Forever Winter by Amber Daulton Read Free Book Online Page B

growing stomach and cooed to the unborn child. “Well, it’s time. Reverend Chauncey has prepared for noon by tradition. We shall dine with a customary wedding breakfast and dance soon afterward.”
    “It’s so unbelievable.” Susanna clutched her shaky hands together and smiled. “I never thought this moment would come, especially after all the mishaps today.”
    “But none of that is important right now.” Lord Lorican patted her hand. “You are lucky. Even though I detest the idea of arranged marriages, I would’ve chosen a spouse for you had another season in London been disastrous. I can only afford so many parties, balls and gowns.” He laughed softly as she blushed. “Your brothers have been with Lord Beckinworth for the past hour or so, railing the poor man with their big brother speeches.”
    Her brow rose at a mischievous angle. Camden typically regressed into a callow youth when around her brothers. “I assume he received your speech earlier, too.”
    “Of course. I am your father.” He grinned as Marie rolled her eyes. “I’ve never seen a man more excited, anxious and relieved than your viscount. You’ve chosen well for yourself.”
    “I agree.”
    Taking Susanna’s arm in his, Lord Lorican led the ladies from the bedchamber to the vestibule outside the main reception hall. With Deandra out of the wedding, Lady Lorican took her place as a bridesmaid. As a few smiling servants handed the women extravagant bouquets of winter flowers adorned with ribbons, Lord Lorican stuck his head through the open archway and signaled the quartet he hired from Derby. Once soft music began to resonate through the large chamber, Lady Lorican entered one step at a time. Beatrix soon followed.
    “Are you ready?” Lord Lorican whispered to his youngest.
    “More than you know.”
    He peered down at her and tears shone in his eyes. “I am so proud of you. My little girl is getting married. I can barely believe it.”
    Tears glistened in hers. “I’ll always be your little girl, Papa. And Beckinworth Manor is close by. You’ll see us often. Besides, since you want many grandchildren, I will call on you and Mama for help all the time.”
    He laughed and hugged her close. “I look forward to it.”
    Once the soft sounds of the violin, viola, clarinet and cello deepened, Lord Lorican draped the veil over Susanna’s face and hugged her. Then he straightened, patted his daughter’s arm and led the way.
    Passing beneath a richly adorned archway, mistletoe and ivy impressively looped within thick garlands, Susanna nearly stumbled. Air stilled in her lungs. The once stuffy and oppressive hall was now airy and breathtaking. Ivy, holly and red huckleberry hung from every lofty corner, intertwined with bright, imported amaryllis blooms and white ribbons. Spruce, laurel and galax leaves lay scattered about the floor and on the burgundy carpet beneath her feet. Lace, tulle and ribbons decorated tables and chairs. Ribbons and ivy dangled from gold sconces. Hundreds of white candles, large and small, glowed brightly.
    At least three dozen people stood as Susanna entered, far more than she expected. Several were important guests from neighboring areas while many were from London. A fair number of servants stood near the back with their grinning children.
    And then her gaze met Camden’s. He stood before the reverend and the elegantly adorned hearth, the mantel trimmed with ivy, berries and tulle. Love and devotion beamed from his eyes. Dressed in a fashionable silver cloak with padded shoulders, a gray, double-breasted waistcoat, frilled shirt and stiffened gray cravat, strength and pride emanated from his muscular frame. Dove-gray trousers and dark leather shoes lengthened his long legs. A silver ribbon held back his silky brown hair. She had never seen him look more handsome.
    Susanna wanted to run down the aisle, grasp him close and kiss him before the reverend uttered a word. No other man had ever made her feel so