Page 83 of A Courtship of Conspiracies
James caressed her cheek, then buried his hands in her hair as he gave her a lingering kiss, as though the world outside the carriage could wait a little longer. “I would much rather stay here with you than explain to your parents that we wed in secret, especially while I am in this disheveled state.” He surveyed his attire with a grimace. In addition to a bruise forming on his jaw, he was missing his coat and cravat, and his remaining clothes were covered in dust. “I am not sure who will be the most incensed—your father, for my failure to consult him, or your mother, for depriving her of her only daughter’s wedding.”
The carriage door opened and James descended. Kate took his hand, finding strength and comfort in his touch. “You forget that they have been hoping we would wed since we were in leading strings.” She chuckled as they walked up the stone stairs. “Perhaps they will be so elated the event has finally occurred that they will forgive us for the secrecy.”
James stiffened as they entered the foyer. She squeezed his hand and leaned close, rising on her toes to whisper in his ear. “Remember, the sooner we tell our parents we are already wed, the sooner we can begin our life together.”
He tugged her forward.
The drawing room went still the moment they entered, every face turned toward them. Her parents were there, along with Hugh, James’s mother, and Alice. Everyone erupted at once.
James lifted one hand, and the room quieted. “As you may already know, we have had a trying evening. We will explain what we can in the morning, but for now, you can see that both Kate and I are safe.”
Her mother’s focus was not on James, but on their intertwined hands.
“And since you are all present,” he said, “now may be the best time to inform you of a rather significant event—” He paused, bringing her hand to his lips, his gaze never leaving hers as he placed a kiss there. “I have lost my heart completely to Kate.” He faced the expectant crowd once more. “And we are already husband and wife.”
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Shock lined every face except Hugh’s, who simply gave them a knowing smile. The stunned stillness stretched until Kate felt a twinge of nerves.
But James stood beside her, his posture strong and unshakable. “I know many of you looked forward to a wedding, and you are no doubt disappointed to have missed it,” he said with an apologetic look toward their mothers.
“We wanted to make those vows on our own, without spectacle, and without anyone else deciding what our future ought to be. We are sorry to have denied you the ceremony, but we cannot regret beginning our life together in a way of our own choosing.”
He turned to Kate then, his expression so full of love it made her breath catch. “I would make the same vows to Kate again in any chapel, before any witness, in any corner of the world she chose.” He turned once again to the group, his chin lifting. “We only hope you can forgive the secrecy and celebrate with us.”
The tension in the room broke. Their mothers were dabbing their tears with handkerchiefs, and Kate’s father seemed more stunned than truly angry. Alice was the first to speak.
“It is high time I claimed you as my sister,” she cried, rushing forward. Kate embraced her warmly, and shouts of joy and laughter filled the room. She overheard Hugh consoling their mother, pointing out the fortune they would save on the wedding feast and how this meant the possibility of grandchildren sooner.
Lord Sutherland approached next. He embraced Kate, kissing the top of her head before fixing James with a wary stare. “Congratulations to you both. But to be clear . . . you were wed this evening?”
James shook his head, a smile on his lips. “We wed four days ago, by special license. The vicar at the parish near Lady Hawthorne’s estate performed the ceremony.”
Kate spoke up, eager to make sure her father knew her heart. “It was my choice as much as his, Father.”
Her father nodded slowly. “While I approve of this match, I do believe we have some things to discuss, Brenton. Come visit me tomorrow.” He gave Kate’s hand a brief squeeze before stepping aside.
“Oh, my darling Kate,” her mother declared as she embraced her. “I am overjoyed to know you have found love,” she whispered for Kate’s ears only before she pulled back. “I wish I could have been there,” she sniffled. Her mother wiped at her eyes, already gleaming with determination. “But there is no use dwelling on it. Now we must plan a wedding breakfast.”
She glanced at James’s mother. “Two weeks’ time, Louisa? At Brenton Hall?”
The other woman clapped her hands together. “That sounds delightful.”
Lady Brenton wagged a finger at Kate and James before embracing Kate. “And we will hear no argument from either of you. We have been planning your wedding for almost twenty years. The least you can do is allow us to host a wedding breakfast.”
“We would not dream of denying you the pleasure.” Kate hugged her new mother-in-law.
Hugh hugged them both at once, holding tight and lingering.
“Why, Hugh,” James said as he pulled back, “are those tears?”
Hugh laughed. “One or two. Do not make a spectacle of it. My two favorite people in the world are safe and happily wed. I am entitled to a little sentiment.”
Kate offered a reassuring smile. “One day, you will find someone who won’t mind a little sentiment now and then.”
“Poor woman, whoever she is,” Hugh said. His smile faltered for half a breath before he recovered it, returning Kate’s look with his usual easy warmth before they rejoined the cheerful chaos of their families.
Kate stood beside James on the bridge as dawn broke over the Thames. Pale orange light spread, catching in the mist that drifted over water and stone. The city had not yet awakened, but the river moved beneath them, indifferent and unhurried, heedless of what had happened on its banks.
When the message had arrived before dawn, James did not hide it from her. He brought it to her himself, his expression unreadable except for the question in his eyes. Kate read the words twice.The bridge.
