She was pleased at how firm her voice sounded as she repeated her vows. When he promised to worship her body, his tone deepened, and her knees threatened to buckle. How embarrassing that would have been, to fall over at one’s own wedding.
Soon it was over and the vicar instructed them to sign the register. Geoffrey wrapped his arm around her waist. “Wife.”
“Husband,” she shot back, giddy with happiness. “Although, I think we must sign our names before it is legal.”
As soon as the formalities were over, glasses of champagne were pressed into their hands. Toasts were made to them for a happy and fruitful life together.
“I cannot tell you how happy I am to have you as my daughter.” Lady Markham bussed Elizabeth’s cheek.
“Congratulations, Harrington.” Lord Elliott shook Geoffrey’s hand. “And to you, Lady Harrington.”
Elizabeth blinked at his use of her new name. She had been so busy preparing for the wedding, she had only thought about her name a time or two. “Thank you, my lord.”
Footmen started dashing around with trays of food, and she and Geoff shared a glance. “We could go up to our parlor while the staff finishes setting up for the wedding breakfast.”
“We could,” he agreed. “You would be able to look at your new bedchamber.”
“Do you mean to tell me it is finished?” She had never had a chamber made especially for her. Not even when she had moved from the nursery to another bedroom, had she got to decide on the decorations. Then again, her father’s house was never her real home. That would be with her husband.
“They finished this morning.” He stroked her back, causing pleasurable frissons to spread through her. She wished they could just repair to his bedchamber alone. “I cannot wait to hear what you think of it.”
Elizabeth rose on her toes, and whispered in what she hoped was a sultry tone, “I think most of my enjoyment shall be experienced in your room, my lord.”
“I shall make sure of that, my lady.” He took her hand. “Let’s go to our apartment before the wedding breakfast begins. Wearemarried.”
Yet, before they could leave the drawing room, they heard his mother’s voice.
“Elizabeth and Harrington.” Lady Markham walked in from the garden. “Our guests will begin arriving soon. You must take your places.” She glanced over her shoulder at her husband. “Markham, you as well.”
“The garden is not yet ready,” Geoffrey objected.
“The wedding breakfast will be held in the ballroom. The other areas will be finished soon enough.”
“I had hoped we would have time alone,” Geoffrey murmured, holding out his arm to Elizabeth.
Placing her fingers on the soft superfine of his jacket, she murmured, “I had the same hope.”
An hour later her mother-in-law released them to mingle with the guests with the admonishment not to disappear yet.
After slowly making their way around the ballroom, Elizabeth spotted Dotty, Charlotte, and Louisa. “If you do not mind, I wish to speak with my friends for a few minutes.”
Geoffrey glanced in the direction Elizabeth indicated. “Of course not.” He raised her hand and kissed each of her fingers. “I’ll find you in a bit.”
As if by silent assent, the ladies rose when she approached. “The terrace?”
They nodded and began to meander out the French windows. She signaled to a footman. “Please bring champagne and refreshments for four to me on the terrace.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Elizabeth smiled to herself. Even though it had only been an hour, she had been addressed as “my lady” and “Lady Harrington” so many times, her new title was no longer foreign to her.
She hurried out to join her friends. “Where is Oriana?”
“With Bentley,” Charlotte said. “They have not seen each other in a week.”
“Do you know”—Dotty looked at the other three—“I do not believe any of us were parted from our husbands for more than a day or two while we were betrothed.”
“I think you are correct.” Louisa’s brow wrinkled. “I know Gideon and I were not.”
