Carter’s fist flew, connecting with Sterling’s jaw. The man went down like a sack of flour.
“That was your second mistake.”
Sterling eyed him from his bed. “Get out of my house.”
Carter rubbed his knuckles, anxious to deliver another blow to the man. “In case you were wondering what your first mistake was, it was accosting my betrothed on a public street and insulting her with an offer that doesn’t bear repeating.”
“Your betrothed? Are you crazy man? She’s—”
Carter wrapped his hand around Sterling’s neck and pulled him forward, punching him in his soft middle. “Never. Say. That. Word. Again.”
Sterling doubled over and looked up at him. “Do you know about her mother?” He raised his hand up. “Don’t hit me again, or everything I drank last night will come up to greet us. I merely want to know if you are familiar with your future wife’s family?”
“I know everything I need to know. But hear this, Sterling. If you so much as utter one single word about my wife, or her mother, or her aunts, sisters, cousins, or ancestors I will come back for you and I can assure you it won’t be pleasant.”
Sterling straightened and stood long enough to collapse on his bed. He regarded Carter with amazement. “You love her.”
“Just remember what I told you. If anyone offers an opinion to you about Miss Danvers, or solicits your opinion, you will say nothing except flattering things about her. You are to become her champion. Is that understood?”
“I always thought love would do crazy things to a man, and here stands the proof.” He raised his hand in surrender when Carter took one step toward him. “I agree. I will say nothing disparaging about the lady. If I meet her on the streets, or in a shop, or in church, I will treat her with the utmost respect.”
Carter placed his hands on his hips. “From what I saw downstairs, and the condition you are in, it might do you some good to go to church.”
With those words, he turned and pulled open the door. The woman who’d first approached him fell to the floor, obviously having had her ear pressed against the door. He pointed his finger at her. “Everything I said to him goes for you, as well.”
12
Lottie attempted to finish buttoning her wedding dress to no avail with her ice-cold and shaky hands. “Pamela, help, please.”
Pamela moved away from the mirror where she was attempting to wrestle her curls into a decent chignon and held her hands out. She swatted Lottie’s hands away. “Let me do this. You are making a mess of things.” She shook her head. “Nervous brides.”
Yes. Lottie agreed completely. The special license had arrived two days ago, and this morning was her wedding. She spent time last night making up two lists. One list for all the reasons she should not marry Carter. Or anyone else for that matter.
The second list was why she should marry Carter. Even though that one had just one entry, compared to about ten of the other list, and probably more if she gave herself more time, it convinced her she was doing the right thing.
He loves me and I’m quite sure I love him.
That was really all she needed to consider. Still, the doubts crept into her mind as she dressed.
Her thoughts then wandered to Addie’s wedding and how Addie and her mother embraced and shared a few tears when Mrs. Mallory had seen her daughter as a bride for the first time.
She, who was so close to her mama all her life, was about to get married and she wouldn’t be there. Didn’t even know. Tears welled up in her eyes and she had a sudden need to throw herself on her bed like a young girl and cry her heart out.
Without a doubt, Lottie knew Mama would be thrilled to see her daughter marry. Especially to such an upstanding and honorable man.
Another sticking point was the lack of Carter’s family at the wedding. She did ask him to have a small wedding with just them and their witnesses, but he agreed so readily she wondered if he wasn’t relieved to not tell his family about her until after the deed was done.
So many things to worry about when she should be enjoying her day as a bride!
“I don’t know what is going through your brain right now Lottie, but it must stop.” Pamela finished with the long line of buttons and placed her hands on Lottie’s shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. “Stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Whatever it is you are telling yourself that is making you anything but a happy bride. Carter loves you. He has no qualms about marrying you, so you should trust him. You do trust him, don’t you?”
“Yes. But . . .”
“No buts. Let’s fix your lovely hat and then you will be ready to meet your groom.”