Midnight Masquerade (38 page)

Looking over her shoulder, “He lives?” Afraid to ask.

Smiling, her blonde sister-in-law answered, “Of course he does Lia. There is no more danger for you two
anymore,
the threat is gone forever. Alastair will heal, and you two will marry.”

“I said something about the baby in front of Gideon, I know he heard me. Alastair was dying in front of us and I just started to blab everything I felt in my heart. I told Alastair we’d have another baby…”

“And so you will Amelia, many children. I’m sure it’ll be a shock, and upsetting to him, he’ll be more concerned with why you kept it from him love. Don’t think he’ll let you get away with not at least answering that question little love.”

“I want to get married as soon as Alastair is well enough.” She blurted out.

Chuckling, Helena kissed Amelia’s wet head and held out a towel. “Come on Lia, lets get you dried off and dressed, the other ladies are getting you hot tea and something to eat. We’ll get you warmed up properly inside and out, and then Alastair will be brought up here to rest. You can watch over him and in the morning we’ll figure out the wedding details, I promise.”

Waking up next to Alastair, she hugged his bare chest tight. His bright white bandage contrasted greatly against his tan skin and muscles. He slept peacefully all night, watching him breath she counted her blessings. Not only had Alfred been able to dig out the bullet VanEtter had planted in Alastair’s chest, he had also set Luke’s leg. It had been the same leg he had broken years ago as a teenager, it would be something that always pained him for the remainder of his days.

Slipping from their bed she threw on a warm fur lined robe and slippers; wanting a cup of tea in the library she hoped her brothers were awake. She needed to talk to them in private, she had kept so much from them feelings of overwhelming guilt constricted her heart.

Kissing her sleeping fiancé’s forehead softly she slipped from the room and went downstairs and slipped into the library to find just the men she was looking for. She was used to early mornings with Gideon as she lived with him and Helena, adding in Luke was a bonus.

“Ah, I thought you’d be down soon. Come sit by us Lili, have a cup of tea.” Gideon offered. On the couch by the roaring fire was Luke, leaning back with his broken leg propped up under pillows.

“Morning Li, come join us.
Luke smiled.

Closing the door behind her she couldn’t but help smile at them. They were so handsome and unique in their own ways, so loving and brave. She owed them so much, she loved them so much it sometimes hurt her heart.

As she walked Luke added, “You should know that the authorities from London are on their way to collect the accused, they’ll stand trial for murder, attempted murder and accomplice.”

Sitting beside Luke, she cradled him into her arms as he rested on the couch, on the other side of her Gideon sat down and handed her a porcelain cup with steaming tea.

“Thank you.”
Taking a sip she hugged Luke with one arm as
they sat before the fireplace, so glad that having someone hunt her was done. She was ready to breathe easier, to start her family with Alastair.

Looking up through the large panoramic windows the sun barely started to rise
the horizon, the library quiet and peaceful. It had been the three of them for so long, and here she was, about to embark on her own marriage, her own family.
The last unmarried Somerset child, finding love at last.

Looking at her oldest brother, “It wasn’t his fault Gideon. He didn’t know until I was carrying his child until after he was engaged to Porsche.”
Blurting it out, she had to get it off her chest, it was eating her alive. It was just easier to say it versus Gideon bringing it up.

Feeling Luke stiffen
beside her
she wh
ispered in his ear. “Luke relax, p
lease just listen dearest.” Kissing the side of his head she continued, “I had went to the masque ball with an impeccable disguise, I never intended to steal away with Alastair that night. I will admit I hoped to find him. It wasn’t until
many weeks later, actually,
the morning after someone shot me that I realized I was pregnant. Alastair walked in on my conversation with Helena, he assumed I had slept with anothe
r man and I didn’t correct him, he obviously didn’t know it was me that night.
I was scared
, I had a murder attempt on my life hours before I realized I was pregnant, then Alastair and I fought, and later t
hat night he asked Porsche to marry him.”

Gideon reached over and ran his hand down her face. “You could have came to us Amelia, we would have never judged you.”

Her heart melted with his words, she knew they were genuine. “I know, but I begged Helena and Alastair to
not say anything, to let me have time to let reality set in, I would have told you.
I was trying to find a way to tell Alastair, and then you, every time I got the courage, something would happen. Instead of telling Alastair like I should have, he figured me out. The morning he and I fought outside in the rain, when the ladies mentioned my white gown, it was what I wore to the masque that night.”

“Ah yes, who could forget that morning.” Luke teased.

“I would have told y
ou about the baby eventually, something I was so afraid of, I had grown to love, then… it
was taken away from me.”

“What do you mean Lili?” Luke asked, kissing the knuckles of her hand.

“When VanEtter pushed me off the balcony, I lost the baby in the fall.”

