On the one hand, Aidan wished they could resolve the murder in order to ensure Lily’s safety. On the other hand, it was with a sense of dread that he considered informing Gwen of such terrible news. It was obvious she was close to her father. He imagined if he found out that his own father had murdered a man. Such a revelation would be utterly devastating. All he could do was resolve to remain at her side and be a good husband and partner, no matter what might come to light.
“I will,” Aidan stated, his voice firm and confident.
And then, he could no longer think about the future because it had quietly arrived and his thoughts returned to their wedding night.
“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?”
He watched Gwen, who hesitated before responding in a shy voice, “I will.”
Aidan was captivated by her radiance in the morning light shining through the great fan-arched windows and prayed that Trafford would uncover a different suspect.
He wanted his bride to experience a long and happy life, but as his eyes flickered over to Frederick Smythe, he could not help thinking that his new father-in-law craved these new connections to Aidan’s family. It certainly lent credence to their suspicions that Gwen’s father might become desperate at the idea that the late baron would prevent him from receiving his title and the accompanying inheritance.
The vicar laboriously completed the service. When it was over, Gwen looked up at Aidan, her blue eyes aglow. He smiled down at her. “We are wed.”
She swallowed hard, licking her lips. “We are wed.”
Aidan’s thoughts once again turned to their wedding night, both anticipation and a creeping anxiety rolling through his gut.
They linked arms and led the wedding party from the drawing room for the wedding breakfast.
Gwen picked at her breakfast,scarcely able to believe that she was finally married. Tonight her groom would come toher bedroom and they would begin their quest for children, a thought that sent a shiver of delight down her spine.
Aidan was resplendent. Tall, confident, and youthful as he debated with his sister on his other side.
You barely know him.
The whisper of her consciousness was an unwelcome disquiet.
I will learn about him.
The argumentative voice struck back without pause.
You do not know what kind of husband he will be. What if he is cruel?
Gwen shut her eyes for a brief second, attempting to squash the angst washing over her. She was simply nervous about her wedding night. Aidan had proved to be a thoughtful suitor, and if he had hidden intentions, he would not move into her father’s home where her father could observe any untoward behavior. His family were all upstanding members of society—with perhaps the exception of Lord Saunton, but even he seemed a pleasant fellow.
“Are you done eating?” A childish voice interrupted her thoughts. Gwen looked up to find little Ethan gazing at her with large, hopeful eyes a little way down the table.
Lady Saunton smiled at Gwen in apology. “Hush, Ethan. Allow Lady Abbott to finish her meal in peace. She will not forget her promise to play.”
“Why do I call him Cousin Aidan, but I must call her Lady Abbott?” Ethan pointed a diminutive finger at Gwen and her groom.
“It is up to Lady Abbott to decide how she wishes to be addressed. We only just met her this morning.”
Gwen laughed. The lad was lively and charming—not at all what she was expecting when Octavia had told her of the Sauntons’ situation. “Cousin Gwen would be acceptable to me.”
Ethan beamed. “Are you finished eating yet, Cousin Gwen?”
She looked down at her plate and determined that her appetite was nowhere to be found. “Shall we play in the library?”
Ethan clapped his hands in excitement. “Yes!”
He scrambled out of his chair, running around the table to wait for Gwen.
Aidan leaned over to speak in a low voice near her ear. “You are part of the family now. Ethan will expect a game in all future encounters.”
His words chased down her neck, a blaze of pleasure that swept through her body at his deep velvet voice. Gwen nodded in acknowledgment. “I do not mind.”
