short aisle alone, followed by her daughters and soon to be stepdaughter.
The chapel was not provided with an organ or piano to accompany the congregation, but a string quartet who had been employed for the house party entertainment had been installed in the choir stalls and struck up a pretty piece of music by Purcell for Lady Danby to process to.
Evidently trying to ease her nerves, she waited until the first phrases had floated through the chapel, and then she plant a joyful smile on her face. As the sweet music floated through her, she relaxed, and the smile became genuine. She straightened her back and set a dignified slow march down the aisle, followed by the three lovely girls in white. When she reached the front of the chapel, she handed her bouquet to Callie and smiled at her groom. The bridesmaids took the seats reserved for them and waited while their parents were led in their vows.
Throughout the ceremony, Graham only had eyes for Callie, and she did her best to not look in his direction. Was she genuinely indifferent to him, and yesterday in the cottage had simply been a once only experience for her?
The idea that she might feel nothing for him gnawed at his gut. The rest of the ceremony and wedding breakfast passed in a blur.
“I’ve always wanted a Christmas wedding,” he heard the new countess say at one point. “But I thought that delight would be reserved for one of my daughters.”
“Oh Mama,” Callie said, laughing. “I am glad it was you! I am certain I will remain a spinster.”
“Oh, pish! That lovely Dr. Harcourt couldn’t stop staring at you today. I daresay he will come calling soon.”
As if caressed by his stare, Callie glanced up at him. She didn’t reject her mother’s claim; she only stared back at him. When the countess saw him, she beamed. “Here comes your new brother!”
Sweet Christ, it was torturous. He wanted to roar he was not her bloody brother but gravely kept his lips sealed. The cravat seemed to tighten around his throat when a mocking smile tipped Callisto’s lips, and she greeted,
“Hello, Brother.”
Ice filled his veins as he glanced at her with utter disbelief. “Ah…sister Callisto,” he quipped.
Graham wasn’t sure what she saw in his face, but the sarcastic smile slipped from her mouth, and she laced her fingers together.
“We must make the best of the situation,” she said with quiet emphasis, casting a careful glance at her mother, to ensure the countess did not overhear. But she was busy receiving congratulations from her guests. “Our parents are very happy.”
“And what does their happiness have to do with us?”
She peered up at him and he could see the wild fluttering of her pulse at her throat. “Will there be an us?”
Instead of paying attention to his new bride, his father was busy staring at them and looking worried. His countess frowned and leaned in close to whisper in his ears. That still did not detract the earl’s attention from his son and new daughter.
Callie seemed to notice and flushed in evident discomfort. “Your father…he cannot stop watching us.”
And in that moment Graham knew he could not stay for the rest of the house party. He sketched a deep bow to Callisto. “I suppose we must make the best of the situation. I am leaving Holliwell Manor today.”
Her eyes widened, and she reached out and gripped his gloved hand. “What…why?”
When she realized what she had done, she released him as if seared by fire.
“My father has warned me away from you. In fact, he is truly angry at the idea that we might like each other.”
“He is afraid of what society might whisper,” she said, closing her eyes briefly.
His heart was a pained ache inside his chest. “I need your promise on a matter.”
Tears pooled in her gaze, but they did not spill over. “What is it?”
“If there are any consequences to yesterday…you will inform me immediately.”
Her lips parted and fear, stark and vivid, glittered in her eyes. “Consequences,” she whispered. “Do you mean a…a child?”
His gaze dipped to her stomach and lingered there for an inordinate amount of time. “Yes,” he grumbled. He had lost his head and hadn’t thought about protecting her until after they had finished making love. “A child.”
She rested a hand protectively across her middle. “And if there are?”
“Then we will marry and damn the scandal.”
Pain darkened her eyes, and she stared at him. “I…I see.”
When she said no more, he