Lady Thief - By Rizzo Rosko Page 0,12

giggling women blocked the view of whoever was the cause of her stress, and William tilted his head, willing them to move on.

They did, and William gasped quietly when he saw that the source of her discomfort was the man he most despised. His fists clenched and body trembled.

He should have warned his men at the gate not to allow Ferdinand entrance, but it had been years since he thought of the man’s wretched existence. Yet it seemed Ferdinand had not forgotten him at all.

William politely separated himself from his group and inched closer to listen to Marianne’s conversation, and he cocked his head when he heard Ferdinand’s statement of opportunity, and he wondered at the meaning behind it.

He watched Marianne shift, and the subtle pull of her arm as she tried to back away from the man was very telling indeed. He felt a sympathetic tugging in his chest that he had not experienced in some years. It made him angry to see her beautiful hand in the cruel grip of that hideous man.

Perhaps Ferdinand was somehow the reason Marianne felt compelled to kidnap a husband. Her continued efforts to pull away from him and disappear into the crowds suggested as much, and such an action seemed almost understandable if that man was her original intended.

His reputation was known to make even the most experienced of women shudder.

But no matter, her reasons made no difference. He still planned on enjoying her torture for a few more minutes before he rescued her.

Ferdinand would never dare attempt anything other than whisper a few lecherous comments in her ear while around so many people. William relaxed with the knowledge that she was perfectly safe.

Unfortunately, Ferdinand saw him before he could make his gallant entry. His milky eyes lit up with pleasure before he slowly approached him at a pace understandable for his age, though William knew he could move faster, and without the need to put his hand on his lower back while still clinging to Marianne’s hand and forcing her with him with the other.

“I must say that I am quite insulted that I was never invited to the wedding. It must have been a small event to sneak by so many people.” Ferdinand smirked.

Anne’s husband John, chose that moment to make himself known. “Aye, quite,” His arms were crossed, his eyes under scruffy eyebrows changed from their sparkling bright color to dark, though he did fail to conceal a quirk of the lips.

William looked behind him and noted that several other guests were having similar troubles at keeping their expressions under control, though they put more force into their disapproval than John did.

William had thought of the insult his family and friends would suffer from not receiving an invitation to his wedding while spending all the time alone in his solar. It had not occurred to him while the actual wedding was taking place, but there was naught he could do about that except hope they were pleased with the feast and music he prepared to forget it.

Marianne yanked her hand from Ferdinand’s. William, recognizing her heated glare, stepped in. He was not sure of her ability to calm a pack of wolves but did not want to risk that she said something unpleasant.

With a tenderness that surprised him, he slid his arm around her and pulled her possessively close. She did not fight him.

“‘Twas a hasty decision, aye, and one that my bride and I have both regretted since our first kiss as man and wife.” He brought her hand to his lips to emphasize his point, pleased with her flushed cheeks.

That color had naught to do with any feelings she might hold for him, but her humiliation worked in his favor regardless. “However, since Marianne was unable to wait on a set date and for invitations to be sent and answered, she talked me into having our wedding in a small chapel sooner than expected. I hope you all accept my apology and be merry with food and drink on this wonderful occasion.”

Nearly everyone’s face softened. Anne embraced William. “I forgive you, cousin. I am glad you found another wife and will bear ye no grudge.” She embraced Marianne with the same vigor. “You and I shall be the best of friends. We shall have to be if we’re to survive being wed to these men.”

William had trouble containing his laughter, as did the rest of the men in the room it appeared, including John, who enjoyed his