“Oh sister, I am so sorry.” Gideon offered, kneeling before her on the couch. Luke sat up straight and threw his arm around her. Although the news was sad, it felt relieving to finally tell her brothers the full truth, they were never ones for secrets.

“I want to marry Alastair as soon as possible.” She whispered.

Luke laughed and kissed her temple. “Amelia Elizabeth Somerset, there isn’t a force in this world that will stop Alastair from getting out of his deathbed and standing at the end of an altar to marry you if you asked him to do it right this second.”

From behind them, they heard Alastair’s deep voice. “He’s right Amelia.”

Swinging her head around she saw Alastair standing leaned up against one of the large pillars that supported the multi floor library,
watching
them all with a smile. Shirtless, his chest still bandage, his arm in a sling, he looked banged up but
undeniably handsome.

“What
are you doing up?” Amelia asked
worriedly as she got up and ran over to him. He had
come
down the secret
passage
, which was why none of them had heard him.

Running his hand around her waist he shrugged, “I woke up to find you missing, figured you’d be commandeering my library.
Looking over at her brothers, “Gentleman.” He
nodded
, “Fine day for a wedding is it not?”

Sucking in her breath she pinched his side, “We are not getting married today Alastair, you almost died last night.”

“What a better way to tell mortality to piss off than marrying an angel?” He teased, winking at her.

“Good show Alastair, I’ll go tell the ladies they’ve got a wedding to put on, today.” Gideon offered
, saluting Alastair and ruffling Luke’s hair before leaving the library.

Taking a drink of his tea, Luke shrugged. “I’d offer to leave too
, but my
damn leg is giving me all sorts of fits this morning. If I am to walk my baby sister down the aisle tonight I need to save up my strength.” His smile made them both laugh.

“Luke, you do not have to walk me…”

“Amelia Elizabeth Somerset, I
will
be escorting you down the aisle along with Gideon, do
not
take this away from
me.” Luke gritted out
, giving her a look that dared her to object.

Bowing to her brother she took Alastair’s hand. “Very well, we will leave you to your peace brother dearest.” Turning Alastair towards the hidden staircase she slipped back in the way he had come and walked before him up the winding way to their bedroom.

Making it to the room without any
direction
from Alastair she was giddy, entering the room she spun and put her hands on her hips. “Truly, are you well enough?”

“No, but I can handle it Lia. Also, it gives us an excellent excuse to dodge out early and come back up here.” He smiled, giving her a quick smack on her ass. “You my dear were something else last night. I just knew, I knew you were going to jump into that lake. Our options were limited with him using you as a shield, so you remov
ed yourself from the equation.”

“Alastair, we can wait a few days until you are feeling better. There is no need to do this today.” She offered, holding his hand tightly as they slowly made their way back to their bedroom upstairs.

Releasing the hidden door, he pulled her gently into the room and kissed her engagement ring that dazzled in the morning sunlight pouring into the room. “Amelia, there is every need to marry you today. Simply put
,
I refuse to live another day without
you as my wife. We’ve wasted years being friends; I want you as my wife for the rest of my years on this earth. Surely, after saving your life you’ll do me the honor of marrying me tonight?”

“Any special requests?” She smiled at him as she walked him over to the bed and nodded for him to get back in.

Sitting on the edge of the bed he rolled his neck, “We have a chapel here, I’d like for us to be married in it, it is where my parents were wed as well.”

“I would like
that very much Alastair, it’s time we start setting the ground work for our own traditions, maybe someday our children will follow in our footsteps.” She said, gently pushing him into bed. His face was far too white for her liking. He needed rest, still not convinced it was the best idea to wed tonight.
Watching him lean back into their bed she leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I need to go let Mrs. Potts and the other ladies know to start getting things ready for tonight. I’d like it to be in the evening, that way you can rest and we have enough time to prepare.”

Nodding his head, his eyelids were heavy as he sighed, “Whatever you think is best love. Will you bring me Romeo?”

Grinning she turned and looked by the fire, the
little fur ball was snuggled in
his bed before the warm fire fast asleep. Walking over to her little pup, she scooped him up and snuggled her face into his soft fur and brought him back to Alastair who was starting to nod off. Setting Romeo in the crook of Alastair’s arm, she looked down at the two with love in her heart. The two fell back asleep almost instantly.

Exiting the bedroom she shut the door behind her softly as she went in search of Helena, Hero and Lady
Juliet
and of course Mrs. Potts, they had their work cut out for them. Although the wedding would be very small, Amelia wanted it to be perfect for Alastair. The man had saved the lives of her two brothers, and her own last night, she wanted nothing more to pledge her love and life to the man in his estate’s chapel as the sun set on this very day.

Dressed in the white feathered dress, the dress that had so famously helped her land the Duke of Blackstone, she gripped the lilies tightly as she waited for her two handsome brothers.

