Page 40 of A Scandal Before Christmas
Theodore’s eyes were still that dark indigo shade. A muscle in his jaw ticked, a sure indicator he was upset with her lack of faith.
“I meant it to be a surprise,” he explained gruffly.” A sort of wedding gift, if you will.”
There was nothing she could say, so she just nodded, drowning in misery that she’d upset him.
After a few uncomfortable minutes of silence, Theodore released her arm. Rising from the bench, he stood gazing down at her, his face now an inscrutable mask.
“I shall let our mothers know of my arrival and that the wedding shall occur in the morning. Place those documents somewhere safe.”
With a quick pivot on his heel, Theodore left her there in the garden amongst the winter roses.
The breeze fanning her cheeks seemed chillier than any she’d felt all winter.
A repayment, perhaps, for her own betrayal.
Chapter 20
It was done.
They were wed.
After attending the traditional wedding breakfast, they now fulfilled their social obligation by taking tea in the Gold Parlor with their mothers, Reverend Hapstone and his wife, and Hawthorne Green’s closest neighbors, the elderly Earl and Countess of Dragmore.
Theodore lifted Lauren’s hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it while she chewed the corner of her lip in a gesture he’d discovered long ago indicated overwhelming nervousness.
His new wife was uncharacteristically quiet, notwithstanding the fact she’d become the new Countess of Hawthorne two hours prior to this moment. When he released her, she again stared at the huge, teardrop-shaped sapphire ring on her left hand. It was the ring he should have placed on her finger months ago, and a possessive thrill shot through him knowing she was finally, legally his wife.
She’d not had much to say since their chat in the garden the day before. He found himself reluctant to speak of the incident as well, and at dinner the previous evening, they were both content to allow their mothers to carry the conversation.
Theodore could not honestly say he wasn’t still angry. Lauren’s rapid decline into a state of mistrusting his motives hurt more than he wanted to admit. Knowing she’d wanted to hide her suspicions bothered him even more. He had no wish for his wife to keep anything from him, and he never wanted her too frightened to question his motives or offer opinions if she had different views.
But then, he’d not handled things very well either. In the face of her sincere apology, he’d stormed off like a spoiled child when he could have accepted it, and then apologized in turn for not understanding how she might take the gossip swirling around their scandalous elopement.
He sighed heavily, snaking an arm around her waist. Lauren gave him a startled glance, excusing herself from the lively conversation their mothers were currently having on how best to break the news to theton.
“Countess, if you would like a bit of privacy, we can retire to our chambers. The others will not mind. In fact, it is probably expected.”
Lauren’s eyes widened a little, and for a breath, Theodore thought she might refuse. She stood silent for a long moment, then shyly nodded in agreement.
Theodore wasted no time in making their excuses, and as they made their departure, a round of applause erupted. Lauren flushed such a blazing shade of red it was possible she might be in danger of passing out. Her bouquet, a mix of the red winter roses and bright green and white mistletoe, trembled in her hand. Was she frightened of being alone with him, or truly embarrassed by the attention from their guests?
Shaking his head at Anne, who waited outside the parlor ready to assist her mistress at a moment’s notice, Theodore escorted Lauren to the base of the wide, curving staircase.
“I’ll handle things from here, Anne. Thank you, though.” He shot the maid a wink, which sent her into a blushing fit as well. “We’ll ring for you later to bring up a light meal.”
Lauren did not say a word, merely pressed her lips tighter and allowed Theodore to lead her up the marble stair treads. Once they reached his suite of rooms, Theodore tossed off his formal coat and raked a hand through his chestnut hair.
He allowed his gaze to roam over his little bride. She stood in the middle of the largest room, appearing both fascinated and apprehensive..
Theodore’s features softened. How he loved her. Even if she still mistrusted him, he still worshipped the ground she walked.
“You look so beautiful in that gown, Lauren. Stunning, in fact.”
Her eyes fell to the bodice of the dress and the tiny seed pearls decorating the bodice. “Thank you. It is really my wedding dress, the one I was supposed to wear before. Mother brought it with her from London.” Her fingers traced the lace trim of the veil in the coil of silky brown hair. Soft tendrils escaped the low chignon, teasing her neck and tempting his hands to stroke her skin. “The veil, too. I told her I did not need to wear it this morning, but she insisted.”
“I’m glad she did. It is perfection on you.” Theodore stepped closer, his forefinger grazing the line of her jaw and lifting her chin until she stared into his eyes. “May I help you disrobe?”
“Yes.”
