Page 60 of The Duke of Ruin
“No, you can’t,” the woman said apologetically. “Another couple will be along shortly, and then you’ll have to wait.”
Diana looked to Simon. “Then we’d best go in.”
She took his arm again as they made their way into the next room. A couple was just leaving through another door, and the young man was closing it behind them. A second man came toward them with a broad grin.
“Welcome to Gretna! I’m Robert Elliot. I understand I have the distinct honor of marrying a duke today.”
Simon nodded. “I’m the Duke of Romsey. This is my bride, Miss Diana Kingman, and her cousin, Her Grace, the Duchess of Blackburn.”
“My goodness, such esteemed company.” Elliott puffed up his wide chest and stood a bit taller. “Have you paid the fee?”
Simon took his arm from Diana’s grip and reached into his coat for the money, then handed it to the man. “I believe this is more than sufficient.”
Elliot looked down. “Yes, indeed, thank you.” He handed it off to the woman who’d greeted them in the other room. “This is my wife. Is there anything you require before the ceremony?”
“Is there a ceremony?” Diana asked. They’d been told at the inn in Carlisle last night that they could simply declare their wish to marry, and as long as they had two witnesses, that was all it took.
It was laughably simple, once you made the arduous journey to get there.
“There can be,” Elliott said. “You’re welcome to recite vows. But it isn’t necessary. I just need your names and your witnesses for the register.”
Simon turned to Diana. “What do you wish to do?”
She was quiet a moment then asked, “What doyouwant to do?”
“I’ve been married before,” he said. “You haven’t. I will do whatever you wish.”
“You’ve been married before?” Elliott asked, sounding a bit alarmed.
“His wife is deceased,” Verity said softly.
Elliott nodded. “I’ll be over at the register while you decide.” He moved to a table where a book lay open.
Diana looked at Verity. “Does it matter if we say vows? It feels…strange to do so in a blacksmith shop. But then maybe it would feel strange regardless.”
“Say the vows,” Verity said with a small smile. “You won’t regret it. And if you don’t, well, you may decide later that you wish you had.”
That was an excellent point, and yet Simon was a little frightened about repeating them. Miriam had never felt more present, and he didn’t like the sensation.
Diana took a breath and turned determinedly toward the register. “Let us sign our names, then.”
Simon touched her arm. “What about the vows?”
“I appreciate what Verity said, but I don’t need to say them, nor do I need to hear them. They’re just words.” She tipped her head to the side. “Unless you really want to. It’s just… I thought…” She looked away. “Never mind.”
He stroked his thumb along her forearm. “What?”
She returned her gaze to his. “As you said, you’ve done this before. Had a wedding and recited vows. This one is quite different—so why not make it so in every way?”
The apprehension bubbling inside him settled. Yes, it was quite different. “What a thoughtful sentiment.”
They went to the register, where they signed their names. Verity signed hers next, then she handed the pen to Mrs. Elliott. “Thank you for serving as witness.”
“Happy to, Your Grace.” Mrs. Elliott put her name to the paper.
Elliott blinked at Simon. “Do you have a ring?”
He’d thought of that, but there’d been no time. Still, he regretted not having one. “No.”
