The Runaway Viscount, page 14
His father was quiet a moment, his brow creasing. “I didn’t realize you felt that way, that you were…”
“Cowardly? Afraid?” Lucas let out a short self-deprecating laugh.
“No, not that. Vulnerable, perhaps. I do love your mother most fiercely, and I know our marriage is different from many in our class. I can imagine you felt pressure to find something like we have—and it isn’t easy.”
“It absolutely is not. After Jonathan and Hetty fell in love, I was certain it couldn’t happen for me. No family is that lucky to have so much love.”
The earl’s features softened in a way Lucas had never witnessed. “Apparently, ours is. You love Mrs. Sheldon as much as I love your mother and as much as your brother loves his wife. It’s good that you waited. Clearly, you were meant to.”
“Thank you, Father.” Love made Lucas’s heart swell. “She is everything I ever could have hoped for.”
Moving toward Lucas, his father pressed his lips into a grim line. “You know there will be talk about your daughter.”
“I plan to ignore it.”
“Good, but it will still be there, and questions will follow her. You need to be prepared for that.”
Lucas wasn’t going to run away from his daughter—not now and not ever. “She will always have my full support and my unconditional love. I hope you will give her the same.”
The earl’s face relaxed once more, and this time, he even smiled. “Seeing you happy is all I’ve ever wanted. You’re a parent now, so you’ll find that out for yourself.”
Lucas already knew. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for Alicia. “I am happier than I ever hoped I could be, thanks to Juliana.”
“Then I suppose I should go back and apologize to her. I look forward to knowing her.”
“And loving her,” Lucas said with a smile. “You won’t be able to resist.”
Chapter 12
Juliana stood in the small sitting room in the vicar’s house next to the church in Northwich as her mother made her final perusal of her gown. The ceremony was due to start in a few minutes.
“You look lovely,” her mother said, her blue-green eyes bright. “Is it just me, or does this time seem different?”
“In what way?” Juliana asked, though it was an absurd question. Marrying Lucas was different from marrying Vincent in just about every way. But Juliana wanted to hear her mother’s perspective. She and her father had arrived a few days ago, and they’d got on very well with Lucas’s parents. Juliana hadn’t been worried. She’d come to know Peggy and Northwich and had no concern they would treat her parents with anything but respect and kindness. Indeed, they’d ended up having many interests in common, such as cards, and their fathers had read many of the same books. The earl was delighted to have a bookseller in the family.
“It’s obvious that Audlington loves you,” Juliana’s sister answered. Two years older than Juliana, Ellen typically said precisely what she was thinking. “Vincent cared for you, but I didn’t see the deeper emotion Audlington displays. It’s lovely.” Ellen gave her sister a wide grin.
“I would agree with that assessment,” their mother said. She took Juliana’s hand and gave her a squeeze. “I’m so very happy for you, my darling.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Juliana had never imagined doing this a second time, but in some ways, it felt as though she’d never done it at all. Her mother and sister were right that this—Lucas—was completely different.
The door opened, and Juliana immediately tensed. It was likely the vicar’s wife informing them it was time. A kindly woman in her sixties, Mrs. Linley gave them a somewhat nervous smile. Juliana’s tension shifted into something more like concern.
“The ceremony is going to be slightly delayed,” she said.
Ellen moved toward Mrs. Linley from the window where she’d been standing. “What is the problem?”
Mrs. Linley glanced toward Juliana before looking at their mother of all people. “We’re waiting on his lordship. The groom, that is. He has not yet arrived.”
Juliana’s heart beat faster. He wouldn’t abandon her again. There was nothing that would keep him from their wedding. She had no doubts about that at all. What was going on, then?
“Do you know why?” Juliana asked.
The vicar’s wife shook her head. “I do not.”
“It’s fine. Thank you, Mrs. Linley. Do let us know when the viscount arrives.”
After Mrs. Linley left, Juliana went to the window and looked toward the church.
