A Sinful Surrender by Laura Trentham

Author:Laura Trentham
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

With tears blurring her vision, she allowed Marcus to lead her to the black hackney waiting in front of the town house and hand her inside. O’Connell tipped his hat to her from the opposite squab and smiled, his eyes scrunching under his fuzzy eyebrows. “M’lady.”

“Not yet, but I suppose I will be soon enough. How are you this morning, O’Connell?” She did her best to beat back the threatening tears. This was her wedding day, after all.

“Right enough. I wasn’t sure the laddie would talk you away from your family.” The man’s smile didn’t disappear, but worry stole his twinkle.

The parting with her parents had been more painful than she’d imagined. The finality of it had been funereal. “You’re my family now.”

O’Connell patted her knee in a paternal fashion. His hand was large and worn with deep grooves and calluses. She grabbed hold and gave it a squeeze. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.

Marcus swung inside, sitting close to her, his thigh touching hers. The hack jolted forward. Dust motes danced in the early morning light.

“Where are we going?” Her life had shifted course, and she was blind to the coming twists and turns.

“Chelsea Old Church. A childhood friend took the orders and will marry us.”

The speed with which everything was happening disoriented her. She would be a married woman by teatime, and no longer a maiden by morning. Stealing a glance at Marcus, she let her gaze linger on his bare, broad hands. A flutter of excitement broke free from her nerves like a butterfly from a cocoon.

Silence settled over the three of them. The journey seemed to take forever, yet at the same time, she wasn’t ready when the hack pulled to a stop in front of the redbrick church. It wasn’t as large or intimidating as the grander cathedrals around London.

Marcus helped her out of the carriage and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. O’Connell followed with her satchel. When Delilah cast her gaze toward the old man, then up at Marcus, he answered her unasked question. “O’Connell will act as witness and stand as my friend. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Delilah turned away to hide a sudden spate of emotion. She had no one to stand with her.

Marcus sent O’Connell ahead of them and pulled her to a stop before entering. She looked at their feet, but he tilted her face up with a gentle finger under her chin. She blinked until he came into focus through her stinging eyes.

“I realize this is not ideal. I would have liked to have properly courted you, but outside forces forced my hand. Do you want me to take you back home?” he asked in a low rumble.

“I have no home.” Her voice was thick.

“Of course, you do. Your home is with me, but only if that’s what you truly want.”

He looked so worried. She leaned into him and laid her forehead against his neck, not sure if she was seeking or giving comfort.

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