Chapter 35

"We shall send to Sir James and Lady Carter immediately, of course." Mrs. Drummond spoke to Augusta as if to a child, as though Augusta could not possibly expect to have any say in her own wedding. "My dear brother Ellsworth can ride into town, perform the ceremony and be back at the Carters' by suppertime."
"I want the children to come," Augusta insisted. "They're my only family. They should be at my wedding." It was the only issue on which she was adamant.
Lady Drummond's lips pursed but she finally nodded. "Perhaps Sir James and Lady Carter can bring them in their carriage. As the most prominent family in the area, they can serve as witnesses."
"That would be lovely, Mrs. Drummond," Augusta replied. "Thank you for thinking of it." Of course Hortense Drummond was happy about this wedding. It meant Augusta wouldn't be marrying the widow's brother, Vicar Ellsworth. Being glad about that detail was the single thing on which the two women were in complete accord.
Four hours later, Augusta walked up the aisle of the village church on Arthur's arm, while her sisters practically skipped ahead of them. Lord Bruxton stood by the altar with his friend Langston beside him, looking calm and cool and far more pleased about this hasty marriage than he had any right to be.
She turned back to look at Colin. This is all his fault. She was glad her veil - a loan from Lady Carter - hid her face from the small congregation so she didn't have to worry about schooling her expression. It wasn't much of a turnout for a wedding. Only Mrs. Drummond, the Carters and the MacArdles filled the first few pews of the old stone kirk.
Arthur handed her off to Colin, then took his seat in the front, spine erect, acting every inch the viscount. For the first time since she'd entered the building, Augusta smiled.
"That's it, darling, look like you're happy to be here," Colin whispered as he took her arm. "You're lovely in blue."
He'd insisted on taking her into the village dressmaker's while they waited for the vicar and the others and purchasing her a new gown for the ceremony. The only ready-made frock available in her size had been a peacock-blue walking dress of the softest wool, with a matching pelisse. The cost had been enough to feed the MacLeish children for a year, but Colin hadn't so much as blinked. Between the new clothes and the festive bouquet of hothouse flowers Lady Carter had brought along, Augusta almost felt like a countess already.
She was proud of the fact that her voice hardly shook at all as she repeated her vows and secretly thrilled that Colin's didn't quaver a bit. Even Vicar Ellsworth's frown didn't bother her. He'd find some other spinster to badger into marrying him; she had no doubt of it. Besides, she was sure Colin had paid him quite a handsome sum for providing this favor.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Lexie took Augusta's bouquet and Colin took her hands in his. The ring he slipped on her finger was loose and she looked down to see it was his signet ring, the one she'd noticed on his hand the previous evening. She looked back up just in time to hear the vicar say, "You may kiss the bride." Colin's expression was tender as he lifted her veil.
This kiss was soft and gentle, nothing like the one the night before. It ended almost before she could respond, moving her lips against his. Still, it was just enough to have her wanton body longing for more.
Then their small congregation applauded and soon they were back in the vicar's office signing the register along with their witnesses. When it was done, she took a deep breath and looked down at the words in amazement. She was a married woman now - and a peeress at that. Tied for life to a man she'd only just met at this time yesterday.
"I still think it's horribly unfair that we didn't get new gowns as well," Lexie teased over dinner at the village tavern. The Carters had returned to their other guests, but Margaret and Thomas had offered to stay in town a bit longer to escort the children back after a meal. Having the children return to finish the house party would give Augusta and Colin a four-day "honeymoon," all alone at Cairnwyck Castle.
"There will be plenty of new gowns for everyone, once we reach England," Colin assured the girl. "We'll leave as soon as my coaches arrive to take us - probably a week."
"I'll be riding out first thing tomorrow morning to fetch them," Langston agreed. "In the meanwhile, you'll have to make do with these." He pulled four boxes of sweets from behind his back and passed them out to the wide-eyed children. By the time they were loaded back into the Carter's spare carriage, they were stuffed and delighted with their new brother-in-law and his friend.
"I've spoken to Jennie MacRae from Whitestone Farm," Margaret whispered to Augusta before she left. "She's sent her daughters out to the castle to get a bedroom ready for you and your groom. I told her the green room on the second floor. And she'll pop in once a day to collect the eggs, leave a meal or two in the kitchen and clean up what's needed. She won't bother you anywhere else in the castle."
"Thank you, Margaret." Augusta gave the older woman a warm hug. What a thoughtful gesture, to ensure she wouldn't have to work on her honeymoon. "I'll see you soon."
Margaret dabbed at a suspiciously damp eye. "Get on with ye, now. Don't keep that fine man of yours waiting."
And waiting, he was. Colin stood next to the door of the Carter's second-best coach, ready to hand Margaret up with the children, while Thomas rode on the box with the coachman. As the coach rode away, Colin put his arm around Augusta's waist and waved alongside her until the vehicle was out of sight.
"Are you ready to go home now?" he asked softly.
She nodded. "Though I suppose it isn't truly my home any longer. Still, we should leave. It's a long walk back to Cairnwyck."
"But not so long of a ride. While you were being fitted for your gown, I managed to find you another wedding present." Then he paused, a look of alarm momentarily crossing his handsome face. "You do ride, don't you?"
Could he be any more thoughtful? "It's been a while, but I don't suppose you forget." She followed him to the stable behind the inn, where his horse Jupiter was saddled and ready. Augusta smiled and petted the stallion's velvety black nose. Next to him, also saddled, stood a dainty gray mare.
"Lady Bruxton, meet Lady Jane. I'm told she's not overly fast, but that she has plenty of stamina." Colin took hold of the mare's bridle and motioned Augusta over. "The innkeeper took her in payment from an impoverished lordling, or so he says. I suspect gambling debts were involved, but didn't inquire too closely. Will she do?"
Augusta looked into the horse's gentle brown eyes and was enchanted. "She's lovely. Thank you, my lord." She leaned up and pressed a kiss on Colin's cheek. "I've missed riding. And you even found a side saddle. How thoughtful."
"Well, the groom knew of an older merchant, whose wife doesn't ride any more. I was astonished at how much help I had in arranging things. A large portion of the village contributed effort to putting together your wedding present, you know. You're well loved here. Will you mind leaving so very much?"
Augusta shook her head. "Not as long as my family goes with me." She let Colin help her mount and took hold of the reins. Once he was mounted as well, they rode side by side out of the stable. "Though, even then, it will only be for a while. Arthur shall be off to school soon and the girls will eventually go off and marry."
"Perhaps," he offered in a low, husky tone. "By that time we will have children of our own to keep you occupied."