XXVII. Vows to the Future-2

"If we have not," Harold said, fishing the rings with two fingers. "We would not have these." He opened his palm and revealed two rings. "An Everard cannot use any other jewelry, darling. And we needed an heirloom." Alice could not remember if the ceremony she witnessed gone through by Eva and Martin was long for the two had been married before they arrived, but this one definitely was too long for a town known as the prime destination of eloping couples. When the vicar asked if she would take Harold as her husband, Alice said 'I will' before the man uttered the last word. Harold did the same, looking over his shoulder at the chapel door from time to time. Never had Alice thought that the day would come that she would fear her mother. Finally, after almost several unspoken warnings from Alice and Harold, the vicar asked them to put on the rings. They did so by repeating the vows from the vicar. They both stood facing each other, looking into each other's eyes, holding each other's hand with their rings now in place. Alice's heart wanted to escape and leap out of her chest as she got lost in Harold's emerald green globes. He was smiling down at her, face swollen, in his handsome glory. She quietly promised to herself that she would give this man the kind of family they both never had. "Bless, Oh Lord," the vicar said, "these rings, that they who give them and wear them may abide in peace, and continue their life's end." Alice's eyes filled with tears. She could clearly see her future now. "Inasmuch as you have pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion..." It was so vivid she almost believed she was already living it. She could see children running around the estate, causing loud havoc. Harold would be there, joining the fray. She would try to be the mother and scold, but deep inside she was utterly content and happy. And in love. "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The vicar's distant voice was almost a hum. "You may kiss the bride!" Harold bent down and Alice tilted her head to meet his kiss and closed her eyes. The picture was still there. ***** Harold faced his friends. "I am very much grateful that you are both here, but I have to send you both on another quest." Martin and Theobald looked at each other before facing him. "You do know that we have gone through so much since the fiasco, yes?" asked Martin. "My wife barely allows me out of the estate." "Gentlemen come calling through my doors in great numbers," Theobald added. "I welcome callers, but only from the female kind." When Harold remained silent, the two of them sighed. "Very well, what do you need?" Martin wryly asked. "Stay here another night." "Why?" "Well, we need a few friends to be there with us when Lady Edwina and your mother arrive," Harold answered Martin's question. "Bloody hell... Do you realize, Harry," his friend said, stepping closer to hiss at him, "that my neck is at most danger here than yours? I allowed this to happen, remember?" "And I am grateful." Martin shook his head in disbelief. "You ought to pay me for this." "Of course," Harold said, turning around. "Now, there are rooms waiting for the two of you at the other wing." "But—" Harold wrapped his arm around Alice when he reached her at the bottom of the stairs where she had been waiting. "Fret not, darling. The two of them will not be able to hear you scream..." when she elbowed him, he added, "or cry." ***** "Should we not be preparing for dinner?" Alice asked as she slipped out of her new petticoat which lightly joined the heap of dress and camisole on the floor. Harold pulled her toward the bed, but on the way there he stopped and claimed her mouth. His hand worked on her corset and Alice could not help but notice that he was an expert at it. She leaned away from his mouth to say, "You ought to perfectly put these clothing articles back together after we are done in the same expert manner as you are taking them off now." He grinned, a lock of hair falling over his forehead as he bent down to nibble on her neck. "Yes, wife." The corset fell on the floor, followed by Harold's cravat and vest. When they stumbled on the bed, they were both completely naked, their clothing strewn around the room. Harold looked into Alice's eyes as he sheepishly grinned down at her. He gave her a kiss. "You mother will soon be here," he said, leaning away to turn her around so she faced the bed. His body warmed her back. He wrapped his arm around her to fondle her breast and hip. "We can both deal with her later," Alice said over her shoulder. "Are your friends settled?" "I do not know, but I am," he said, nudging his hips forward against her bottom. "Oh, you are terrible!" Alice cried against the pillow, her shoulders shaking with laughter. ***** That evening, Harold and Alice shared dinner with Martin and Theobald. It was obvious in the former's face that he wanted to go home, while the latter was currently preoccupied by a group of ladies sitting in the corner of the restaurant. Alice cleared her throat and smiled at Martin and Theobald. "Thank you, my lords, for being here tonight." "It is my pleasure to see our friend suffer your mother's wrath, my dear," Theobald said. "As we speak, I have one of my footmen posted near the entrance of Tiny Town to await her arrival. She and Lady Vivian will be escorted to this very hotel very soon." Harold forced a smile while throwing daggers at his friend with his eyes. "I will take as much pleasure at your wedding, my friend. It would be the end for you." "Ah, but you must jest. It is never the end for a rakehell." He turned to Alice. "Apologies, my dear. I did not mean that." "Of course you did, my lord," said Alice, giving the man one of her cold looks. "But fret not, I have already thought of the best wedding gift I shall reward you and Rachel." "Pray tell, I wish to know," the man said, playing alone. "I shall train her so she could learn how to train the untamable." Martin and Harold laughed while Theobald forced himself to join in. "I look forward to that," Martin said. "I hope you are also looking forward to my arrival, my son," Lady Vivian's voice said from behind Martin who choked on his own food. As his friend coughed, Harold stood up and bowed at Lady Edwin. Alice joined him, saying, "Mother. Welcome to Tiny Town." Theobald, now realizing that the tables had turned, was wearing an amused look on his face as he slowly stood and walked to the end of the table, looking at the rest of them. Harold, on the other hand, was afraid again. He may have all the riches in the Town and being an Everard may have saved him in many instances, but it seemed it was true that in some battles, he had to fight with nothing but himself for Lady Edwina did not look so very pleased.