The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo Book 1) by Devlin, Barbara (love letters to the dead .TXT) 📕

witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?” The archbishop asked.

“We will,” their parents responded, in unison.

“Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.” The archbishop closed his book and smiled. “And now I pronounce you husband and wife. Lord Rockingham, you may kiss your bride.”

Ah, the kiss.

Given the onlookers, she did not expect much. Oh, how wrong she had been, when Anthony wrapped his arm about her waist and covered her mouth with his.

In her mind, the ethereal communion of flesh commanded notice, and the moon and stars answered, as the tide halted, the birds quieted, the wind stilled, and the sun ceased its path, thus the world acknowledged the union of two souls so perfectly matched, to render the distinctions between them indiscernible. It was only when His Grace coughed, her father cleared his throat, and Her Grace and Mama giggled that Arabella and Anthony parted.

“I would say that bodes well for the union.” The archbishop grinned. “Congratulations, Lord and Lady Rockingham.”

“Thank you.” Anthony shook hands with the archbishop. “On behalf of my bride, we are honored by your presence.”

“Shall we adjourn to the dining room?” His Grace huffed. “I understand my son wishes to depart for Sussex, posthaste, and I would not delay the happy couple.”

“Of course, Father.” Anthony tugged Arabella’s elbow. “Go ahead, and my new bride and I will join you, shortly, because I would like a brief word with her.”

“All right.” His Grace wagged a finger. “But do not take too long, because I am famished.”

“We will be right there.” The group disappeared down the hall, and Anthony cupped her cheek. To her surprise, he bent his head and bestowed upon her the sweetest kiss. “I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed an undisturbed sleep last night, for the first time since I lost my arm at Waterloo.”

“Oh, how wonderful.” Indeed, she could have cried. “I prayed you would welcome and employ Dr. Handley’s advice, because he successfully treated several soldiers with similar symptoms.”

“Must admit I was skeptical, but I cannot argue the results.” Again, he claimed a kiss, and her knees buckled. “While I know I shall never be healed, I believe I can manage, as Handley suggested, and I know not how I will ever repay you.”

“My lord, I require no recompense, because the look on your face, at this moment, is payment enough.” But, in the spirit of their newly forged union, she indulged her reinvigorated playful side. “However, you may address me by a term of endearment, which I adore, and we shall call it even.”

“You like that, darling?” He clucked his tongue, and she laughed. “Or do you prefer sweetheart? And here I thought I might be stepping on your independent toes.”

“Not a chance, and I will take both, in equal measure.” She toyed with a gold braid on his uniform. “If I have learned anything about our relationship, it is that I am stronger with you than without you, and I am so happy to be your wife.”

“And I am your very fortunate husband, sweetheart.” When she squealed in unmasked delight, he chuckled. “All right. Let us retire to the dining room, and I suggest you eat your fill, because I have quite an evening planned when we arrive in Sussex, and you will need your strength.”

“I am uncontrollably excited.” They strolled down the hall, and she feigned ignorance of his meaning, else she might swoon, not that he frightened her. “And I am at your service, unreservedly.”

“Lady Rockingham, you are every husband’s dream.” Before she could reply, he swept her into the dining room, where the family and the archbishop waited. “Sorry to have kept you, but I needed to inform my wife of my plans following our celebratory meal.”

“Ah, young love.” His Grace snickered. “Well, we commenced breakfast without you. There are numerous selections on the sideboard, and you may help yourself.”

“Here, my lord.” Arabella collected two plates. “Let me assist you.”

After dishing ample portions of eggs, kippers, and toast, she abided her husband’s request and filled her belly. At the end of the meal, which she found rather dour and informal given the glorious occasion, His Grace extended an unremarkable toast. Then she removed to a guestroom, to change into a traveling gown of lavender wool.

Without fanfare, she accompanied her husband to the ducal coach, which His Grace insisted would make their journey more pleasant, and made her farewells to Mama and Papa. Shortly after pulling into the lane, she landed in Anthony’s lap, in the privacy of the plush equipage, and they shared a heated interlude that seemed to last forever. Finally, he broke their kiss.

“Darling, once again, you tempt me, and if we continue on this path, I will take your maidenhead here and now, and that is not what I want for the consummation.” With infinite care, Anthony set her aside and then moved to the opposite bench. “Promise me you will do nothing too accommodating for the remains of the trip, because there are limits to my self-control.”

“Poor aggrieved husband.” Imbued with newfound confidence, she inclined her head and bit her bottom lip. “I am quickly discovering there are other aspects to womanhood, which I grossly misconstrued, and I cannot wait to see our honeymoon cottage.” She glanced toward the windows. “If you do not want to risk another tryst, why don’t you raise the shades? No doubt, an audience will temper your enthusiasm.”

“A great notion.” Anthony wiped his brow, exhaled, and tried to lift the shade. “How odd. It appears to be stuck closed.”

A grimace and a groan belied his difficulty, so she fumbled with the shade to her right.

“Mine will not budge.” To her shock, after another failed attempt to loosen the shade, he ripped the fabric. Sunlight spilled into the compartment, and she shielded her eyes from the bright rays. She surveyed the passing landscape, and a heavy