Page 89 of A Convenient Fiction

How could it when Alex was waiting at the front of the church, looking at her so intently? He took her hand in his as he repeated the vicar’s words in a deep, strong voice, giving every indication that he meant them.

Laura almost believed he did. And yet…

She couldn’t escape the feeling that it was all for show. The way he looked at her. The way he recited his vows. It was for the benefit of those in attendance. The friends and neighbors she’d be left with if he departed for France—or wherever it was he proposed to disappear to.

He wasn’t pledging his life to hers. He was saving her reputation. Quelling the gossip for good and all. He didn’t mean any of it.

Laura wished she could say the same.

To her the vows were a sacred contract. She knew she would honor them, that she’d remain faithful to Alex Archer for the whole of her life.

A melancholy thought.

He might leave her in three months. And then where would she be? A wife in name only. Nothing but her ring, and her wedding lines, to prove she had a husband.

The ceremony was over before she knew it. She faced the wedding guests on Alex’s arm, feeling flushed and breathless, and very married indeed.

“Mrs. Archer,” Yardley said, pumping her hand. “I wanted to be the first to say it.”

Aunt Charlotte sniffled into her handkerchief. “Oh, Laura. If only my brother were here to see you! How like Her Majesty you look when she wed our dear Prince Albert. The same white dress and flower crown. So elegant. So beautiful.”

“She looks nothing like the Queen,” Teddy said. “Except for her dress being white, and even that doesn’t bear any resemblance.”

“It’s a compliment of the first order,” Aunt Charlotte said.

“No,” Teddy replied firmly. “It isn’t.”

When they left the church, Squire Talbot’s carriage was waiting. It was draped with the same blooms and greenery as had been used to adorn the church.

“It will convey you both back to Bramble Cottage.” Henrietta embraced Laura, her voice dropping to a whisper. “By the by, I’ve torn up the note you signed. You may consider that twenty pounds my wedding gift to you.”

“Thank you, Hen.” Laura hugged her back. “And for the flowers in the church. You made everything so lovely.”

“Good luck, Laura.” Henrietta extended her hand to Alex, her manner suddenly formal. “And to you, Mr. Archer. I trust you will take care of her.”

“I intend to, Miss Talbot.”

Seconds later, Alex assisted Laura up into the carriage. He climbed in after her, taking a seat at her side. The wedding guests who had come outside to see them off gave a little cheer.

Laura waved to her aunt and brother. They would follow in the vicar’s carriage, along with Yardley, back to Bramble Cottage where Mrs. Crabtree had prepared a wedding breakfast.

“You do look beautiful,” Alex said as the horses sprang into motion. “Beautiful, and happy.” He studied her face. “Are you happy?”

She smiled. “Shouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “Given the circumstances…”

“The circumstances aren’t as grim as you imagine.” Laura had been reminding herself of that fact all morning. “First you saved my life, and now you’ve saved my reputation. I have no cause to be anything but grateful to you.”

His mouth quirked. “Gratitude isn’t the precise emotion I was hoping to inspire from you on our wedding day.”

She slipped her hand into his. “It’s more than gratitude.”

He made no reply, but his fingers closed around hers with a possessive strength.

“I had a thought this morning,” she said after a long moment. “A somewhat revolutionary one.”

“Did you?”