Page 16 of Boxing With My Duke
“There’s no getting around this. We are married,” he said.
Her face went from confusion to stunned. “What? How can that be? We’ve said no vows in a church, in front of a minister, with our family and guests in the pews.”
“This is Scotland. I’ve been here several times and I know the old ways and ancient traditions. But the problem is, I thought we were still in England. I forgot we’d crossed the border.”
“So? I still don’t understand.”
“Scotland has irregular marriage laws. Couples don’t need to say their vows in a church. Handfasting over the blacksmith’s anvil is but one of them. It was the furthest thing from my mind, I assure you. And we only took the room together because it was the only one available. But…”
“Go on,” she said in a calm voice.
He was worried that she sounded so calm, but he forged ahead. “In Scotland, when a couple declares themselves married to others publicly—whether or not they shared a bed—they are considered married. By law. No church or vicar is needed.”
“Oh, I see…” She nodded. “Last night in front of the Brambles and then in front of the Duke of Douglas. We declared ourselves, didn’t we?”
“Yes, we did. When you think about it, what we did was similar to handfasting over the anvil. We declared ourselves in front of witnesses—therefore, the marriage is binding.” He wanted to shrivel up and disappear. “I am so sorry. I should not have allowed this to happen. All I can do is plead stupidity.”
“I see,” was all she said. She turned around and walked to the window. She stood there silently, looking out for several moments.
“It’s not the end of the world, is it?” she whispered, her back still to him. “Surely, if you wish it, you can have the marriage annulled.”
He swallowed hard. Carlton was suddenly unsure of himself.
“Perhaps we should discuss this further after we have breakfast and get our trip underway. We must deal with Edward and Serafina first. And then, I promise, we’ll talk about this again.”
She finally turned around and the tears in her eyes nearly undid him. “Yes, you’re right,” she said in a husky voice. “We must find Edward and Serafina first. And then we can speak of this again.”
Chapter 7
Catherine felt chilled, despite the hearty fire in the hearth next to their table in the dining room.
We’re married.
His startling revelation had shocked her to the core, but then her heart had soared with the knowledge that she and Carlton were married.
I love him.
She was certain of it. How could she not have fallen in love with Carlton? He was kind, honest, courageous, handsome as the devil, and he made her laugh. He made her frustrated too when they debated a topic and their discussion turned heated. But most of all, he made her heart do somersaults when he kissed her.
But does he love me?
His kisses had made her tingle right down to her toes. But had he kissed her because he felt sorry for her or because he truly wanted to kiss her?
She was certain Carlton would want out of this marriage, having made his feelings about marriage very clear. He avoided it like the plague. And yet, she also knew that he would leave the decision up to her. He was chivalrous to the core.
But she could never force a man to marry her. No matter the risk to her reputation. She would never want to be married to a man who did not love her.
No matter how much she loved him, and she loved him so very much, she would not force Carlton to stay married.
“Do my eyes deceive me?” Carlton asked, pulling her from her thoughts. “Is that your brother and Serafina getting up from the table on the other side of the room?”
Catherine followed the direction of his gaze and gasped. “It is!”
Carlton nearly knocked his chair over as he stood. Grabbing Catherine’s hand, he almost lifted her into the air and pulled her with him as he nearly ran across the room.
“Edward, thank goodness we found you!” Catherine said, catching her breath. She hugged her brother tightly, relief washing over her.
“Miss Serafina Davies,” Carlton’s voice resonated, causing everyone to look their way.
