The Scandalous Lady Sandford (Lost Ladies of London 3)

“Rest assured. The lady is here.” Well, he hoped she’d not persuaded Mackenzie to command a rowboat and ferry her back to the mainland.

A man in the crowd cleared his throat. They all shifted in their seats and craned their necks to gain the best view of the door.

The Reverend Sykes gestured for the congregation to stand but the men were so keen to glimpse the siren who’d bewitched their master, it took some time before they obliged.

Lillian hovered in the doorway. Due to her brother's absence, Mackenzie took his place at her side. She gripped his arm and pasted a smile. The pretty posy in her hand shook. Anyone would think she was about to walk the plank and plunge into shark-infested waters.

What did he expect? She agreed to marry him because he’d made it hard for her to say no. She agreed to marry him because no one else had asked her. From what little he’d seen, she had given up all hope of finding happiness.

As she walked towards him, his chest grew as tight as his throat.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Her beauty stole his breath … surely that was it. With her styled coiffure and simple yet elegant dress, she looked every bit a lady of the ton and not a naive girl who’d given away her greatest treasure on a whim.

Damn Vane.

Fabian mentally shook himself. Bitterness had no place in his heart—not today.

Lillian came to stand before him, and he smiled. Her bottom lip quivered as she forced a smile, too.

The need to ease her fears took hold, and he closed the gap between them and bent his head. “There’s no need to look so terrified. All will be well.”

“I only wish I could trust your word,” she said so he alone could hear.

The comment cut deep, but he deserved nothing less.

The reverend addressed the congregation, but Fabian placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “I swear you will not regret your decision.” And by God, he meant it.

Lillian remained silent. She focused on the reverend who, in his eagerness to leave the cold, wretched place, recited the relevant passage from the Bible. Numerous times during the ceremony her gaze fell to Fabian. Her cheeks flushed scarlet at the mention of joining and of satisfying carnal lusts. Fear flashed in her eyes when the reverend informed them that marriage was ordained for the procreation of children.

“Ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,” the reverend preached.

Lillian touched the gold locket at her neck. Until now, it had not occurred to him to ask if she loved another, if she kept his likeness close to her heart. Why would it when love played no part in their bargain? Still, the thought created an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

No one made a sound when called to offer a reason why they should not be wed.

The reverend turned to him. “Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health?”

Fabian stared into her eyes. The vows had a profound effect on him. A rush of heat flooded his body. “I will.” Heaven help him. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. His life flashed before his eyes, every deed, every trial and tribulation culminating into this life-changing moment.

But what did it mean?

“Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour…”

Lillian struggled to hold Fabian’s gaze.

A prolonged silence filled the stone building.

The whole congregation watched her intently. Mouths fell open. Heads hung forward as they waited for her reply.

Lillian looked at the posy in her hand and sighed. She glanced at Mackenzie who smiled and gave a reassuring nod.

The Reverend Sykes cleared his throat.

Fabian willed her to answer. During all his dangerous encounters at sea, he’d never felt a fear like the one gripping him now. Without Lillian at his side, he had no hope of gaining Vane’s help. But that was not the reason for his internal discomfort.

“I—I will.” A deep exhale followed her declaration.