“That is because you turned your nose up at all your other suitors,” her mother commented dryly.
Eugénie blushed charmingly as he brought her fingers to his lips. “I’m happy to be the first.”
And the last, if he had anything to say about it.
The bump of a boat against theSong Birdhailed Mr. Petherick’s arrival. Mr. Whitecliff went out to greet the vicar.
Mrs. Whitecliff glanced around the room. “I think everything is prepared.”
Andrew placed his betrothed’s hand on his arm. “We are ready.”
“That’s an understatement,” Cicely mumbled. “I’ve been ready.”
A few moments later, the vicar entered with Mr. Whitecliff. Dressed in a neat gray jacket, with a pearl and white waistcoat, black breeches, low pumps, and a plainly tied cravat, Will was pleased to note that, except for Mr. Petherick’s windblown appearance, he looked like any other man of the church.
“Will Mr. Whitecliff be giving away both of you ladies?”
“Yes. I will.”
Petherick bowed to the others. “Shall we begin?”
Eugénie took her place next to Will in his dark jacket and breeches. She had never seen him dressed quite so fine. Yet there was something else; she couldn’t put her finger on it, but he had never been more handsome. His warm gaze captured her eyes as he repeated his vows in a low, steady voice. Her heart thudded so hard, she thought he must have heard it. His hand held hers more securely as she promised to love, honor, and cherish him.
“Obey?” Will murmured to Mr. Petherick.
“I’ve found it doesn’t do much good. As long as you worship her, you’ll not have any problems.” He gave the ring he’d blessed to Will, and continued. “With this ring . . .”
Will slid the ring over the third finger of her left hand as he repeated the words. When the vicar pronounced them man and wife, Eugénie, Will, Cicely, and Andrew signed the register, then Cicely and Andrew were wed.
“My lady.” Mr. Whitecliff hugged her. “I wish you very happy on your wedding day and throughout your life.” He grinned at Will. “To you as well, my lord.” The older man eyed Will shrewdly. “But I don’t believe I have any reason to be concerned on that account.”
A few hours later, leaning against the ship’s railing, Andrew was joined by Will. Josh had been sent to fetch Mrs. Petherick so that she could join her husband at the wedding breakfast of sorts that was held as they sailed to Cane Garden Bay, where the ship would spend the night at anchor. Unfortunately, it turned out that the nearby plantation owner was having a house party, and the Whitecliffs knew the hosts and a few of the couples who were in attendance. There was, naturally, nothing for it but that the house party had to be invited as well, at least according to Andrew’s new mother-in-law.
An awning had been strung in front of the salon to provide a shaded area. Cicely was stuck doing the pretty with her mother’s guests.
“I’ve discovered,” Will said, “the bad part of having the wedding here.”
“And that would be?” Andrew was having the same thoughts. There must be some way for him to escape with his wife.
“One cannot whisk one’s new wife away.”
“True.” He rubbed the spot between his brows. “But at least we’re married.”
“Thank God for that!”
Eugénie cast Will such a look of longing before turning back and smiling at something Mrs. Whitecliff said, that he stood. “I think I’ll rescue my viscountess for a while.”
“I wish you more luck than I had.”
Will raised a brow, and Andrew grimaced. “You’d think I’d planned to steal Cicely off forever instead of residing at her family’s home until we leave for England.”
“Have you ever watched a dog cut sheep from a herd?”
“No, why?”
Will grinned. “I’m about to help you reclaim your bride. Be prepared to move as soon as I’ve engaged her mother.”
What the devil was he planning? Andrew followed and watched with appreciation as his friend insinuated his way into the conversation. As two of the ladies simpered over him, he took a step to one side, causing Cicely to step back.
