Page 41 of A Rogue to Ensnare

Once in the carriage, Siobhan was grateful for the young women, whose presence would keep any awkwardness at bay.

“I hope you do not mind that Corrine and I wished to join you. We were bored senseless,” Penelope said by way of greeting.

“I think Lord Miles is cross at us for coming,” Corrine accused. “But her grace insisted he bring us.”

Siobhan could not help but giggle, noticing Miles gave his sister and friend a droll look. “I normally would not mind. However, this is our first outing, and I’d hoped for more privacy.”

He covered Siobhan’s hand with his, sending shivers up her arm. Both girl’s eyes widened, and they exchanged looks.

“Pretend we are not here,” Penelope instructed, her eyes pinned to their hands.

Miles shook his head and chuckled.

As expected, they drew much attention, with people greeting them and then whispering to companions as soon as they passed. Siobhan, Penelope, and Corrine spent the time counting how many people began to chatter about them. Instead of feeling awkward and uncomfortable at the public scrutiny, the girls made it fun. When people greeted them, they heard the girls’ giggles after they’d passed, which in turn caused more curious looks.

At returning to her home, Miles walked her to the door, his gaze lingering on hers overly long. Siobhan herself found it hard to tear her eyes from him. There was a playful quiver on his lips.

“We will have time alone soon enough,” he stated, bringing heat to her cheeks. “All the time we wish.”

“I still cannot believe we are to marry. Are you sure not to be troubled?” Siobhan searched his face, hoping to read if he was truthful in his reply.

He let out a breath. “I had not planned to marry yet. In truth, if left to my own devices, I wouldn’t marry until old and gray. That being said, rest assured, I am pleased to marry you, Siobhan.”

Unsure if his reply made her feel better, all she managed in answer was to nod and smile. “I will see you at the engagement gala then?”

His brows drew together. “Yes.” He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to her lips. It was quite forward to do it in plain view of anyone passing. The street was deserted, the only witnesses, two giggling girls staring at them in wide-eyed fascination.

Chapter Eleven

Two Months later…

“You look beautiful,” Amelia stated walking in a circle around Siobhan. “I am truly happy for you.”

The wedding gown was not as elaborate as most brides’ since Siobhan preferred simpler designs. But in her opinion, it was perfect. The bodice was snug, with a square neckline that flattered her full chest. From the waist, the skirts flowed to the floor in waves of white satin and lace. Her ebony tresses were pulled up and away from her face, into a simple but beautiful upsweep that allowed for her curls to cascade down past Siobhan’s shoulders.

In truth, she found it hard to recognize the woman in the mirror. Her sky-blue eyes shone with excitement and nerves, and her cheeks were naturally pinkened by all the activities of preparation.

She turned from side to side, loving the way the skirts swung. “I feel beautiful.”

There was a discreet knock on the door and a maid peered in. “It is time.”

Both Amelia and her mother rushed to Siobhan, reaching out as if to tug her, but then drawing back unsure how to usher her forward.

“I will not escape,” Siobhan assured them. “Do not fret.”

Her mother gave her a suspicious look. “I will ensure you will not by not leaving your side until you are standing beside Lord Miles at the front of the church.”

The church wasn’t far. They’d decided to marry at her family’s church instead of the chapel on the Johnstone estate. The celebration after their service would be at the estate, however.

As if she were in a dream, Siobhan could barely feel her feet touch the ground as she walked through the front entrance of the large, ornate church. Her father approached and presented his arm to her. Immediately her eyes stung with happy tears and Siobhan pressed her lips together in an effort to keep from crying.

“Now, do not cry, we will look foolish sobbing through our walk.” Her father’s eyes were bright with emotion. “Let us give you away, dear lass.”

Somehow she managed to make the long trek to the front of the church without falling apart. The entire time, she kept her eyes on Miles. Dressed in cream and white, he was—as always—perfection, a beautiful man. With each step closer to him, Siobhan became more certain that he was the only man for her. He was the beginning and end of everything she’d ever desired.

Although he seemed relaxed by outward appearances, upon nearing, she noticed how he swallowed visibly every so often. She smiled at him, hoping to convey with her eyes that all would be well. That she would strive to make him happy and that he’d never regret having to marry her.

The vicar’s words flowed over her like a warm breeze, every syllable filling her heart as they repeated the vows.