Page 20 of Revealing a Rogue
Landon gripped her hand. “Are you nervous?”
“Aren’t you?”
He shook his head. “I’ve no concerns about marrying you.”
Landon reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the rondure and a shiny ring with a unique stone in the center. Landon slipped the coin back into his pocket. The freedom to be herself over the past few days had lulled her into believing he was simply a man ready to wed. But in truth, Landon was an extremely wealthy and powerful man in need of a wife. How could he have no misgivings about marrying her?
She didn’t believe love was required to make a marriage successful, but as the days had passed, she had begun to wish for him to utter the foolish words. He desired her, as she lusted for him. Was it enough?
Landon reached for her hand. “This ring is for you, a symbol of my true intentions. But before I give it to you, I want you to know that while it is my wish to marry you, I will not force you or order you to marry me.” He placed the ring in the center of her palm and closed her fingers over it. “If you decide to wear it, I’ll know you believe me when I say there is no other woman for me.” He placed a chaste kiss upon her hand and exited the travel coach, leaving the door open behind him.
Landon was no liar; if she decided to change her decision, he’d most likely ensure the blame fell upon him. She opened her hand and peered at the ring. Exquisite pink gems surrounded her birthstone.
Willa peeked her head in. “Is something the matter?”
She needed a moment to think—alone. Clutching the ring tight in her hand, she shifted her skirts about. “I can’t come out, there’s a tear in the side of my gown.” The lie rolled off her tongue, and she immediately regretted it.
“Not to worry. I’ll fetch you a coat.” Willa disappeared.
For the first time since Landon’s initial proposal, Bronwyn believed that the decision to marry was solely hers. Previously she had amassed arguments for and against marrying a titled gentleman who happened to also be a PORF. This time, she swiftly ran through the advantages and disadvantages of marrying Landon, the version of the man she’d come to know during their journey.
A great coat appeared in the doorway. Bronwyn’s hand trembled as she slipped the ring onto her finger—a perfect fit. With a burst of warmth in her heart, Bronwyn rose and exited the coach. Feet on the ground, and the coat was wrapped about her shoulders. Landon’s scent tickled her nose.
In a teasing tone, her betrothed said, “Last chance to change your mind.”
She linked her arm through his and rested her hand upon his forearm. Bronwyn tapped her finger and was pleased to see Landon’s dimple appear as he caught sight of the ring. She grinned and said, “You shall be stuck with me for life.”
“Wonderful.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss before all and sundry. “The innkeeper is ready whenever you are.”
Willa nervously stood in front of them, blocking their way. “My lord. Bronwyn—” Willa shook her head at her mistake and then continued, “I meanmy mistressis not yet ready. Emma will kill me if Bronwyn doesn’t wear the bridal gown that she labored on all night.”
It was going to take some time for Willa, like herself, to adjust to their new positions, but together they would muddle through.
Landon smiled, but his devilish dimple failed to appear. “We wouldn’t want to cause Emma upset now, would we? I shall wait.”
Hauled into the cozy inn, which appeared to be connected to a blacksmith shop, Bronwyn gave into Willa’s every demand. Her friend, now maid, tugged, pulled and pushed every strand upon her head until her scalp ached.
Bronwyn exhaled the last particle of air that remained in her lungs as Willa tied her stays strings tight. “I suppose I’ll have to address you as Peyton after I’m married.”
“And I shall refer to you as my lady.”
Bronwyn raised her hand and stuck out her little finger in the air. “Only in the company of others?”
Willa shook her head. “We’ve been friends ever since we were children, and we shall always remain friends. I’m honored you chose me, but if I’m to succeed, I need you to become the lady I know you are.”
Blast!Why did Willa have to always speak the truth? Bronwyn should have known there would be drawbacks to having a trusted friend as a maid. Willa was right. By day’s end, she would become Countess Hadfield, and she had best learn to behave like a lady and quickly. First, she’d start by thinking and referring to her friend as Peyton.
Peyton bent down and removed a simple white gown with an intricate white lace overlay from one of her traveling trunks.
Bronwyn gaped at the dress. Emma’s creation was splendid.
Peyton held up the dress to her body and spun. “It’s the adult version of the white shift we used to wear when play-acting as children.”
“Aye, except it was Emma who always wore the dress, and I wore breeches.”
They both giggled as Peyton assisted Bronwyn into the dress.
As each button slipped into place, Bronwyn’s anxiety increased. What if she made a hash of their wedding night?
