Captain Jones's Temptation - Audrey Harrison Page 0,56

to travel abroad. Samuel had used his usual mocking style to give encouragement, which, although cursed by Matthew, had done the trick.

As the couple said their vows, there was no doubt in the minds of the assembled guests that they were witness to a true love match. For Lydia and Matthew, there was no one else in the church but the other as they uttered the words that joined them in matrimony forever.

Outside the church, rice was thrown over the couple as they made their way through their guests and walked arm in arm back to Sophie’s home, where the wedding breakfast waited for them.

Esther turned around a few times, a frown on her face. After she had done it for the third time, Samuel approached her.

“Is something amiss?” he asked.

“No. I am being foolish. I keep having the feeling that we are being watched, but when I turn, there is no one there.”

Samuel looked in the direction Esther had indicated. “I should investigate. I am sure there is no danger to Isabella, but it would be better to be safe than sorry.”

He left her and skirted around the side of the church, disappearing out of sight. Having walked around the whole building, he reappeared on the other side of the group and quickly made his way to Esther. “There are a few people tending graves, but no one who seems to be interested in us, or to be any threat.”

“My foolishness, then. I am sorry to put you to any trouble.”

“Better being safe, after recent events. It does give me the excuse of escorting you, just in case I missed something,” Samuel said.

Esther took Samuel’s offered arm as they walked up the hill. “Was that a tear in your eye I noticed when the vicar declared them man and wife?” she asked.

“Yes. It is always a sad day when a friend turns his back on the single life. One finds he is never the same again.”

Esther laughed. “Only you could say such a thing on as a lovely day as today, but I shall not react to your nonsense. Not today, at least.”

“It that case I shall be quiet for the remainder of the day. There is no point wasting one’s breath when one’s tormentor is being saintly.”

“You truly are a cad. What an infamous thing to say!” Esther exclaimed.

Samuel smiled down at Esther. “Am I incorrect? Have you not been the bane of my life these past weeks?”

“I hope so.”

Laughing, Samuel squeezed her hand that was resting on his arm. “You are definitely my favourite termagant.”

“Your flattery is almost overwhelming. If I were a lesser being I might actually faint because of your flummery.”

“I shall hope to always catch you if you fall.”

Esther could not think of a response to Samuel’s words. They had been said quietly, almost seriously, but she could not believe there was hidden meaning in them. He was such a confusing mix of caprice, damning opinions, and laconic set-downs, but sometimes he would speak words that contrasted completely, and it would set her head spinning. She had no idea how to understand him.

She might have been reassured to know that Samuel spent most of his time trying to understand himself.

*

Waving the newlyweds and Isabella off in Esther’s carriage, which she had loaned them, broke up the wedding party. Lydia’s family took their leave and started their own journey back to Sidmouth, which left Samuel, Esther, and Sophie.

“I can’t persuade you to stay longer? There are plenty of entertainments in this town that you could enjoy,” Sophie asked again.

“No. I am going back to the churchyard, and then if it is all the same with you, Captain Jones, we can make a start. We have plenty of time to arrive at Corless House by nightfall,” Esther said.

“I am at your disposal. Would you like my escort to the church?” Samuel asked.

“No. I feel it is something I have to do alone, but if you would like a walk, I would not mind company on the way back.”

“Of course. I shall arrange my luggage and then check over the horses. It does honour to your riding skills that Matthew has allowed you to ride his horse. He does not allow just anyone to take it.”

“I don’t think he had much choice, seeing as I was giving him my carriage to travel to London in,” Esther said.

“You are never just grateful,” Samuel said with a smile. He stood and, bowing to the two ladies, he left the