Page 124 of May I Have the Pleasure
“In every way a lady can be compromised by a gentleman. I have, justifiably enough I would argue, developed a superstition about the wedding night. Four dead husbands will do that, so I am not taking chances. We will have our wedding nightbeforethe wedding. I will explain all after, but I do not intend for either of us to be able to complain about lack of being kissed, or held in affection, or loved in every way a husband should love a wife.”
“When?”
“Now!”
“Now?”
“Yes, NOW!”
“PUT ME DOWN, FITZWILLIAM!Put me down you big lunk!… Well, on second thought… Carry on, my love.”
-------------
Gibraltar—United Kingdom—26 November 1818—Dawn
-------------
“Lady Catherine, thank you for coming, and especially for not dragging Anne and Charlotte to this debacle.”
“I would not miss this debacle for the world, Elizabeth.”
“Aunt Catherine, well met.”
“Fitzwilliam, have you done your duty?”
“Every day, aunt. Every day.”
“As itshould be.”
“Lord Mawbry, would it be unseemly to congratulate you on the death of your worthless cousin?”
“Darcy, you warned me about her… but I must say—”
“Speechless, I see Mawbry.”
“I fear so.”
“I did not mean to fluster you, my lord. I have learnt to be somewhat callous regarding death of the unworthy, but you would think a princess could learn to curb her tongue.”
“You shall not have my censure, madam. Could you tell me why we were to meet at dawn? It is an unusual time for this sort of thing.”
“Safety and superstition my lord, plus we have a great deal to accomplish today.”
“Shall we get on with it, princess?”
“Yes, my lord. Reverend, if you will?”
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today—”
-------------
“Sign here, if you will, Lord Mawbry.”
“I thank you, sir.”
“And here… ah… Princess Elizabeth? Lady Mawbry?”
“Do not distress yourself. I will lose the title Lady Mawbry when I finish signing and return to being plain old Princess.”