“Are you watching for him?” her mother asked.
She supposed she was, and that would only exacerbate her anxiety. But why was she anxious? She’d already determined she wasn’t concerned, that she trusted he would be there.
Her mind turned to possible reasons for him being late. There was only one thing that would prevent him from being here on time. Rather, one person.
Juliana turned from the window. “His delay must be something to do with Alicia. I should return to Northwich Hall.”
Her mother’s brow creased. “You’ll wrinkle your dress if you get in a coach. If Alicia is the issue, Lucas can handle things. He’s an excellent father.”
That was certainly true. Watching him with his daughter never failed to make Juliana smile and her heart swell to two times its size. Seeing them together, she was so glad for Alicia, especially since she doubted they’d have children of their own.
“You’re right,” Juliana said. “We must simply wait, then.”
After a quarter hour of moving about the room, Juliana was beginning to grow frustrated. It wasn’t even that Lucas was still missing—though that was certainly part of it—but that she couldn’t sit in her gown.
Ellen had positioned herself at the window so she could watch. Finally, she turned. “He’s coming. Running, actually.”
Juliana hurried to the window to see Lucas tearing toward the vicarage. She made her way to the door.
“Stop, you can’t go meet him,” her mother cried. “It’s bad luck.”
“I don’t believe in that nonsense.” Juliana had avoided seeing Vincent and look how their marriage had turned out. She opened the door and heard Mrs. Linley speaking to Lucas.
“I just need to see her for a moment,” he was saying from the small entry hall. “Alicia was terribly fussy, and I couldn’t leave her.”
Juliana smiled. Of course it had been Alicia.
“I can’t let you see her,” Mrs. Linley said firmly. “It’s bad luck.”
“What’s bad luck is my bride thinking I am not coming to our wedding.”
Juliana heard the anxiety in his voice. “Lucas, I hear you. I wasn’t worried.” She stepped into the entry hall, and Lucas’s gaze met hers. The lines in his face smoothed, and a broad smile split his face.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
Mrs. Linley gasped. “Oh dear, this is a calamity.”
“It isn’t, truly,” Juliana assured her. “There will be no bad luck. Will you give us a moment alone?” she asked the woman.
After sputtering a moment, Mrs. Linley reluctantly nodded. “Just a moment.” Her brow furrowed in distress, she departed the entry hall, leaving them alone.
“Are you terribly angry with me?” Lucas asked.
“Not at all. I said I wasn’t worried, and I meant it.”
“My record of abandonment didn’t concern you at all?”
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind, but I am quite confident in our love for one another. You wouldn’t abandon me today of all days. I determined there had to be a problem with Alicia. I heard what you said. Is she all right?”
“Mostly. She’s still fussing, but I brought her to the church to sit with Grandmama. She was preferable to the new nurse—I’m afraid Alicia still hasn’t grown used to her yet.” Their plan had been for Alicia not to attend the ceremony. She would stay with her nurse and attend a portion of the wedding breakfast gathering.
“So she’ll be at the wedding, then?” Juliana asked.
“You don’t mind?”
“Not at all. In fact, I’m rather pleased by it,” she admitted.
“Even if she’s disruptive? She may cry. I think she has an upset belly.”
“That you are aware of our daughter’s ills makes me so very happy. I could not have imagined a more perfect husband and father.” Juliana threw her arms around him and embraced him tightly.
He held her close and brushed his lips against her temple. “Thank you. That’s perhaps the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Juliana pulled back. “And no, I don’t care if our daughter cries during our wedding ceremony. Do you?”
He shook his head. “I only care that you love me.”
“Then it’s a good thing that I do. With all my heart.”
Lucas caressed her cheek, his eyes shining with love. “I am the luckiest man alive.”
“You won’t be if you don’t get to the church,” Juliana said, glancing behind her toward where Mrs. Linley was likely lurking. “Go. I’ll see you shortly.”
“That you will, my love. And then you will be mine forevermore.”
