Page 26 of The Make-Believe Marriage
His only regret was that it would not be much of a ceremony for Syd. As for him, he did not care that it would be a five minute affair and then kicked out so another eloping couple could take their vows.
As for his brothers not being present, he knew they would understand. They were practical men and all of a similar mind about wedding ceremonies. These ceremonies were a mere formality. What mattered most were the years of marriage.
But Syd had that traditional side to her and might feel cheated.
He would find a way to make it up to her if it proved important. Of course, this assumed they would stay together.
“It is a nice room, don’t you think so, Syd?” he asked, walking back into their chamber and coming to her side when he found her staring out the front window.
“Yes, quite comfortable and cozy.” She turned to him and cast him a fragile smile that made his heart lurch.
“But you do not seem comfortable,” he remarked. “What is troubling you?”
“Nothing, Octavian. Well, nothing new.”
“Still worried that you are imposing on me?” It bothered him that she did not appreciate how lovely she was in every way. She had developed a huge chip on her shoulder due to being raised by an ineffective and often cold mother, and a selfish, wastrel of a father. Whatever doubts she felt about her own worth were only made worse by the snide comments and cruel slights she had endured once out in Society.
Her intelligence was regarded as a mark of insolence.
Her strength of character branded her as difficult and a troublemaker. Well, she certainly was a load of trouble.
But she made him feel more alive than he had ever felt, and he had led a fairly interesting and adventurous life. Syd had not traveled as extensively as he had, nor did she have much experience beyond her book learning.
Still, she held her own against him.
She challenged him constantly, but mostly in a good way.
In truth, she was an inspiration to him because she believed passionately about her causes and would not let the petty thinking of others dissuade her from doing what was right. Her knowledge of medicine was impressive and all of it self-taught because Society and her own family frowned upon her desire for a higher education.
This did not stop Syd from quietly working toward her goal.
Did she realize how much he admired her for overcoming those odds?
Or did she only notice when he rebuked her? He only did so when she was about to run into danger. Ah, well. In time, she might come to accept that he liked her fire and spirit. He had no intention of stifling her, but he was bloody well going to protect her.
He drew aside the curtain so that they could both look out with ease. It was not long before the gentle rain became a gushing torrent, and the courtyard turned into a sea of mud. “Goodness,” Syd remarked, “that came on fast.”
He grunted in agreement. “I hope it moves out fast, too.”
She inhaled lightly. “Octavian, what if it doesn’t? Will we ride on to Gretna Green anyway?”
“I don’t know. Hopefully, we can. I’d like us to keep moving.”
“Because you are worried that Sir Henry and my father will catch up to us? Let’s hope they are days behind us still. I knowyou are eager to get the marriage over and done, but we mustn’t act rashly.”
Syd being the voice of reason?
That was a rare occurrence.
He arched an eyebrow. “I am not the one who ever acts…never mind. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
She harrumphed. “I know what you were about to say, and it is very mean of you. I do not ever act rashly. Well, only sometimes. Why are ladies thought of as impulsive and men who behave in the same way are deemed decisive and born leaders?”
Octavian avoided the question he preferred not to answer since it would only get him into deeper trouble.
Now, she looked insulted.
He did not blame her. “Are you hungry?” he asked, eager to change the topic of conversation. “Shall I order a meal brought to our room?”
