Page 74 of Bound to a Wicked Duke

Percy shook his head. “Not a one.”

Cecil grinned. “Good. It does my soul good to see you both so happy. Madeleine has blossomed in the absence of her previous fears.”

Percy’s grin faded a bit.

Cecil frowned in concern. “What is it? Do you still hold fears? Surely the curse’s hold has released its power over your heart and mind.”

Percy nodded. “It has, for the most part. Occasionally it will rear its ugly head in the realm of my doubts and fears. I love your sister so much. I do not want to lose her.”

Cecil laid a reassuring hand on Percy’s shoulder. “Your grandmother told our mothers that you would not lose Madeleine until you are both old and grey. Do you still believe in your grandmother’s visions?”

Percy nodded. “I do. It is just my love for her is so strong that I cannot help the fears that arise.”

Cecil gave Percy’s shoulder a squeeze. “Do not let the fears win.”

Percy shook his head. “Never. She is mine now and unto eternity.”

Cecil nodded, smiling. “Now go and tell her that.” He clapped his friend on the back. “Let us get you two married.”

The two men left Cecil’s room and made their way down the stairs to the foyer below where the Earl awaited them. “Are you ready?” the Earl asked his future son in law.

“I am. Is she?” Percy asked, his heart racing in anticipation of spending the rest of his life with the woman that he loved.

The Earl smiled widely. “Take a look for yourself.” He gestured for Percy to look behind him.

Percy turned and looked up to find Madeleine descending the stairs. His breath caught in his throat as his heart stuttered in his chest. She was resplendent in a gown made of white lace with silver roses embroidered around the waist and falling in a cascade down the front of the dress to the hem. Her lady’s maid had intertwined silver ribbons and red and pink roses into her beautiful dark hair.

“My love,” he breathed, as he climbed up to meet her. “You look stunning.”

Madeleine smiled. “As do you.” She reached out and touched the red rose bud pinned to his chest.

Percy smiled at her tenderly. “Are you ready to become my wife?”

“I am.” Madeleine’s smile widened. “Are you ready to become my husband?”

Percy chuckled. “Dear God, yes,” he replied, pulling her into his arms. “For now, and always.”

“Let us get thee married before you embarrass yourselves further,” Cecil jested as he urged them all towards the waiting carriages. Madeleine, Emily, and the Countess rode in onecarriage while the Earl, the Viscount, Cecil, and Percy rode in another.

Once they reached the parish church, they disembarked. “I will see you soon,” Percy murmured, kissing Madeleine’s hand, then he turned and entered the church. He had arranged for the local parish minister to read the banns for the last three Sundays. Now, the minister stood beaming in approval at the front of the church, content that all of the proper pre-ceremonial duties had been performed. Percy went to stand beside him.

The Viscount entered with Emily on his arm, beaming in adoration at his wife, happy with his own life. Percy smiled at the sight. He knew he would be the same way in years to come. After them came Cecil with his mother on his arm. The family took their seats in the front of the church. Finally, came the Earl with his beautiful daughter. Percy’s heart raced with excitement as she drew closer then came to a stop in front of him.

The Earl took Madeleine’s hand and placed it in Percy’s. “To you I entrust my daughter. Take good care of her and bring her happiness always.”

“I will,” Percy promised then the couple turned to face the minister.

The minister opened the Book of Common Prayer and began reading from it. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’sinnocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.”

Percy looked at Madeleine, and they shared a secret smile. They both knew more than a few things about carnal lust. Flashes of the intimacy that they had shared darted through both of their minds. Oblivious to their shared moment, the minister went on with his speech.

“First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.”

Percy and Madeleine shared another private look. The words of his grandmother echoed through their minds. They would have children, and they would live long and happy lives. Not all families were so blessed, and they knew that better than most.

“Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.”

Cecil snickered in the front pew, and Percy shot him a reproachful look. Cecil shrugged his shoulders but quieted down. Madeleine blushed bright pink but kept her eyes forward.

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