Free A Christmas Seduction: A Regency Anthology by Anthology Page B

room, immediately throwing open the doors of her wardrobe and pulling out the gown she selected for her wedding dress. “The wedding is in a few hours, if you still plan for it to take place today.” Sara called out, turning slightly to face her sister. “Mother’s quite taken with the idea of presenting you as Lord and Lady Ashbury. Don’t ask me why, but either way, we don’t want to disappoint Mother, now do we? Besides, a footman has already secured the local vicar and you’ll be officially married in a small, intimate ceremony at eleven in the morning. “
    “What does Lucas say?” Meredith tried to process all that Sara was trying to say.
    “He’s apparently already up and dressed, which to say, is more than you.”
    “Call the maid.” Meredith snapped to attention, pulling in her focus. Lucas was ready? That was all she needed to hear.
    “I already called her. She’ll be here in just a few moments,” Sara replied, then paused and regarded her sister carefully. “Are you sure about all this? I mean… honestly Meredith, it seems quick.”
    “Sara…” Meredith approached her sister, clasping her hand once she got close enough. “I am quite sure. Completely certain. I’m not marrying a stranger, which is not uncommon among the ton . I’ve known Lucas since I can remember. I’ve spent more time with him than most of my friends back in London—”
    “But you liked your friends, you hated Lucas.”
    “Lucas… is as honorable and charming as he is annoying and irritating.” Meredith laughed.
    “I can believe that,” Sara confessed, aiming her stare at the floor.
    “I have no hesitation. Rather, I find I’m… impatient. I love him. I think a part of me always did, which was why it was so easy for me to constantly be a war with him.” She shrugged. “Attention was attention.”
    “Dear heavens, please tell me you haven’t said that. His ego will grow to mammoth proportions.” Sara rolled her eyes.
    “Not in as many words. I know who I’m marrying.” She winked. “And that is the truth of it, Sara. I know Lucas. I know his likes, dislikes, I know everything about him.”
    “That’s true.” Sara nodded. “As long as you’re sure, I can make an effort to like him.”
    “How noble of you,” Meredith teased with a soft laugh.
    “What’s noble of me is waking you up before mother gets here and takes over.”
    With that, Lady Bright strolled into the room like a general on a mission. “Ladies, we have work to do.”
     

CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    N EVER HAD L UCAS BEEN so nervous. And apparently it showed.
    “Damn it all, Lucas. If you don’t stop pacing I’m going to go bloody mad,” Hugh whispered as the vicar cleared his throat.
    “I’m not pacing.”
    “You’re pacing,” Jack replied.
    “She’ll be here in a moment. She wasn’t given much time.” Hugh yawned.
    “I pray Louisa is as much of a threat to your peace of mind as Meredith is to mine.”
    Hugh gave him a dark look. Just then, the doors to the small family chapel within the Wingham estate creaked open. Light shot through the stained glass windows and focused a rosy glow on Meredith as she walked into the room. Her gown was a soft pink, with a fur cape just about her shoulders, highlighting the creamy hue of her skin.
    Skin he knew the flavor of. Skin that would soon be all that was between them.
    As if sensing his thoughts, the vicar cleared his throat again.
    Meredith strode towards him, her parents seated to the side, beside his and waiting patiently. Yet his gaze was drawn to her; his bride.
    “Meredith,” he whispered her name, a litany in his very soul.
    “Lucas.” Her tone was sweet like honey.
    The vicar opened in prayer, and with an efficiency Lucas truly appreciated — led them through the short ceremony.
    “Before God and man, I now pronounce you man and wife. Please kiss your—”
    Before the vicar finished, Lucas had Meredith in his arms, tasting her kiss. The wait was over, and before God and