Hope for Tomorrow (31 page)

No one spoke up and the ceremony carried on unhindered but as Lucien walked her back down the aisle, her legs were shaking as though she had run herself into exhaustion. As their carriage took them back to the house for the wedding breakfast, Lucien took her hand.

“
Relax,” he told her. “It is done now and it cannot be undone, for any reason.”

Realising that he was right, she began to smile.

“
See, the worst is over,” he continued. “Now we just have the rest of our lives to worry about.”

Martha laughed.

“
And the wedding night,” she added.

It had been six months since they were intimate with each other and they had both missed it.

“
I'm only sorry that it will not be our first time,” he said.

“
I'm not.” She leaned over and kissed him softly before sitting back again. “I think we're both better people for what we've been through and I wouldn't wish it any other way.”

Lucien smiled. She had a good point, for the boy he had been wasn't ready for marriage or commitment, he was too immature and selfish, while the girl she had been was still too insecure and proud. They wouldn't have been able to fight for each other back then. Time and experience had tempered their worst qualities and strengthened their better ones, like their love for each other.

Nothing could tear them apart now, nothing at all.

“
I love you, Lady Martha Beaumont, Countess of Marchwood.

“
Don't call me that!” she said, though she couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it sounded to hear herself called a Countess.

“
Why not? It is your title now.”

“
I know, I just need some time to get used to it.” She leaned over and stole another quick kiss. “And I love you too!”

About the Author

Cat Winchester was born in East Anglia. After her wanderlust finally abated, she settled in Edinburgh with her family and three dogs

Other Books by Catherine Winchester

Northern Light

What You Wish For

Past Series

Past Due

Half Past