Page 61 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Chapter Twenty

The clock struck eleven when Mr. Balfour walked through the door of the study. Another man accompanied him, a minister, Sophie realized, along with a woman she assumed was the housekeeper. Sophie didn’t fully understand what was happening, other than she was marrying Adam MacAlister this very night.

The minister smiled and greeted her as if being roused late at night to perform a wedding was the most natural thing in the world. He had a large book tucked beneath his arm. The registry, she would wager.

Mr. Balfour had barely made the introductions when Adam returned. Sophie had to admit she’d never been so glad to see anyone. He produced the marriage license, then took her hand and held it as the minister conducted the service.

Her head whirled and, despite the fact marrying Adam posthaste had been her plan, when the minister said the words “Do you, Sophie Shaw, take this man to be your husband?” they echoed in her head like a cannon boom.

When he finished, she had to force her reply. “I do.”

He faced Adam. “Do you, Adam Scott, take this woman to be your wife?”

Adam Scott? Sophie snapped her head up to meet Adam’s gaze.

He looked at her without expression. “I do.”

To Sophie’s shock, Adam produced a sapphire ring from his jacket pocket, then he repeated the vows after the minister and slipped the ring on her finger.

The minister then glanced around the room. “Will you who have witnessed these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

Mr. Balfour and his housekeeper replied in unison, “We will.”

The minister said in a loud voice, “Those whom God has joined together let no man put asunder.”

“You must seal the pact with a kiss,” Mr. Balfour said.

Pact? Sophie fisted her hands. The man was a brute.

Adam pulled her close and his mouth descended on hers. Their lips touched and, unlike the other night in the garden, this kiss was gentle. She almost wondered if he was apologizing. He broke the embrace, and Mr. Balfour and Mrs. Childers signed the registry as witnesses. Sophie’s hand shook as she signed her name. A headache began to pound behind her eyes. All she wanted to do was return to her room, close the door, and sleep for a week. Adam stepped up and signed his name Adam Scott. She stared at his signature, and fear began a slow crawl through her belly.

Mr. Balfour clapped him on the back. “How does it feel to be a married man, Monthemer?”

“Monthemer?” Sophie blurted.

“The title sounds strange at first, do you not agree, Lady Monthemer?” Mr. Balfour asked.

Sophie’s heart pounded. Monthemer? The room spun.

“I will call for champagne,” Mr. Balfour said.

Adam shook his head and slipped an arm around her waist. She started to break free, but his hold tightened.

“Nae,” Adam said. “I believe my bride and I should go. You understand.”

A strange light appeared in Mr. Balfour’s eyes. “Indeed, I do. Which is why I have made arrangements for you to stay here tonight.”

“Stay here, tonight?” Sophie glared up at Adam.

“Thank you, but there is no need for you to put yourself out,” Adam said. “Let me send her home, then you and I can conclude our business.”

Business? So, Adam, the Marquess of Monthemer, was involved in criminal activities.

Mr. Balfour shook his head. “This is your wedding night. You cannot send your bride home alone. I already have a room prepared for you.”

Anger tightened her insides. She wanted to punch Adam in the stomach as hard as she could. “Surely, you understand that I would rather be home,” she said through gritted teeth.

“It is late,” Mr. Balfour replied. “I really must insist.”