Chapter 21~Decisions

“I do not believe I could ever love you again…”

The words resounded through Henry’s heart and soul, Marianne had loved him and he’d been to set in his own determination to see it. Fooled himself into believing he was only meant to love Ava, a cold laugh slid from him as he thought of how strange it was.

He had hated his parents decision, loathed the idea of being married to a woman in whom he had never met. Yet now after everything he realized, he loved Marianne completely.

How it had happened was unbeknown to himself, all he understood was from the moment he had entered the room that morn. Set eyes upon the forlorn figure of his wife he knew.

Stopping the bay, he scanned the path way, searching for any signs that the carriage had passed. Sighing heavily when he did not find it he pulled gently upon the leather reign to pull the horse around when he saw it. The wind that had picked up yet again fluttered the leaves wildly about, revealing fresh wheel marks in the moist dirt.

Filled afresh with determination, need and desire he pushed his heels into the powerful haunches of the horses hind quarters and with a wild laugh, whooped and hollered as the Bay shot forward…

Ava’s thoughts twisted back to the day he had informed her of his proposal, the guilt that had been in his eyes as he held her that day.

Her heart in her throat she pushed away from him and leveled her gaze upon Alexander, “My lord.” She tersely began, clasping her hands behind her back and lowering her gaze to the floor, afraid her assumptions were correct.

“What have you done?” she questioned biting back her concern.

Alexander’s heart sank at her question, yet a wry smile crossed his lips as he thought of how well she had come to know him.

Stepping forward and taking her hands into his own he gazed longingly upon her, “My lady, I have once again gone to your grandfather.” He whispered.

Grasping tighter to her tiny cool fingers as she attempted to jerk away, “before you grow ever angry I ask you to hear me,” he whispered forcing her gaze upon his.

His words stung, yet not more so than the fact he had once again behind her to her grandparents, “Very well yet I promise you if I am unhappy with the outcome I shall not see you again,” she murmured stiffly maintaining her steely gaze upon his own.

He couldn’t help the gentle laugh at her comment, he had known she would not be happy with his choice. “I cannot in good faith allow a single negative word to rest upon your lovely head,” he murmured ever so quietly watching intently as her eyes softened.

“Thus I have sent word to your grandfather that we shall be wed in two days time,” his heart swelled as she gazed upon him, her anger now replaced with a sense of confusion.

“Two days?” Ava whispered, “I…” she lowered her lashes over her eyes, the heated blush creeping into her cheeks at the comment.

“I do not wish to return to Wilshire Manor,” she hardly whispered.

In truth she did not, she had found that falling asleep within his arms was the most comforting experience of her life, he made her feel safe, protected and comfortable. Something she had not felt since childhood when she would fall asleep upon her father’s lap as he rocked her to and fro telling her a fanciful story.

Pulling her into his arms, Alexander stroked her softly a possessive look within his eyes, “I did not say you would be returning my love. In truth your abigail should be arriving shortly,” the stunned look she shot him rumbled laughter deep within his throat.

“Your abigail, Gertrude will be arriving shortly as your escort,” he smiled.

Ava did not comprehend just what Alexander was saying, the fact plainly written across her face. “My lord, I cannot stay here unmarried,” she whimpered, staring incredulously upon him.

“We leave for London, where I will apply for a special license this way we can explain our hasty nuptials as a matter of not being capable of waiting,” he grinned.

“In truth I cannot but I did not wish to give you time to re-consider,” he jokingly stated with a warm hug.

“Shouldn’t my grandmother escort me?” Ava questioned her voice thick with shock and confusion, laughter at the playful side she was seeing.

“Why ever would I do such a thing, with the dowager duchess about I could not persuade you to my quarters,” he grinned lavishing her with a long smoldering glance.

One that sent a shiver from the top of her head straight to her toes as she thought back to the night before and the wicked things he had shown her.

With a bright smile she pushed away from him, her eyes darting towards the as yet unmade bed, a glance that did not fail to escape his own.

“I do not have the time to properly love you,” he whispered seductively in her ear, his hot breath feathering through her hair, his deep baritone vibrating through her very being, coursing white heat through her veins.

“You are positively incorrigible,” Ava laughed out, swallowing hard and willing the heat away. .

“Besides until we are married I shall not be anywhere near your quarters,” she added weakly as he snaked his hand about her waist and pushed her against him, the warmth from his body a welcomed reprieve from the chilled room.

“Now if you will, my gown.” She whispered shakily, as his hand sought her breast, his fingers dancing lightly over the thin material, his touch eliciting a quivering breath.

Turning her deftly in his arms he embraced her, the dark lustful look in his eyes frightening and thrilling, “we shall see about that,” he growled seeking her mouth with his own.

Barely had their lips met when a quiet rap upon the door sounded through the room, with a curse under his breath he pushed her behind him. “What!” he snarled in frustration.

“Your Grace, her ladyships handmaid has arrived,” the timid voice of the young woman carried from beyond the door, although she did not open it.

Catherine nearly tripped over the hem of her gown as she rushed towards the parlor, anger fueling her every step.

Flinging the door wide she stepped in penetrating him with her icy blue gaze all her frustration and fury to be found in that one glance. “How dare you,” she snarled after a few moments of silence, quietly pleased that he looked so ragged.

Henry turned his dark circled eyes in her direction, a pain shooting through his heart at the vision of his brothers beautiful and sweet wife. Her elfin face was red tinged and contorted with rage, all evident in her calm steely tone.

Swallowing hard he just gazed at her, incapable of speech. He had truly made an ass of himself and highly doubted she would tell him if he asked.

Taking his silence as her cue to continue Catherine stepped closer, placing her small hands upon her hips. The placement tightening the fabric over the gentle swell of her abdomen.

“You have disgraced your family, ruined my sister,” she growled her entire body quivering with rage.

“Now I demand you tell me just where you have taken her!” she shrilly screeched, the demanding question temporarily throwing him off guard.

Uncomfortably he gazed into her darkened eyes, wishing at that moment he had not come.

“Catherine, I have not an idea in what you speak,” he finally managed. His mouth dry and his tone weakened.

“Although if I must venture a guess, she is most likely with Lord Alexander,” he calmly added.

She could scarcely believe his comment, her beloved sister acting so foolishly. “I am sure she is not, especially after the horrid way you acted, the things you have done to ensure her dissatisfaction with her life.” She spat, hoping that he would believe she did in fact know what had occurred and tell her more.

Turning away his shoulders drooping with exasperation and weariness, “dearest sister, Ava has most certainly ended any possibility of my initial intentions. She is in love with his grace and I…” he paused his voice thick with emotion.

“I realize that I am in truth in love with my wife and that is why I have come,” the words shot pain through his soul, self loathing for his actions.

Catherine’s temper softened, as she gazed upon him noticing for the first time the disheveled state of his dress and the lack of grooming. “Henry…” she coolly stated still angry with him, yet his mannerism showing his fragility. “Why are you here?” she finally questioned, torn between her anger and her concern for him.