I miss them, too.”
“The invitation remains open, sir,” Reade said. “If you change your mind.”
“You must come for a visit before the winter makes travel too difficult, Papa,” Jo said.
“We shall come. Mary, too, and perhaps Mrs. Laverty might enjoy the trip.”
“Oh, Papa! That would be wonderful.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Jo. Leave a fellow to organize his own life. I look forward to seeing your home farm, Reade.”
“I will benefit greatly from your sage advice, sir.”
After luncheon, Jo saw Reade to the door. The butler cleared his throat and made for the servants’ stairs. Left alone, he gathered her into his arms and hugged her. “I can’t believe my good fortune,” he said huskily. “Come outside with me.”
She took his hand, and they walked down the steps. “What is it? You look so somber. You are happy?”
“Blissfully, my love. But there is something I need to say now before we go any further.”
“You’re going to Scotland.”
“No.” He put a finger to her lips. “I have had trouble…sleeping, since the war. Nightmares. They can plunge me into the doldrums. I’m not always the happiest of fellows. You need to be aware of what you’re taking on with me, Jo.”
“Oh, my darling.” Jo reached up to touch his cheek. “My father told me how troubled the men he served with were after the war. We shall deal with it together.”
He hated the thought of seeming weak in her eyes. It twisted his gut. But he didn’t hate it enough to give her up. Not when she gazed so tenderly at him that he wanted to kiss her. Aware some of the maids were watching through the iron fence, he settled his hat on his head. “I believe you are the best antidote for any ailment a man might suffer, sweetheart.”
She caught his arm as he turned away. “You make me blissfully happy, Gareth.”
There were tears on her cheeks. Hell, he couldn’t leave like that, he gently kissed them away. Did he hear a faint cheer from belowstairs?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Their wedding was not a large fashionable affair, which was Jo’s preference, and Reade agreed. It took place at a small church in Westminster three weeks after Reade’s proposal. The church was unadorned, the only concession, white flowers and ribbons decorating the pews. The servants came dressed in their Sunday best. Mr. Spears abandoned his black for a fawn-colored coat, well-made but patched on the elbows.
The Cartwrights had offered to hold the wedding breakfast at their home.
Reade had received a congratulatory letter from the Prince Regent, who expressed his grievance at him retiring from service. Many friends and those from the government offered their best wishes from the prime minister to the home secretary.
Jo wore a new gown, an apricot sarsnet trimmed with broad Vandyke lace, her Italian, straw bonnet lined with apricot satin and ostrich feathers. Reade was handsome in a gray tailcoat and dark trousers, and his best man, Cartwright, wore blue. Charlotte, in primrose yellow, was Jo’s bridesmaid. She had recently become engaged to Mr. Lambton. While Letty, elegant in azure lace, was her matron of honor.
Aunt Mary wore a new lilac-colored dress and turban made for the occasion, and Jo’s father looked very smart in a dark tail-coat with a flower in his buttonhole, but grimaced and tugged at his cravat. He smiled and kissed her as he gave her away. Jo saw that he was sad, and she was glad of Mrs. Laverty.
Once the register was signed, she and Reade emerged onto the street. The servants cheered and threw rice as they laughingly climbed into the landau and drove away.
“Was that Mr. Black standing on the pavement?” Jo asked as they traveled to Grosvenor Square.
“Yes, good of Winston to come.”
“Letty mentioned something interesting as she helped me dress.”
“Oh?” His appreciative gaze took her in from her bonnet to her shoes. “She did well.”
“Did well?” Jo asked, distracted.
“Dressing you.”
She giggled.
“But, I shall attend to the undressing.”
Jo trembled at the heated look he gave her.
“What did Letty tell you?” he asked, drawing her focus back to what she needed to say.
“Cartwright left the service when they first married, but as you know, works for the crown again.”
“Now and again.”
She studied his face beneath his tall beaver hat. “Might they draw you back in one day?”
His hand tightened around hers. “Not if you’d rather I didn’t, my love.”
She frowned. “So, it’s to be my decision. That’s unfair.”
He gave her a silky glance, which made her tremble. When he looked at her like