Miss Elspeth's Desire by Imogene Nix

Author:Imogene Nix
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781949300048
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Published: 2018-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The cathedral was cool and peaceful as the four made their way up the aisle. They’d traveled together in the carriage, Grundy sitting with the driver and Isabelle, Aeddan, and herself in the body of the carriage.

She twitched at the bodice of her gown as she’d done several times since dressing. The pale blue morning gown wasn’t what she would have chosen to be wed in; the material clung to her body, making her itch under the noonday heat. She’d only had five days to prepare, so there hadn’t been time to arrange a custom-made dress, and she had to make do with one of the gowns she already had on hand. This one was a winter gown, yet the lightest color she owned. But as with most of the preparations, it reinforced the furtive feeling.

“Stop that,” Isabelle whispered in her ear, and Elspeth pulled her hand away, aware that her action had been noted.

She glanced in the direction of Aeddan. It amazed her that he wanted her for his wife when so many of the younger set were better suited to his role. Yet, if any of the embraces they’d shared were indicative, he was as interested in pursuing the passionate side of their relationship as she was. She tingled all over at the thought of the liberties he’d already taken—the touches and kisses.

“Stop fidgeting, Elspeth.”

She started at Isabelle’s words. What am I thinking? And in a church?

Aeddan had cleared the path to their wedding with a ruthless efficiency that she’d found unsurprising. He’d had a man draw up the nuptial contract with speed and ensured she’d had someone to act on her behalf. He’d spoken to the vicar, making the necessary arrangements so they could be wed today. It was under his direction that her household had been packed up, ready to move to his much larger home, the last boxes heading to North Point—a house she’d never yet seen—this morning.

He’d convinced Lady Manton that Isabelle should stay with her, taking Jacinthe as her personal maid, while Elspeth and Aeddan traveled into the wilds of India. Nothing was left to chance.

If he’d been somewhat distracted, she told herself, he was busy. The week had passed in a blur while she prepared for her new life. What small amount of household items they’d amassed had been deemed unnecessary, and had been bequeathed to the next inhabitant.

When he’d met them at the door, he’d presented her with a tiny bouquet of lilies. The romantic gesture surprised her.

His fingers slid around her arm, and she shook herself free of the reverie.

“It’s time.”

His whisper, so close to her ear, was intimate, and she gasped. Glancing in his direction, she noted the smokiness of his gaze. Perhaps he wasn’t as unaffected as she thought.

The vicar waited for them at the end of the aisle, his black gown severe and unrelieved, but he smiled and welcomed them. She had a vague impression of kind blue eyes and white sideburns.

“Come, friends. We will complete the ceremony here.

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