More Than a Duke(107)

“Non-existent.” The duke’s curt response did little to dampen the other man’s enthusiasm.



Anne’s lips pulled with amusement and she spoke from the side of her mouth. “Do you think Lord Essex knows the truth?” she whispered to Harry.



He lowered his head. “The truth?”



The vicar glared them into momentary silence. He resumed the ceremony. Her mother sat stiffly beside Lady Essex, wincing every time the white-haired woman mentioned the words ‘prized peonies’.



“And what truth do you refer to, love?” he repeated on a hushed whisper.



She waggled a brow. “That it was really two glasses of champagne that first called you to this space.”



Ignoring the glowering vicar, Harry leaned close. His breath fanned her ear. “Ah, then you would both prove wrong, Anne. It wasn’t the peonies or the champagne that led me here.”



She cocked her head. She’d rather thought it had been the champagne and scandalous activities business. “It wasn’t?”



The vicar’s monotonous voice droned on with the ceremonial vows. “I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful Day of Judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed...”



Harry brushed his knuckles along her cheek. The vicar stopped mid-sentence. A mottled flush splotched his cheeks. Harry ignored the man’s displeasure with his improper touch, his gaze trained on Anne. “How can you still not know? It was only you that brought me here, love. It was only you,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.



Warmth filled Anne’s heart as her love of this man spiraled out, in a burning conflagration of heat that could never destroy her. Harry made her stronger, and better and…



“If it is all the same to you, may I continue?” The vicar’s angry whisper cut into their exchange.



Harry waved a hand lazily about. “Proceed.”



Anne smothered a giggle with her palm. Her thirteen-year-old brother, Benedict, however, made little attempt to conceal his mirth. He laughed quite boldly in his seat beside Aldora’s husband, Michael. Mother leaned over and pinched him on the arm. He winced and shifted in his seat with all the embarrassment of a boy on the cusp of manhood who’d been properly chastised before a series of observers.



“Henry Richard Falston, 6th Earl of Stanhope wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?



Harry raised her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “I will.” Her throat worked under the force of emotion in his hazel eyes. “There is no one I want but you, Anne,” he added, his voice hoarse.



The vicar cleared his throat, and glared at Harry for daring to add anything to the sacred vows. “Anne Arlette Adamson, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”



She blinked back tears. “I’m not crying,” she whispered. But then a blasted drop fell. Followed by another.



“Because you don’t cry,” Harry said solemnly.



Another tear. “Precisely.”



“Anne?”



“Your vows,” Benedict shouted from his seat. The family frowned at the boy and he shifted. “I was merely reminding her,” he mumbled and slouched lower in his chair.



Anne’s cheeks warmed and she gave her head a shake. “Er, yes, indeed.” She looked at Harry and held his gaze. “I will. Love you and honor you, and forsake all others,” she amended. She jabbed a finger into his chest. “But you aren’t ever to do anything as horrid as fall sick and leave me. Do you hear me, Harry?”



His lips twitched with what she suspected was mirth. “What of obeying me? Do you intend to obey me, love?”



“We shall see.” She paused. “I’ll most likely be deplorable at the whole obeying business.” A loose golden ringlet fell across her brow.



Harry brushed the strand back. Seriousness replaced the gentle teasing in his eyes. “I will never leave you. Ever.”



The vicar cleared his throat. “Now that we’ve quite addressed the matters of my lord’s health and constancy, may I conclude this service?” There was something faintly beseeching in that question, so Anne took pity on the older, grey-haired gentleman and remained silent through the remainder of the proceedings.