Chapter Eleven

“By God’s authority, I pronounce you joined eternally in His sight and by His holy ordinances.” The priest, a portly man with a bald head and kindly smile, closed his Bible. “You may kiss your bride.”

Alex pressed a chaste kiss to her mouth and then lifted her left hand, where his ancestors’ ring now rested. Together, they turned to Elizabeth and Philip, the witnesses and only guests in their own parlor. As she had done for the last three days, Elizabeth avoided Rebecca’s eyes.

“Thank you for allowing us to have our wedding here,” Alex said.

Philip nodded. “Of course, Alex. Now, I believe Cook has prepared a special luncheon.” He turned to the priest. “You are welcome to join us, Father Shaunessy.”

The priest shook his head. “I have much to do at the rectory, but thank you for your kindness.”

“Of course, Father.” Philip returned his gaze to Alex and Rebecca. “Shall we?”

Alex lifted the fob and opened his pocket watch. “I did want to get Rebecca settled at my home.”

He waved his hand at Alex. “Servants can deal with that while we dine.”

Alex nodded his head. “Thank you for your continuing hospitality.”

“I must remove this gown,” Rebecca whispered. It was irrational, but she felt like the high-necked, slim-fitting white dress was choking her. “If you will excuse me?” She didn’t wait for a response as she hurried from the dining room and rushed up the stairs to her room, where Nora awaited.

Nora was unbuttoning the tiny buttons when the bedroom door opened, admitting Elizabeth. Rebecca held herself stiffly, hurt by her sister’s behavior during the past few days.

“Congratulations.” Elizabeth wrung her hands and dropped her gaze to the carpet. “You looked beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She winced at her cold tone. “You did a lovely job decorating the parlor.”

She shrugged. “I did my best with the time I had.”

“Will you continue to remind me that I have hurt you and Mama long after this day has passed?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I did not mean that as an admonishment. Only a statement of fact.” She glanced away as Rebecca stepped out of the gown. “I came up here for another purpose.”

“Yes?”

“I did tell you about what happens between husband and wife, but you refused to believe me.” Her face was a fiery red. “I wanted to ensure you knew I spoke the truth.”

Rebecca nodded. “I am convinced.” She lifted her arms as Nora assisted her with a pink and yellow floral-print day dress with white ribbons trimming the hem.

Elizabeth bit her lip. “Do not be alarmed if you do not enjoy the experience at first. It will soon become pleasurable.”

Her eyes widened. “Not everyone enjoys it the first time?”

“Heavens, no. It will hurt, but it is your duty to endure.”

“Surely, the pain fades and pleasure takes over?”

Elizabeth looked dumbfounded. “I do not think so, sister. Do not expect such a thing.” She came forward to squeeze her hand. “Endure it as you must, and soon you will adapt to what is expected of you. One day, you will anticipate the act as much as your husband.” Her blush deepened with the admission.

Rebecca nodded, incapable of words. What kind of lady was she? She had more than endured her first experience with Alex and had spent the last three days anticipating another encounter. Was she depraved and wicked for craving his touch? “Thank you for telling me, Elizabeth.”

Her sister nodded and scurried from the room. Rebecca’s head bowed as Nora fastened the buttons. “I am a wanton,” she whispered.

Nora squeezed her shoulder. “No, m’lady. Each experience is different—or so I have heard. There is nothing wrong with receiving pleasure from your husband’s touch. It is a gift from God.”

“But he was not my husband.” Rebecca turned, laying her head on Nora’s shoulder. “He was not even in my acquaintance, and I let him…I wanted him to take me.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Heaven help me, but I still ache for him.”

“Do not be overly alarmed, m’lady. Love and passion can often overwhelm a person, causing them to act contrary to the way they always believed themselves to be.” She stroked Rebecca’s hair. “Take joy in his presence and hold him close to your heart.”

Rebecca lifted her head, forcing a smile for Nora. “You are right.” But what happened when a husband took no joy in his wife and forbade her expressing affection? What did a wife do when her husband did not share her feelings? How did she find joy in a mockery of marriage? “I must join them downstairs.”

Nora’s eyes were misty. “I did wonder if I would ever see this day. I have cared for you for fifteen years.” Her voice softened. “I could not love you more if you were my own child, m’lady.”

Rebecca swiped at her weeping eyes. She could find no words to reply to Nora’s, so she settled for another tight hug before rushing from the room to rejoin her family and new husband.