Epilogue
Epiphany 1807
* * *
“Mama!”
Juliana turned to her daughter, who was excitedly clapping her hands. “What is it, dearest?”
“Look at Christopher!” She pointed to her younger brother, who was walking toward them.
Gasping, Juliana dropped the toys she’d been picking up. “Lucas, come here!”
He was right next door in his study and rushed in barely a moment later. His gaze settled on his son, whose forehead was puckered in deep concentration as he made his way toward Juliana.
“He’s walking,” Lucas breathed. They’d worried when he’d taken so much longer to ambulate than Alicia. She’d started just after turning a year old, while Christopher was now sixteen months. He was an expert crawler and used the furniture to stand and move. But today, he was walking by himself—and Alicia had been the first to witness it.
“It’s a miracle, Papa,” Alicia said. At four, she was precocious and talkative. Her favorite thing was managing her little brother.
“It is indeed, my sweet.” Lucas met Juliana’s gaze, and she knew he was referring to Christopher himself, not that he was walking.
When Juliana had become pregnant, she hadn’t really believed it. She hadn’t told a soul until it became obvious to Lucas. He’d noticed her belly curving, and she’d promptly burst into tears as she’d revealed the truth.
Now they had Christopher, a son they never expected and wholly adored.
“That’s the way, my boy.” Lucas sat on the floor, encouraging Christopher.
Juliana went down beside him and resisted the urge to hold out her hands to Christopher as he wobbled. If he fell, as he had so many times in his efforts, he didn’t have far to go. And he always landed on his rump with the exclamation, “Oh dear,” which he’d gleaned from hearing Juliana say it.
Christopher at last reached them, and Lucas pulled him onto his lap. “You did it!”
Squirming, Christopher said, “Go!”
Lucas released him with a chuckle, setting him on his feet. “Yes, go. Walk to your sister now.”
Alicia stood on the other side of the room. “Come, Christopher. I will give you a biscuit.” She looked to Juliana. “He surely deserves a biscuit?”
“I think so,” Juliana said.
They watched Christopher make his way back across the room, displaying a bit more confidence, if not speed. When he reached Alicia, she put her arms around him and patted his back. “Well done, Christopher.”
He hugged her back, and Juliana felt tears clog her throat. To think that a few short years ago she had none of this, nor any expectation for it. Her life was wonderfully, impossibly full.
She turned her head toward her husband. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Alarm flickered in his gaze, but then he smiled. He lifted his hand to caress her cheek. “Don’t cry, my love.”
“They would be happy tears.”
“Then cry away.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said softly. “And I’m thinking it too. Seeing each other before our wedding was the opposite of bad luck.”
“My good fortune started the day I was stranded at an inn during a snowstorm.”
“And took a respite when I abandoned you there.” Lucas grimaced. “I still can’t believe you decided to welcome me back into your life.”
“You earned it after a great deal of torment. That was rather delightful, I must admit.”
He laughed. “Termagant.”
“You loved every moment,” Juliana said, rolling her eyes.
“I did indeed.” His eyes sparked with heat. “Promise to torture me later?”
“Always.”
Don’t miss THE MAKE-BELIEVE WIDOW, the next enchanting book in the Matchmaking Chronicles! Find out what happens when the Earl of Rotherham decides widow Charlotte Dunthorpe will be the perfect mother to his daughters. Except Charlotte is not who she claims to be….
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The Phoenix Club
Society’s most exclusive invitation...
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Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances.
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The Untouchables
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The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
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The Untouchables: The Pretenders
Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?
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Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
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Legendary Rogues
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Also by Darcy Burke
Historical Romance
The Phoenix Club
Improper
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Impossible
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Impeccable
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The Rigid Duke
The Bachelor Earl (also prequel to The Untouchables)
The Runaway Viscount
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The Untouchables
The Bachelor Earl (prequel)
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The Duke of Daring
The Duke of Deception
The Duke of Desire
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