Page 77 of Bound to a Wicked Duke

“Likewise the same Saint Paul, writing to the Colossians, speaketh thus to all men that are married; Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

“I could never be bitter against you,” Percy reassured Madeleine softly. He raised her hand to kiss it, and she smiled sweetly back at him.

“Hear also what Saint Peter, the Apostle of Christ, who was himself a married man, saith unto them that are married; ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge; giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.”

Cecil snorted at the idea of his sister being a weaker vessel. Percy chuckled but said nothing.

“Hitherto ye have heard the duty of the husband toward the wife. Now likewise, ye wives, hear and learn your duties toward your husbands, even as it is plainly set forth in holy scripture.” The minister turned his gaze toward the women of the congregation causing some of the women to look quite uncomfortable.

“Saint Paul, in the aforenamed epistle to the Ephesians, teacheth you thus; wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. And again he saith, let the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

Percy and Madeleine exchanged a look. They had talked about this part of the ceremony the night before the wedding. They had agreed on mutual respect and love but that their marriage would be different from so many others that they had seen. Madeleine’s father had always included her mother in the running of the estate, and Madeleine expected the same of Percy. Percy had agreed, glad to be in a true partnership with someone of intellect and friendship.

They had also agreed that neither of them would be expected to blindly obey the other but would decide things for their family together. Blind obedience to her husband is what had resulted in Percy’s mother dying in childbirth in spite of the doctor’s advising otherwise. Percy had loved his parents both equally, but he would not have such a marriage as theirs for himself.

The minister droned on, “And in his Epistle to the Colossians, Saint Paul giveth you this short lesson; wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”

Percy gave Madeleine an imperceptible shake of the head to affirm that it would not be so with them.

“Saint Peter also doth instruct you very well, thus saying; ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible; even the ornamentof a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

The minister continued on praying rendering more blessings upon the couple ranging from living a good life to being fruitful and bearing children. Then he delivered a further sermon of his own opinions of the duties of a man to his wife, and a wife to her husband, before giving them both the holy sacrament. Rising from communion, the happy couple turned and faced the crowd, relieved that the ceremony was at last over. A loud cheer went up, and Percy drew Madeleine into his arms, kissing her soundly.

“My wife,” he whispered against her lips.

“My husband,” she whispered back.

“Partners,” he reaffirmed in reassurance of her heart.

“Always and forever,” she replied, smiling up at him.

Percy kissed her again then the happy couple left the church. The congregation had gathered outside to wish them well with cheers and shouts of good wishes and some more bawdy marital advice from some of Percy’s young gentleman friends. Madeleine blushed but accepted it all in good humor. Percy pulled her tight against his side and shouted for the worst of the lot to be still.

All those in attendance retreated to Stonefield Manor where a wedding breakfast was served by the household staff. The assembled guests toasted the newlyweds, wishing them a long and happy life together. Once breakfast was concluded, Percy gathered his wife into a waiting carriage to more shouts and some tears on the part of the Countess. Madeleine waved goodbye to her family and snuggled in next to her husband on the seat.

“Where to, Your Grace?” the driver asked, from atop the carriage.

“To Greyhall,” Percy instructed the driver. “And to bliss.” Then he gathered his wife into his arms and kissed her with all of the love in his heart.

EPILOGUE

When they arrived at Greyhall, all of the household servants were lined up outside to greet them. Greyhall was a massive stone edifice, but it did not intimidate Madeleine. She had been there many times as a child and was familiar with the house, the land, and the older servants. Percy stepped out of the carriage and offered her his hand. “Welcome home, Your Grace,” he murmured smiling.

Madeleine smiled in return and stepped out of the carriage. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

The elderly stablemaster came around to take the horses. “Welcome home, Your Graces.”

Madeleine smiled widely in greeting. Gregor had always been a favorite of hers, and she of him. “Gregor, it is good to see you.”

“As it is you, Your Grace. The Duke could not have chosen a better duchess.”

Madeleine blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, Gregor.”

“My pleasure, Your Grace.” Gregor bowed. A young boy ran up to stand beside Gregor. He had the biggest blue eyes that Madeleine had ever seen. He was too thin by half with dark stains on his hands and circles under his eyes. Whatever his history might have been, it appeared that he was clean and well cared for now.

“And who is this?” Madeleine asked with a smile.

“This is Mr. Tobias Matthews, our newest stable hand,” Percy introduced the young lad with obvious pride in his voice.

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