Page 61 of Love Lessons for a Lady

“I want that too. Let’s have a small, private ceremony with only our closest friends present in a fortnight.”

“Perfect, darling.” Aston kissed the crown of her head. “How does a honeymoon in Italy sound?”

“Absolutely divine,” Chasity whispered as she drew his head down to hers, and all thoughts of their dinner plans faded away, replaced by anticipation of a future with the man she loved.

Mrs. Shepherd always said that God can work all things for good, but I tell you, Chasity, Theran Rutland is the exception. There isn’t a reverent bone in the man’s body. And I must endure his impossible company for three and a half more weeks! This house party is testing every ounce of my Christian charity and patience.

I’m delighted to hear of your marriage. I so wanted to attend the wedding, but the Ceddes wouldn’t permit me the days off to travel to London. I wish you and your Mr. Terramier a joyous future.

~ Miss Purity Mayfield in a hastily scribbled letter to Mrs. Chasity Terramier

while her charges played Blind Man’s Bluff

Sent but lost in the post

London

Berkeley Square

Sutton House

17 January 1819

Aston wrapped an arm about Chasity’s slender waist and kissed the sensitive spot just under her ear as they climbed the stairs. She wore another of her new gowns, this one a lovely long-sleeved, sky-blue morning gown that flattered her creamy skin and indigo eyes.

He glanced up, taking in the stately home’s architecture. Sutton House didn’t feel as oppressive or dark without Grandfather’s tyrannical presence. Or perhaps it was Chasity who’d brought light and happiness into the house. She sang or hummed as she went about a myriad of tasks, and a smile almost always graced her lovely features.

“Aston, it’s the middle of the afternoon,” Chasity admonished in a scandalized whisper as he hurried her along the corridor. However, she didn’t resist. “Whatever will the servants think?”

They passed Josie and another maid carrying soiled linens, and the pair burst into muffled giggles.

Chasity had little trouble convincing Josie to come to work for her and Aston. The impudent minx winked at Aston and tossed him a grin over her shoulder.

He grinned back.

“They’ll think I love my wife very much indeed.”

More than Aston had ever thought humanly possible in truth. And that love grew every single day. No man deserved this much happiness, and not a day passed that he didn’t thank God for blessing him by bringing Chasity into his life.

Chasity groaned and pressed her cheek into his arm. “Or that I’m a wanton, and you’re a libertine.”

“Not a bit of it.” He gave her a playful wink. “I pay them too well to think any such thing. I’ve no doubt they are far happier and more content with me as their employer than they ever were working for my grandfather. And I know Josie is delighted to be in our employ.”

Everyone was happier.

Aston most of all.

Chasity had met her father, and they were forging a cautious, yet warm relationship. The Rt. Hon. Martin Oxley-Norton had never remarried and was eager to become better acquainted with his only child.

That she was the granddaughter of a duke would’ve sent Aston’s snobbish grandfather over the moon with delight. If he’d been made aware.

He had not.

Before Aston had married Chasity, he’d explained Werner’s terminal illness.

“Chasity, you will one day become Lady Woolbury. I know that was not something either of us foresaw, but you should be aware of exactly what you are agreeing to.”

Aston hadn’t expected her to cry off, but nevertheless, he couldn’t in good conscience marry her without telling her Werner was dying and that she’d be a viscountess one day soon.