Captain Jones's Temptation - Audrey Harrison Page 0,50
laugh and tease each other whilst Samuel and Esther clashed at every opportunity, all the time the fierier pair not realising what was going on in the same room. The injury had deepened the affection into something true and long-lasting. Both had acknowledged their feelings to themselves but had been frightened to mention anything for fear of rejection.
“That is music to my ears. When are we to marry, my sweet Lydia?”
Lydia laughed. “I think you need to recover your strength first.”
“Would you agree to a special licence if we could arrange for a clergyman to attend us here?” Matthew asked.
“That is what you want?”
“Most certainly.”
“Everyone will be shocked.”
“I don’t give a fig about anyone else. I only want the certificate that says you are mine forever and we can start to plan our future, for I have the urge to find a less dangerous occupation once I have secured my wife.”
“Your wife will not argue against that,” Lydia said, but she frowned a little.
“What is it?”
“It’s just—” Lydia faltered.
“Tell me. I want you to be honest with me.”
“Would it be too much to wait and marry when our banns have been read? I know it would mean marrying in a month, but I would like my family around me when I wed. I would like to show off my handsome husband.”
Matthew smiled. “The wish for a special licence is purely selfishness on my part. Of course we can wait. I will be able to stand at the top of the aisle by then, waiting for you. I would look forward to that. Yes, let’s get married properly.”
“Thank you. It means a lot to have my family around me.”
“Then shall we travel into London and meet my parents as our wedding trip?”
“I’ve never been to London.” The thought made Lydia quake a little. Her wardrobe was that of a spinster teacher, not of a member of an aristocratic family. She would surely look the dowd, but she would not utter the words and make Matthew worry. Perhaps she could afford to buy some new material and make up some dresses.
“I will show you all the sights. In the meantime, would you send Samuel to me, please? He will organise everything on my behalf,” Matthew said, oblivious to the inner turmoil his words had caused.
“Are you completely sure?”
“If I have to get out of this bed to prove I am, I shall do it.”
“No! Stay still!” Lydia pleaded. “I will fetch Captain Jones.”
“Tell him to hurry,” Matthew said.
Lydia found Samuel and Esther in the drawing room with Sophie. Lydia asked Samuel to visit Matthew, at which he left the room immediately.
Esther looked at Lydia’s face and frowned. “Is everything well?”
“If getting married in a month means everything is well, then yes, I suppose it is,” Lydia said. Her cheeks were aflame, but she could only blurt out the words, for she could not face trying to break the news gently.
“What? Really? You and Captain Dunn? Oh, Lydia! That is wonderful news indeed!” Esther jumped to her feet and embraced the now laughing Lydia.
“I was afraid you would think me foolish,” Lydia admitted.
“Why on earth would I do that? He’s a lovely man, and he obviously adores you, if the glances he has been sending your way are anything to go by,” Esther said.
“I hope Captain Jones feels the same, for Captain Dunn says he is going to look for alternative employment. He wanted to marry by special licence, but I asked to share my wedding day with my family. I want them to be here, and then we are to go to London.”
“Oh, Lydia! That is wonderful. How exciting for you,” Esther said. She was truly delighted for her friend.
“I shall look the rustic in London, but Matthew wants to visit his family.”
“My wedding present to you will be your wedding trousseau,” Esther said quickly. “We have a month, so plenty of time to make sure you are suitably attired for your trip.”
“Oh no! Please don’t think I was hinting for such a thing.” Lydia’s cheeks paled with mortification.
Sophie laughed. “You are going to be every colour of the rainbow if you continue in this vein, my girl. Accept the gift for what it is. A generous wedding present.”
“Well said,” Esther said. “I want to do this. You have given me loyal service and friendship over these last years. Let me repay you in this way. It will give us all something wonderful to distract us.”
“I am sorry I shan’t be able