No Impediment by Mira Stables

Author:Mira Stables [Stables, Mira]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Endeavour Media
Published: 2018-10-25T04:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

During the week that followed, her doubts increased. She was much too sensible to ascribe his lordship’s restraint to a chivalrous concern for her unprotected state. If he had really wished to kiss her, she thought, he would certainly have done so. As it was, his behaviour became more and more fraternal. He still came each day to visit them, but the visits were brief and Denise was usually with them. His lordship showed no sign of wishing to be private with his betrothed wife.

There were a good many arrangements to be discussed. Dickon and Cindy would naturally take up residence at Merland during their holidays, and Pippa guessed that they would be very happy to do so. Doctor’s Lodge could be left in the capable hands of Mrs. Waring until such time as Dickon was of age to want an establishment of his own.

With some regret they decided against a wedding journey. ‘I would dearly have loved to take you into France and Italy,’ said Quentin. ‘So many things that I want to show you. But we shall have to wait until the times are more settled. But we can open up the Town house and I shall enjoy introducing you to London. There is much of interest and of beauty to be explored–and then there are the shops and theatres and concerts. I daresay we shall contrive to pass the time pleasantly enough.’

He was everything that was kind and generous and thoughtful. But he did not behave like a man so deep in love that he could not endure to wait more than a week to claim his bride.

A talk with the Rector and his wife did something to calm and support her. Mr. Verney said that it was a pity that her mourning state precluded the gathering of friends and well-wishers to see her married, but added that he would be very happy to know her safe in the keeping of one so well able to protect her and to share the burden of responsibility for her cousins. He did not appear to find anything distasteful in the haste and secrecy with which the wedding was being arranged, even remarking that he had a good deal of sympathy with the marquess’s views. Mrs. Verney supported her husband. Woman-like, she regretted that a fashionable wedding with pretty dresses and flowers and music was out of the question, but thought that there was something particularly beautiful and sacred in the small private ceremony that had been agreed.

‘And though I know that you would not care for such things, you will be making a marriage of the first consequence. And his lordship so personable and pleasant, with not the least height in his manner. Your uncle liked him, I know, which must be a satisfaction to you, and your dear aunt would have been so happy for you. As we are, my dear. So much as you have been alone–but that will all be mended now.’

‘And none too soon,’ she told her husband in the privacy of their carriage as they drove home.

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