Unveiled (15 page)

The music started and she heard Eileen’s faint whisper. “Now, lass. Do us all proud.”

George Atwater adjusted her veil, then leaned closer and offered her his arm. “Ready?”

Katie nodded. Placing her hand through his arm, she started down the aisle, aware of the eyes on her. In truth, she wasn’t aware of how beautiful she really looked. Her black hair, shining in the sunlight like polished ebony, looked wonderful behind a veil that concealed her beauty like a misty cloud. The crowd gasped as she started down the walk, but Katie wasn’t aware of them or of the man beside her. All she could see was Christopher, standing in the front of the church, waiting.

For her.

He was so handsome. Katie smiled softly, aware even from a distance that he smiled back. She thought of the first time she’d ever seen him, and the peculiar sensation that had rushed through her, as if she’d known him. It was odd at the time, but it seemed doubly so now. It was as if some part of her recognized him as a future mate and had responded with a primitive instinct.

Katie shuddered with anticipation. She would be married within a few moments, would be Mrs. Christopher Scott and all that it entailed. A shred of doubt passed through her, then she glanced in his direction and all doubts evaporated. He looked so happy, and so appreciative, as if lucky to be waiting there for her.

It was heady. Quelling the excitement that grew inside of her, she walked toward him as if drawn to his side. The minister waited until she had reached the altar, then George Atwater stepped back, allowing Christopher to take her arm.

“Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here today to witness the holy union of matrimony. If there is anyone who has reason why the ceremony should not proceed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.”

A slight murmur went through the crowd. Katie tensed, feeling the emotion behind her. Christopher patted her hand reassuringly. When no one spoke, the priest continued.

“Do you, Frances Pemberton, take this man as your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold…from this day forward?”

Katie nodded. “I do.”

“And do you, Christopher Scott, take this woman as your lawful wedded wife…?”

Christopher hesitated, then when Katie glanced at him, he grinned. “I do.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” The minister leaned closer, his smile beaming. “You are a beautiful couple. You may now kiss the bride, son.”

Christopher hesitated, then turned toward Katie. He lifted the veil, then his lips brushed hers warmly, softly, enticingly. Katie was reminded of that kiss on the porch, when he’d taken her out of herself and made her feel things she never thought possible. It was unbelievably warm and sweet, and she no longer cared that the church was filled with people who weren’t entirely approving. Her eyes lifted and met his, and they were filled with the same emotion.

Joy.

The minister coughed, breaking the spell, then gave them a fond look as Christopher took her hand and started down the aisle. Katie felt as if she were in a dream. Even the Pembertons looked happy, as if they couldn’t help but smile at the handsome couple as they passed by. And Ella, with her flower-trimmed bonnet and her soft pink dress, looked ecstatic, the sunshine illuminating a face that was so filled with pleasure that it seemed to glow on its own.

And Katie couldn’t have been happier. Maybe God was finally showing her that it was all right, that she was forgiven for Sean and John Sweeney and all of the lies and deceptions. When she stepped outside and the air was filled with late-summer sunshine and the scent of the sea, she was almost positive. The whole world seemed to rejoice, and she just couldn’t harbor any more doubts under the circumstances. For some reason fate had brought her to this time and place, and she was meant to follow its course.

Katie giggled as rose petals floated to the ground around her, tossed by some of the guests. Eunice smiled with tears in her eyes, Ella beamed, and Bertrice grinned broadly. They winked at each other, as if each had taken a part in all this and was personally responsible.

“Are you happy, Mrs. Scott?” Christopher leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear.

Katie shivered. “We really are married, aren’t we?” She stared up at him, trying the name. “Mrs. Scott. Of the Philadelphia Scotts.”

“Almost as impressive as Frances Pemberton.” Christopher laughed. “Yes, we’re really married. And it’s too late to change your mind.”

“That’s the last thing I’d want to do,” Katie said easily, but when their eyes met, she realized she’d meant it. Christopher was kind, gentlemanly, witty, and fun, but best of all, he made her laugh. She still had a hard time believing that of his own free will he had wanted her. True, he thought she was a Pemberton, but all that aside, he’d chosen her as his wife from all the Philadelphia debutantes.

And now they were married. She had to look away when she thought of their wedding night. Somehow she knew it would be good, special and unique. His kiss promised that. But she had been with another man and borne his child. She wondered quickly if that would make a difference. He’d never asked much about that, even knowing that Fan had run away with someone, yet she knew he must have thought about it.

I’ll just have to face that when it comes, Katie decided, determined not to let her insecurities ruin the day.

Katie could smell the delicious scent of cooking food before they entered the house. Sniffing appreciatively, she gasped at the sight of the table laden with roast chicken, beef, fresh fish, innumerable cakes, vegetables, and cheese. There was late-summer fruit, wine, pitchers of punch, and trays of cookies. Eileen, red-faced from the effort, directed the maids with all the efficiency of a drill sergeant.

Katie couldn’t resist giving her a hug. “Eileen, it looks beautiful. Thank you.”

The maid blushed with pleasure. “It ain’t nothing,” she said, though Katie could tell she was pleased. She then glanced sternly at Christopher and raised her ladle. “You’ve got yourself a good girl there, sir, if you don’t mind my saying.”

Christopher smiled. “I am of the same feeling,” he said truthfully. “Thank you for everything, Eileen.”

“Humph.” The maid rolled her eyes, then, as if embarrassed by her emotions, turned to a serving girl. “You don’t put the fishes next to the dessert tray! I don’t know where they learn their trade.” She scuttled away, replacing the dishes, leaving Katie and Christopher to melt into laughter.

