Page 25

The marriage ceremony passed in a blur. Vaguely aware of the white-wigged gentleman standing beside Sebastian, and her mother and Lord Bloxley behind her, Rosalind kept her eyes on the narrow red ribbon marking Mr. Baldwin’s place in the prayer book. She knew that when the rector closed those pages, her life would be forever changed.

As if from far away, she heard Mr. Baldwin’s sonorous voice recite the familiar marriage ceremony. Sebastian repeated his vows, and she echoed them. The gentleman beside him produced a ring, and Sebastian waited patiently while she fumbled to take off her glove. Then he took her hand. His was warm against her icy cold one. He slipped the gold band onto her finger.

“Please kneel,” the rector said.

Placing his hand at her back, Sebastian gently guided her to her knees. Her gown puffed out in a large cloud around her, and even though her head was bowed, she could feel him close beside her. The rector read a final prayer, pronounced them man and wife, and shut his book.

It was over. A traitorous tear leaked out from beneath Rosalind’s closed eyelids. She brushed it away and looked up at the brightly colored stained glass windows above the altar. There was light in the darkness of the apse; there would be happiness in her uncertain future. No matter how long it took, she would find it.

Sebastian rose and offered her his hand. She took it, and he helped her to her feet.

“Congratulations, my dear.” Rosalind’s mother stepped forward to greet her. After kissing her on both cheeks, her mother held her close. “I am exceedingly proud of you, Rosalind,” she whispered. “All will be well. His Grace is an honorable man and will take good care of you.”

Rosalind swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Will you come and visit me at Finley Park?” Up until this moment, they had avoided discussing their separation. Now that it was imminent, Rosalind experienced a moment of panic. “I will miss you horribly.”

Her mother smiled and ran her hand gently across Rosalind’s cheek. “You need some time to adjust to your new home and your new role without your mother interfering. But the moment you and His Grace are ready for guests, I will come.”

Rosalind could not imagine being any more needful of her mother’s steadying presence than she would be when she first took up the reins as the Duchess of Kelbrook. Unfortunately, it was unlikely that Sebastian would feel the same.

“But you will write to me often.”

“Of course I will.” Her mother released her hold on her and stepped back. “Now, go with your husband. Sign the registry, and be on your way.”

Mr. Baldwin led the way to the vestry. Sebastian offered her his arm, and they followed, with Lord Bloxley and the mysterious white-wigged gentleman bringing up the rear.

“Who did you bring as your witness, Your Grace?” Rosalind asked.

“Forgive me.” Sebastian halted. “I was so focused on the wedding ceremony, I neglected to make the proper introductions.” He turned as the two gentlemen reached them. “Rosalind, this is Mr. William Frandsen. Mr. Frandsen, my wife, Her Grace, the Duchess of Kelbrook.”

At Sebastian’s introduction, Rosalind tightened her grip on his arm. She was no longer Miss Rosalind Ainsworth. Sebastian must have guessed the cause of her stiffening because as Mr. Frandsen bowed politely, he gave her a reassuring smile.

“Mr. Frandsen is my solicitor,” he said.

His solicitor. The trust money. Rosalind put the pieces of the puzzle together in an instant.

“It is very nice to meet you, sir,” she said. “Have you met Lord Bloxley?”

“I have, Your Grace,” Mr. Frandsen said. “I am honored to be Lord Bloxley’s solicitor as well.”

Lord Bloxley grinned. “Glad to know my family’s legal documents are in such excellent company, Your Grace.”

“Likewise, Bloxley,” Sebastian said.

Mr. Baldwin stood at the vestry door. As was his wont, he cleared his throat to draw everyone’s attention. Lord Bloxley raised an eyebrow at the clergyman’s obvious impatience; Sebastian ignored it.

“I am grateful to you both for coming this morning,” Sebastian told the gentlemen. “As it seems that Mr. Baldwin is ready for us, we shall not keep you much longer.”

It took only minutes for everyone to sign the book. After exchanging a few quiet words with Sebastian, Mr. Frandsen left with purpose in his step. Lord Bloxley and Rosalind’s mother walked with Sebastian and Rosalind to the church’s front doors. The Kelbrook carriage stood waiting for them outside. Rosalind’s brown trunk was strapped to the back beside a larger black one. The rest of her luggage had gone ahead.

“Best wishes to you both,” Lord Bloxley said.

Rosalind’s mother grasped her hands. “You possess all the qualities necessary to be a marvelous wife and duchess, Rosalind. Remember that; strive for that. I promise you, it is well within your reach.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Rosalind said, her voice breaking. “I will watch for your letters.”

“And I for yours,” she said. She kissed Rosalind’s cheek once more before taking Lord Bloxley’s arm.

“I shall escort Lady Langton home as soon as you are on your way,” he said.