Page 105 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

Sophia had been dreaming of her wedding since she was a girl. Evangeline doubted she had ever imagined a small ceremony in a villa courtyard in Greece, but the way she beamed at her husband-to-be, this day exceeded her expectations.

As Parson Tewksbury led Sophia and Margrave through their vows, Jonathan held Evangeline’s gaze and whispered the words.

“Till death us do part,” the parson said.

She squeezed Jonathan’s hand when a shadow fell over his face. They had many happy years ahead of them. They had survived the Semkari, and Farrin was a fugitive being hunted by the Regent’s Consul. The road ahead would be smooth.

After she and Jonathan were pronounced husband and wife, she asked why he spoke their vows twice.

“I will repeat them in my heart every day, Lady Hackberry. I’m devoted to you forever.”

Once the marriages were made official, the parson was in a rush to leave.

“Well, that’s behind us,” Aunt Beatrice said, “so let’s celebrate.”

She directed everyone to move to the dining room on the first floor north wing, where the table was filled with Evangeline’s favorite local dishes—fasolada, a white bean soup with vegetables from the garden; a savory lamb pie; and braised artichokes in olive oil.

Even her favorite sweet, baklava with its thin layers of delicate pastry drizzled with honey and sprinkled with walnuts, sat on the sideboard, waiting to be served at the end of supper. She would miss the cook’s heavenly creations when they left the villa.

Evangeline turned toward her aunt. “How did you arrange this on short notice?”

“I didn’t.” Aunt Beatrice gestured toward Jonathan. “Your husband deserves the credit.”

Color dusted his face, and he shrugged. “Leda was happy to go to the market, and Mrs. Georgiou was thrilled a wedding was being held at the villa. She always hoped for a chance to cook for a crowd, but Lord Dominic shows no interest in social gatherings.”

“Is that why he’s missing this evening?” Sophia asked.

Jonathan shook his head. “It could be he doesn’t know what to do with a house full of guests? My first few weeks lodging at the villa, I dined alone every meal.”

“He kept to himself during training,” Crispin said. “He was recruited around the same time, but he was a few months ahead of Hackberry and me. I always thought he was an arrogant arse.”

“He is,” Regina and Evangeline said in unison.

After supper, they retreated to the drawing room and Regina asked about their time in the Semkari camp. “Uncle Charles said you two were convincing as traveling performers.”

“I simply sketched portraits.” Evangeline smiled at her husband across the room. “Jonathan was the star.”

Crispin stretched his arms overhead and yawned loudly. “As fascinating as it is to hear Hackberry go on and on about frame drums, it’s growing late. Are you ready to retire, Sophia?”

“I wasn’t planning to talk about drumming,” Jonathan grumbled as the couple wished everyone goodnight and exited.

“Pay him no mind, Sir Jonathan,” Regina said. “He has no manners and never did.”

Xavier stood and extended his hand to her. “He is correct, though. It was a long day, and you’re showing signs of wilting, ma chérie.”

“Speaking of rude…” Regina scowled at him in good fun but accepted his help climbing from the sofa.

Evangeline’s great-aunt and uncle also stood.

“I should see to Cupid and give Joy a reprieve,” Aunt Beatrice said. “The poor woman hasn’t rested all day.”

“Wait for me,” Evangeline said. “I need to change out of my gown.”

Jonathan gently caught her elbow before she rushed from the room. “I took the liberty of having your belongings moved to my bedchamber. Your lady’s maid packed everything.”

“Oh!”

There was a flutter deep in her stomach. She had slept next to Jonathan in the mountains, and while it had been intimate, snuggling had been necessary to stay warm. She hadn’t thought beyond the exchanging of vows.