With her dark hair pulled up into a beautiful lose bun, the priceless crown Alastair had been gifted with sat upon her shiny locks. The brilliant diamonds glittered in the candlelight as she checked her reflection in the long mirror one more time.

Covered in diamonds from his collection, she truly felt like a bride. Nervous, yes, but not your typical marriage jitters. Still unsure if Alastair should be on his feet, she had worried about him all day, no matter how many times he assured her he was fine.
Gripping
the Blackstone family ring in her
palm, she prayed he’d appreciate the ring she selected for him. He wasn’t a man for garish baubles; he was a man of power and this ring exuded power.

Hearing Luke curse, she couldn’t help but smile.
She knew they’d be coming for her soon, the chapel was located near the west gardens, a lovely little chapel that had housed several marriages. Overly thankful for the women in her life, the moment she told them the wedding would be today they all sprang into action. The chapel had been decorated, the food for the meal had been prepped and the entire household, as well as her brothers’ castle staff had been invited to the ceremony. No one had been left out, everyone had been walking on air today.

Hearing the door open, she turned around to see Luke and Gideon standing in the doorway. Both incredibly handsome
and debonair, her heart was full of pride as she looked upon her beloved family.

“My god Lia, look at you. Our little sister, a bride.” Gideon offered, his hand over his heart. Tears immediately sprung up in her eyes. Grinning at them, she watched as they both tried to walk through the door at the same time, effectively getting stuck in the doorframe. Thankful for their comedic relief, she shook her head and shooed them out the door.

“Back up brothers, the chapel is that way and I don’t want Alastair on his feet for longer than necessary, he was almost killed last night. I’m not entirely sure this is the best idea we’ve ever had, knowing my luck he’ll pass out right before our vows.”

“Ah Lil, he’ll stay alive long enough to say I do, or we’ll just hold him up for you” Luke teased as he offered his arm backing up so she could come out and join them in the hall.

Raising an eyebrow, she pointed at her very injured brother, “I’m not sure you’re going to be able to hold up anyone but yourself mister, did you forget your leg is broken?”

Shrugging he nodded for her to join them. “All the bones in my body could be broken Lili and I’d still be here for you, and I’d still make my best mate get through that ceremony, even on his last breath.”

“I’ll hold both of their asses up sis, never fear.” Gideon added, winking at her.

“I’m certain there is not a luckier lady in the world, I have the best big brothers in the world. I love you both, thank you for always being here for me.” Kissing them each on their cheeks, she took a big breath and linked arms with them. Secured between two solid walls of Somerset men, “Shall we?”

“Like anything could stop us now.” Luke stated, puffing out his chest he carried
an
ornate cane to help assist walking.

Walking outside the castle, the rare warm breeze hit her face as she looked at the chapel in the distance. Taking in all of it, the glow of candles
lit up the lovely little
chapel
that
lay due east of the
castle
. A path of candles lined their walkway as the stars twinkled above them in the dark night sky.

With her arms linked with her brothers’, she took a deep breath and looked straight at the medieval chapel
with a grin, this was finally happening. Walking slowly to accommodate for Luke’s broken leg and cane, she could hear the beautiful sound of a piano floating through the air.

Clearing his throat, Gideon spoke softly, “They are th
e stars in the sky Amelia, and they’re
up there, watching down on us, sparkling brightly for us so we may know they’re always with us.”

Deep emotion rolled over her at her eldest brother’s touching words about their parents. All three of them wed without their parents’ presence, at each wedding, the loss of their beloved parents was felt, and today was no exception.

“They’d be proud of us, and extremely happy for us as well. They’d love their grandchildren, and spoil them liked their Auntie Lili does,” Luke said with emotion, stopping them in their tracks so they could look up at the dazzling sky above them, “They are in our heart, never truly gone, with us on our brightest and darkest days, always our champions.”

Trying to tamp down the welling tears, she closed her eyes and said, “They’d tell you boys how well you did with me, your love and protection, it has been the greatest gift you two could ever give me. I love you both with all my heart, a luckier sister, there never was.”

Leaning in, Luke kissed her temple and chuckled, “Remember that when I piss you off in the future, eh little one?”

Shaking her head and smiling, one could always count on Luke to lighten up the moment. “I’ll try my hardest to remember that Luke.”

Kissing her other temple, Gideon nodded towards the chapel, “Come on, and lets get this last Somerset married off.”

Approaching the large stone chapel, the doors opened, revealing a totally packed church, still too far away to see their faces she wondered who was inside. The music had yet to cease as they walked into the grand entrance, the beautiful gothic church was lit up with gorgeous white pillar candles. 

