you would tell me why you are getting married like this.’
Darleston was silent for a moment, and then said evenly, ‘You already know why. I married once for love and look what happened. Even as we rompéd Boney Melissa was betraying me with Barton. If it weren’t for the succession I wouldn’t marry again, but I’m damned if I want my cousin Jack to step into my shoes. And I’m damned if I want to be dodging women like Caroline for the rest of my life! This seemed a good way of securing a sensible wife who wouldn’t expect me to dance attendance on her. I don’t mean to be in love with my wife and if she cuckolds me I can divorce her without any qualms!’
George had enough sense to make no comment on this explanation. They drove the rest of the way in silence.
Just as they were about to alight at the church, Peter turned to his friend and said, ‘Thank you for bearing with me, George. I don’t mean to bully the girl or make her the scapegoat for Melissa’s sins, believe me. I just don’t want any emotional tie. But if you thinkit best I’ll speak to Miss Ffolliot before the ceremony to make sure she is not being coerced and that she perfectly understands the situation.’
George wrung his hand, ‘Better late than never!’ he agreed fervently.
They were greeted by the rector of the parish, Dr Pearson, who was a little surprised when the groom requested that he might be permitted to speak to the bride for a moment before the ceremony.
‘My lord, with all respect, this is most irregular. However, if you will wait in the vestry I will tell Miss Ffolliot when she arrives that you wish to see her.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ answered Peter, and followed the sexton to the vestry, where he awaited the bride on a very uncomfortable chair.
He was not kept waiting long. The bride, veiled and all in ivory satin, was escorted into the vestry by Dr Pearson, who then stepped outside to wait. Darleston cleared his throat, glaring at George who promptly followed the rector.
Nervously he cleared his throat and looked at his bride. He had forgotten how slender she was, almost fragile, he thought, and a faint scent of flowers accompanied her. Silently she waited for him to speak.
‘Miss Ffolliot, I realise this is a little late, but my groomsman has represented to me that you may have been coerced into taking part in this ceremony. I wished to ascertain that you had no prior claim to your affections and that you are indeed willing to marry me,’ said the Earl stiffly.
Penelope listened very carefully and decided that candour was the best approach. ‘My Lord, if I had taken you in dislike on the occasions upon which we met, or if my affections had been engaged, I shouldhave sent you a note recommending you to go to the devil. As it is I am aware that my brother’s behaviour has the potential to damage my family, so I am only too happy to marry you if it will save them pain. Like you I “formed an agreeable impression”. On that basis I am willing to become your wife.’ She felt a few qualms about her blindness and Phoebe, but told herself that his lordship would have expended more interest in selecting a new filly than he had on his marriage!
Peter blinked at his bride’s blunt assessment of the situation, but told himself firmly that she was definitely sensible, which was all to the good. ‘Thank you, Miss Ffolliot. George will be relieved that he is not assisting at a tragedy!’ he said, and could have kicked himself, but the bride said nothing as she moved to the door, although he could have sworn the odd noise she made was suppressed laughter.
Five minutes later Peter Augustus Frobisher, Earl of Darleston, was awaiting Miss Penelope Ffolliot at the altar steps, feeling that he was in for some surprises where his bride was concerned. His groomsman, on the other hand, upon noticing the bride’s twin sister in the church, had suddenly remembered an interesting piece of information about the daughters of the
Darleston was silent for a moment, and then said evenly, ‘You already know why. I married once for love and look what happened. Even as we rompéd Boney Melissa was betraying me with Barton. If it weren’t for the succession I wouldn’t marry again, but I’m damned if I want my cousin Jack to step into my shoes. And I’m damned if I want to be dodging women like Caroline for the rest of my life! This seemed a good way of securing a sensible wife who wouldn’t expect me to dance attendance on her. I don’t mean to be in love with my wife and if she cuckolds me I can divorce her without any qualms!’
George had enough sense to make no comment on this explanation. They drove the rest of the way in silence.
Just as they were about to alight at the church, Peter turned to his friend and said, ‘Thank you for bearing with me, George. I don’t mean to bully the girl or make her the scapegoat for Melissa’s sins, believe me. I just don’t want any emotional tie. But if you thinkit best I’ll speak to Miss Ffolliot before the ceremony to make sure she is not being coerced and that she perfectly understands the situation.’
George wrung his hand, ‘Better late than never!’ he agreed fervently.
They were greeted by the rector of the parish, Dr Pearson, who was a little surprised when the groom requested that he might be permitted to speak to the bride for a moment before the ceremony.
‘My lord, with all respect, this is most irregular. However, if you will wait in the vestry I will tell Miss Ffolliot when she arrives that you wish to see her.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ answered Peter, and followed the sexton to the vestry, where he awaited the bride on a very uncomfortable chair.
He was not kept waiting long. The bride, veiled and all in ivory satin, was escorted into the vestry by Dr Pearson, who then stepped outside to wait. Darleston cleared his throat, glaring at George who promptly followed the rector.
Nervously he cleared his throat and looked at his bride. He had forgotten how slender she was, almost fragile, he thought, and a faint scent of flowers accompanied her. Silently she waited for him to speak.
‘Miss Ffolliot, I realise this is a little late, but my groomsman has represented to me that you may have been coerced into taking part in this ceremony. I wished to ascertain that you had no prior claim to your affections and that you are indeed willing to marry me,’ said the Earl stiffly.
Penelope listened very carefully and decided that candour was the best approach. ‘My Lord, if I had taken you in dislike on the occasions upon which we met, or if my affections had been engaged, I shouldhave sent you a note recommending you to go to the devil. As it is I am aware that my brother’s behaviour has the potential to damage my family, so I am only too happy to marry you if it will save them pain. Like you I “formed an agreeable impression”. On that basis I am willing to become your wife.’ She felt a few qualms about her blindness and Phoebe, but told herself that his lordship would have expended more interest in selecting a new filly than he had on his marriage!
Peter blinked at his bride’s blunt assessment of the situation, but told himself firmly that she was definitely sensible, which was all to the good. ‘Thank you, Miss Ffolliot. George will be relieved that he is not assisting at a tragedy!’ he said, and could have kicked himself, but the bride said nothing as she moved to the door, although he could have sworn the odd noise she made was suppressed laughter.
Five minutes later Peter Augustus Frobisher, Earl of Darleston, was awaiting Miss Penelope Ffolliot at the altar steps, feeling that he was in for some surprises where his bride was concerned. His groomsman, on the other hand, upon noticing the bride’s twin sister in the church, had suddenly remembered an interesting piece of information about the daughters of the
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