Jane found her smile dying as she stared into his dark eyes. “You’re a remarkable man. I promise you won’t regret marrying me.”
“If I thought there was the slightest likelihood I’d regret it, I wouldn’t marry you.”
“I thought I was your last chance.”
He dropped several kisses across her face. “Like you and your fortune hunters, there are those who would risk death to become a duchess. Few and far between, but they are there, available.”
“It’s comforting to know I’m not the only means to an end. That you chose me, despite the fact that your other choices are somewhat unsavory, does marvelous things for my feminine pride.”
He kissed her again, rather ardently, especially considering they were atop a horse, and didn’t stop until the sound of applause caught their attention. Turning her head, Jane saw a group of riders congregated nearby. In the lead was her brother, Robert. He winked at her.
Blushing furiously while Blixford set her back upon Grendel, Jane murmured, “Are you terribly grieved, Your Grace?”
“Bloody hell, Jane, we are to be married. It’s the crack of dawn. If they’re offended, it serves them right for intruding.”
She decided against pointing out their location in a public park. “On the contrary, Blixford, I believe they were applauding.”
“Yes, so they were.” When she was seated properly, he turned his mount toward the street and she followed, daring one last glance at Robert and his friends. Her brother saluted her. The remaining gentlemen followed suit.
***
Despite words to the contrary, Michael experienced momentary anxiety when the kindly Reverend Hastings reached the portion of the ceremony involving questions. To her credit and his relief, Jane said in a firm voice, “I do.”
Shortly, it was done. He had a new wife. Another duchess. He offered a silent, fervent prayer to God that she would not die.
Lucy was in attendance, having come up to London last evening, as soon as she received his note. She appeared to be the sole personage, save perhaps the reverend, who was pleased with the proceedings. Sherbourne and his sons didn’t smile and gave grudging congratulations. They did demonstrate significant affection toward Jane, each embracing her fiercely before they made their way to the dining room for a wedding breakfast.
Michael knew it was irrational, but he was unaccountably angry with all of them over what happened to Jane. It appeared they took her strong, resilient nature at face value and assumed she could hold her own in any situation. Why had they not sent a female relative, a paid companion, someone, anyone, to Scotland to keep an eye on her? From his conversation with Sherbourne, he’d ascertained none of them had paid her a visit during her sojourn. She’d not returned home, hadn’t seen any of her family in four years. It was as though they were glad to have her out of sight, and took it a step further by placing her out of mind as well.
He didn’t doubt they held her in high regard and great affection. Their thoughtless, if unknowing, abandonment of her was simply a product of their arrogant assumption that no one would dare take advantage of a Lennox. He was a duke, for God’s sake, and even he was not so presumptuous, particularly when it came to his sister.
He’d dissuaded several suitors in the years since Bonderant’s death, pointing out very clearly that their advances were not appreciated. Lucy assured him she was capable of spurning eager suitors, but Michael knew some men didn’t hear the word no nor could they comprehend why a lovely woman like Lucy would remain alone in her widowhood. They also couldn’t resist Bonderant’s wealth, left to his son and within Michael’s care until he reached his majority. Lucy was tempting to any man, but particularly to those in need of funds. Michael saw it as his duty by her, and Bonderant’s memory, to apprise the more wily of them that further pursuit of his sister would result in dire consequences.
As her brother, he took particular care to see to her well-being, and saw it as a fiduciary responsibility to assist her in managing the estate at Margrave Park. He was considerate of her feelings, and her loneliness, traveling to visit at least three days of every month, issuing an open invitation for her to come to Eastchase Hall at any time, for as long as she liked. For damn sure, at no time would he allow her to traipse off across the country, unprotected.
Sherbourne raised his glass and offered a toast to their prosperity and happiness. Michael thought he had some difficulty forming the words. The man despised him. His sons were less than enthusiastic in their acknowledgement of the toast.
Lucy, however, was vocally appreciative. “Well said, my lord! I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with my new sister.”