Walking down the aisle she noticed two things, one, Alastair was playing the piano on the altar, watching her with love in his eyes. He was playing for her, and all their guests, which was her second observation as she passed familiar faces. It was the staff, the staff of
her brother’s castles, and London homes,
Alastair’s
staff- all of them, and most shocking, the staff from Salthill, her family estate in the far south of England had traveled all this way to witness her marriage. Three very familiar faces made her eyes overly watery as she passed them at the very front altar, Mrs. Hollington, Jarvis and Old Max, three of her parents’ staff from Salthill that had helped raise her since she was a
babe. The housekeeper, the majordomo and the stable master, they all held a very special place in her heart.

Overcome with emotion she realized Alastair had stopped playing and was now waiting to take her up the altar to Father McHenry.

Leaning up and kissing both brothers on the cheek, she let go of their strong hold and stepped forward towards her future. Taking his hand, she squeezed as they slowly ascended the stairs to the altar together. Looking at him, she couldn’t help but think about getting him in bed and consummating their marriage, he made her knees weak.

Dressed in all black military regalia, his superbly fitted coat and trousers fit him like a glove. His dark black coat decorated with gold rope
signifying his rank
and medals, there was no denying this man was a commander
, he looked good enough to eat. His unruly sandy blond hair begged to be tugged.

Leaning down so only she could hear, his words made her bit her lip as he whispered, “My memory doesn’t fail me one bit, you look as good in that dress as you did the first time I saw you in it love, excellent choice for our wedding day Lia.”

Squeezing his hand, she could see the fatigue in his eyes, so humbled that he wanted to get married so close after almost dying, she was overcome with emotion. Holding tight to his hand with her left hand, and clenching the heirloom ring she had for him in her right hand, both faced to turn Father McHenry as he
asked the guests to be seated.

Looking out at the guests, and then back to her and Alastair, Father McHenry began, “In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offe
red in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this uni
on with the gifts of the East- c
ommunicatio
n of the heart, mind, and body.
Fresh beginning
s with the rising of each Sun.
The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences
together as a united couple
.
Blessed be this unio
n with the gifts of the South- w
armth of hearth an
d home.
T
he heat of the heart's passion, t
he light created by both to illuminate the darkest of times.
Blessed be this uni
on with the gifts of the West- t
he deep commitments of the lake
.
The
swift excitement of the river, t
he refreshing cleansing of the
rain. The
all-encompassing
passion of the sea
.
Blessed be this uni
on with the gifts of the North- f
ir
m foundation on which to build.
Fertility of
the fields to enrich your lives.
A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings emphasizes those things which will help you build
a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools, t
ools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union
.”

Leaning against Alastair’s good shoulder, she felt him let go of her hand and slip his hand around her hip pull her close against his side, looking up at him, they smiled at each
other, as the father moved into their vows.

“My good people, today we are here to wed His Grace, Alastair Cedric Bancroft, the fifth Duke of Blackstone and our fair Lady Amelia Elizabeth Somerset. We have watched them traverse the world apart, and from today forward, they shall have each other to make their journey for the rest of their days. We witness their union with joy and happiness in our hearts for this young couple. Now, Alastair, you shall go first my son, if you’ll repeat after me,” Father McHenry said with a smile, both of them had known him since they were children, he serviced the area as their religious leader.

Repeating his words perfectly, Alastair turned and cupped her jaw as he looked into her eyes, “I, Alastair Cedric Bancroft, take thee Amelia Elizabeth Somerset to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.”

Slipping a thick band of diamonds onto her ring finger, he raised her left hand and kissed her hand with a gentle squeeze. Taking a moment to look at the heavy diamonds he had just slipped onto her finger, the second band had a dazzling effect next to the already massive engagement ring he had blessed her with. 

Clearing his throat, Father McHenry, repeated her vows so she could recite them to Alastair.

Swallowing down her welling emotions, she did the best to get through the words without crying, “I, Amelia Elizabeth Somerset take thee, Alastair Cedric Bancroft
to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.
”

Taking his left hand, she prayed his father’s ring that was handed down to the male heir at their twenty-first birthday would fit Alastair’s finger, slipping it on his ring finger, she felt him look down at the ring and take a deep breath. Hoping he wo
uldn’t be upset with her choice
given the fact that he had refused to wear the ring since his father had passed before he was ab
le to pass it along to Alastair. S
he looked up into his sapphire blue eyes and them watery with emotion.

Saying her name in a barely audible whisper, “Amelia…”

Before them, Father McHenry stated, “My good people,
may
I introduce you for the first time, The Duke and Duchess of Blackstone,
our beloved
Alastair and Amelia Bancroft.”

All around them the church roared with cheers and applause
as they looked into each other’s eyes. Alastair moved before she could react, and leaned down and captured her mouth in a soul melting kiss that sealed their union, and their fate forever. She was his, and he was hers, married after all these years of knowing each other.

A masquerade that led to a marriage of love, throwing her arms around his neck carefully she whispered against his lips as the world around them held still, “I love you husband.”

“
and
I love you wife, now don’t go hitting me over the hea
d with a candlestick and run
away this time.”