vicar cleared his throat. “I was unaware of – ”
“That is because this man is telling you nothing but lies,” the Duke interrupted calmly, turning to face the vicar. “You did as you were expected to do and there was no-one to protest. As Lady Temperance’s father, I can assure you that I have never given consent to my daughter being wed to Lord Barlington. Besides which, you saw the license yourself, did you not?”
“Yes, I did.” The vicar, said clearly relieved, then chose to step away, leaving them all to face Lord Barlington without his presence.
James did nothing but smile as Lord Barlington’s angry gaze turned towards him, his hands now planted at his waist as he glared at him.
“There is no reason for you to be here, Lord Barlington,” the Duke said, firmly. “We do not desire your presence.”
“Iam engaged to Lady Temperance!” Lord Barlington exclaimed again, only for the Duke to take a step forward.
“No, you are not,” he stated, firmly. “You did not come to seek my consent and I did not give it. Instead, you thought to threaten my daughter with horrific consequences if she did not do as you asked.”
Lord Barlington’s mouth fell open, his eyes flaring wide and for a moment, James thought that the man might protest, that he might state he had done nothing but instead, he simply shrugged.
“I have married Lady Temperance and am now her husband,” James told Lord Barlington, seeing the man scowl darkly. “And before you begin to even think that you will bring about the consequences you threatened, might I tell you that the Duke of Danfield himself has only recently returned from London!”
Lord Barlington’s eyes flicked to the Duke of Danfield.
“Hearing you speak of my daughter and the cruelty you planned to inflict upon her changed my opinion of you very quickly, Lord Barlington,” the Duke said, crisply. “Sir Jeffries informed us of your impoverished state and you, in your drunkenness, confirmed it all. So, given that I thought to go to London to get the Special License, I decided that I would, at the same time, inform thetonabout your present new situation. I can tell you that there were those within thetonwho were very interested indeed to hear about such things. I also had the pleasure in telling them where you resided at present and you may soon find yourself discovered, Lord Barlington. You may have unexpected guests, each seeking out what you owe them.”
James smiled grimly as Lord Barlington took a small step back, shock beginning to drain away his dark, angry expression.
“You will never have my daughter’s hand.” This time, it was the Duchess who spoke, her words practically hissing out of her. “Never. I believed you when you told me how much you regretted ending the engagement, but I see now that it was nothing more than greed on your part. You wanted to take Temperance’s dowry and her yearly income and save yourself from your circumstances – circumstances which you have brought upon yourself! I caused my daughter a great deal of pain because of your words and have nothing but regret.”
