Page 84 of Rogue’s Holiday

He crossed the room to stand in front of her, forcing her to lift her head to look into his handsome face. He took her hands and dropped onto one knee. “I came to tell you I love you, to promise my fidelity for all time and to ask you to be my wife.”

“My father—”

“Has already given me his blessing.”

His face shone like a saint’s, his manner so penitent, so sincere. Still, something inside her hesitated. “He said nothing to me of that.”

The rogue smiled. “There was no reason for him to do so.” He got to his feet. “Chastity, you will marry me, you know. You love me and I you. Forget the past and think of our future, think of the children we will have.”

“I shall do as you ask. I will think on it. Tomorrow is my sister’s wedding. Will you be there?”

“At the wedding breakfast, most assuredly, as will my uncle, for he comes to see your friend, Rose.”

With that, he kissed her lightly on the lips and bid her good day. “Tomorrow it shall be.”

Chastity inclined her head to get a good look at her eldest sister standing next to her very acceptable groom in front of the good minister, who read their vows from the Book of Common Prayer. Pen looked lovely in a purple silk gown with white silk roses across the top of the bodice and adorning the scallops at the hem. In her hair were the strings of pearls Chastity had imagined would be among her wedding finery. She appeared happy with her groom and her life. Chastity would have been bored to think of it. She longed for excitement and travel and, yes, she admitted to herself, if God granted, even children.

Sir Robert was not at the service and she didn’t expect him to be. It was a small affair for only family and their closest friends. Rose was among them. With all the last-minute errands she was assigned, Chastity had not been able to speak to her friend but there would be time at the wedding breakfast where the crowd would descend. She wanted to tell her about Sir Robert’s proposal and her inclination to accept. The thought of it made her heart pound in her chest. With her father’s blessing, whatever reservations she had were gone.

The rings were exchanged and the happy couple proceeded down the aisle to the applause of all.

“You look beautiful in lavender, Chastity,” said Rose, coming alongside her. Rose’s gown of jonquil silk was the perfect balance to her dark coloring. “Are those satin slippers new?”

“There wasn’t time to design new ones but these are my latest creation. I merely embroidered lavender flowers on the toes.”

“I have something to tell you,” Rose said as they left the church together.

“What?” Chastity asked, wondering what had put that smile on her friend’s face.

“I am to marry M’sieur Donet!”

Chastity stared at her friend, amazed. Tears blurred her vision. “When did this happen?”

“Oh, he has been ever so attentive. While we were still in Brighton, he came to Northampton to ask my parents for my hand. And when he proposed yesterday, he was very romantic, asking me in both English and French. Of course, I said yes. I never expected to have such a husband, Chas. I am so happy!”

“And I am happy for you. Of all your suitors, I like him the very best.” They paused outside the church as the carriages came forward to receive the wedding party. “I also have had a proposal, Rose.”

“Sir Robert?”

“Yes, he came yesterday to ask me. And he had my father’s blessing.” Then thinking on the timing, Chastity added, “It seems they were both secretive in gaining our fathers’ approval.”

“Well, they would, wouldn’t they? After all, they wanted to be sure their proposals would be favored by our families.”

“I assume my father has told my mother, but she has said nothing to me.”

“So, Chas, what did you say to Sir Robert’s proposal?”

“Nothing. That is, I have not given him my answer as yet. But he will be at the wedding breakfast with your fiancé so I will have a chance to speak to him then.”

“And what will your answer be?”

Chastity’s smile began slowly until it illuminated her entire presence. “Guess.”

“Congratulations,” Robbie said to his uncle. “You have won the hand of the fair Rose.”

“I believe my parents will be pleased. An English Rose for a half-English Donet. My family will love her as will my tenants in Saintonge.”

“Where will you be married?”