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Invariably, her thoughts turned to Alasdair. He had not professed any tender words since the day he had asked her to marry him, but the way he treated her did not disguise his feelings. Every thought, every gentle kiss, communicated his adoration.
Oh, Alasdair, I’ve missed you so much.
A rare feeling of pure, undiluted happiness poured through her, and she threw back her head, lifting her face to the sun. Willow relaxed, exhilaration twisting inside of her, and she laughed without any decorum.
“I will never tire of hearing you laugh,” Alasdair’s voice said quietly.
Willow gripped the reins on Daisy and spun her toward his voice.
“I did not hear you canter close.”
“I am on foot,” he murmured.
“Your horse?”
“Grazing a few feet away. I dismounted when I saw you and walked over. You are riding astride.”
She could hear the pride in his voice, and her chest swelled. “When I had my accident, I was riding side saddle. I could not bring myself to sit on Daisy in such a manner earlier.”
“I am pleased you went ahead without me. I was called away to London, but on my way out I realized I would much rather be here with you. I sent a letter ahead with my solicitors.”
Emotions tightened her throat. He didn’t question where she found the courage. He simply accepted she had always been capable. Why would she think such a man would ever find her to be burdensome?
“It will indeed be glorious to be the lady of Westerham Park,” she offered in the companionable silence.
Firm hands pressed against her legs. She did not startle. She had smelled his alluring scent drifting closer. He gripped her hips and Willow relinquished the reins. She dismounted, clasping his shoulders, savoring the press of his body against her. The softest kiss brushed against her lips and sweet desire built.
He ended their too short embrace. He brushed his fingers gently over the points of her knuckles. “Let us stroll together, then we will eat. I still brought along the basket my cook prepared.”
She placed her hand on his arms and moved with him, a delighted feeling of contentment suffusing her veins. “How did you come to be the marquess?”
She listened to the soft cadence of his voice, the gentle dips as he told the story of his father and brothers. She heard the pain of loss in his voice, but also the acceptance. They came to a stop, and he leaned against a tree, drawing her into the comforting circle of his arms. They conversed at length, and Willow reveled in the moment and did her best to ignore the edge of doubts that still lingered.
Chapter 10
Everyone was gathered in the ancient chapel of Hadley House. Willow had wanted to pick flowers that morning in the gardens, but then the unexpected rain had fallen. Dressed in a simple but exquisite soft yellow gown, flowers decorating her hair, and a bouquet of rosebuds gripped tightly in her hand, her eyes were wide with apprehension, but she had never looked more beautiful.
After their walk and long talk the day before, Alasdair had not expected to see such a show of anxiety from her. But he understood this was a big step for her, and he was glad to note she had stopped speaking of her belief she was a burden. Instead, she had been avidly seeking his kisses, and the long talks and strolls they indulged in.
He squeezed her fingers in reassurance, and she favored him with a wobbly smile.
The Vicar started the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency.”
Alasdair listened to the Vicar’s words his eyes never leaving Willow’s face. She did not seem to be listening to the vicar or to him.
A few minutes later the Vicar turned to Alasdair. “Lord Alasdair Hugh Morley, Marquess of Westcliffe, 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, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will,” he vowed.
The Vicar shifted to Willow.
“Lady Willow Rosalind Arlington 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, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
Her throat convulsed. “I…I…”
Tears pooled behind her lids and tension twisted through Alasdair. The patter of rain seemed to echo in the silence. No one spoke or moved. The Vicar cleared his throat and looked from her to Alasdair with a frown on his face.
“Willow?” Alasdair asked softly.