The house slowly filled with guests from the church. The Pembertons mingled with the Scotts, and as the evening progressed and the wine was poured, they got more and more amiable. Musicians softly played from the corner of the huge dining room as the guests devoured the food and sent congratulations to Christopher and Katie. As they visited each family member, one at a time, Katie held her breath, waiting for a sharp remark or a cutting look, but it never came. For some reason the Pembertons had resigned themselves to this wedding and were apparently determined that it proceed without incident.

Christopher never left her side. As Katie accepted the gifts and warm wishes from the guests, he helped her with the presents, brought her a plate of food, insisted that she eat, and saw that her wineglass was refilled (within reason). When she turned to laugh with him at the sight of a little boy sneaking a cake, or Ella Pemberton’s glistening eyes, his expression made her breathless. His hand rested casually on her shoulder in a gesture that was almost possessive, and his fingers lightly touched a lock of her hair, playing with the silky texture with a reverence that made her stomach do strange things.

The attention was intoxicating, more so than the wine she drank. Katie felt his breath as he lightly kissed her neck and she glanced up, suppressing a shiver as his eyes promised her so much more. When she could look away, she saw Margaret watching her with an open vindictiveness while Bertrice beamed at her, obviously happy for her friend. Margaret turned away quickly, hiding her disappointment, and for once Katie almost felt sorry for her. No matter what happened, Margaret would never be happy unless she let go of her hatred and jealousy, and Katie could only feel pity for anyone who didn’t feel what she felt today.

“Are you having a good time?” Christopher asked.

Katie pressed his hand and returned his smile. “Wonderful,” she answered truthfully. She couldn’t remember ever having a day that was so perfect.

“Will you dance, then?” His voice was a seductive whisper that made her blush.

“But no one else—” She gestured to the guests, who were still happily eating, and the musicians who were waiting in the corner.

“Come,” Christopher commanded, taking her hand and leading her to the door. Katie tossed aside her napkin with abandon, laughing with him as they escaped to the ballroom, accompanied by the musicians, who reacted to a signal from Christopher.

The carpets had been rolled and pulled out of the way, and the floor was lightly sanded. The gaslights were very dim, in anticipation of the later arrival of the guests when the dancing usually began. Katie reached to turn it up, but Christopher stopped her.

“Leave it. They’ll all be in here soon enough. Today I wanted the first dance with you. Alone.”

Her heart pounding in her chest, Katie found it difficult to breathe. She nodded quickly, tears coming to her eyes as the musicians began to play “Greensleeves.”

Christopher was so romantic, so charming, and so handsome. She’d have to be careful, for he could easily steal her heart, and Lord knows she couldn’t go through that again. But Katie couldn’t resist running her hand down his arm as he reached for her, feeling the muscles beneath his coat. She giggled, recalling the day when she’d hidden his clothes, and he glanced down at her, smiling fondly.

“What?”

“I was just thinking that I certainly gave you a run for your money,” she said with a grin. “Most men would have given up long ago.”

“I always get what I want,” Christopher said. His tone was earnest, but he still smiled. “You never had a chance.”

His voice had grown husky, and when she looked back up, his expression took her breath away. It was smoldering with sensuality and desire, and she realized that she was feeling the exact same things. He gathered her closer to him, and she noticed that they fit perfectly together, his long lean body leading her, swirling, over the dance floor.

It couldn’t be any better than this, Katie thought dizzyingly, but then it was. She could smell the sweet scent of his limewater, feel the crispness of his dark hair against her fingers. The movement of his body, so warm and close against hers, nearly made her faint with anticipation. And as the music continued, hauntingly beautiful, she moved effortlessly with a grace she never knew she possessed.

“My God,” he whispered. “You are so sweet.”

No man had ever said that to her. Katie glanced up at him and what she saw made her tremble. The emotions on his face were so intense, so powerful that she was reminded of the first time they’d met. It was like glimpsing the future with an unearthly power that was all the more hypnotic as it was inexplicable.

They didn’t realize when the musicians had finished. Instead they swirled around the dance floor long after the music had died, wanting nothing more than to stay in each other’s arms. Katie never wanted it to end. She wanted to stay here, like this, forever, safe and secure, knowing that Christopher Scott wanted her and thought she was sweet.

“What are you doing in here with the lights out?”

A small boy skidded into the room and Katie laughed, breaking the spell. Christopher groaned, and reluctantly released her when it was obvious that the child wasn’t about to leave. Bending down, Katie took his hand and addressed him solemnly, the same way she talked to Sean.

“You are right, we are silly, aren’t we?” When the little boy nodded in agreement, Katie continued. “Then you must fetch us some company. Why don’t you tell Ella and the Scotts that we all need to dance?”

The little boy grinned, obviously pleased to be treated seriously and given a task of such importance. He slid back out of the room, delighted with the sandy floor, which provided a wonderful skating rink.

“Now you’ve done it,” Christopher said. “Now we’ll never get rid of them.”

“We’re not supposed to.” Katie grinned, her freckles crinkling. “This is a wedding, remember?”

“Yes, but I wanted you all to myself. I guess I’ll just have to wait until later.”

Katie blushed at his bold reminder of the night to come. She was rescued from further comment as guests returned with the little boy, eager to dance. Charles Pepper stole her out from Christopher’s arms, ignoring his friend’s scowl, while the others sought out partners.

The music began in earnest, and Katie smiled as she saw the other couples gliding beside her. Christopher was almost as sought after as she, for as the missing Fan Pemberton, she could not claim a recent acquaintance with many of the guests while Christopher could. Nor did he shirk his responsibility to the older women. Katie noticed that he sought them out deliberately, especially Eunice and the other matrons who were there alone. They were so grateful to be asked to dance, especially by the young and handsome groom, and Katie found herself beaming at him from the dance floor. When he asked Ella to dance, treating her with all the courtliness of a medieval knight, she wanted to kiss him then and there.