With a soft clicking sound they were off. Flying on moonbeams and wind song-safe again-with his arm wrapped tight around her middle.

Chapter Twenty-Two.

I'm sure they don't deserve to be invited, but consider it, dear. What can they do with all of us here to support you?" Hannah asked the next morning as they sat in the parlor and discussed a quick wedding.

"No." Dorian pushed away from his place at the fireplace, dark brows drawing together in a frown. "I've sent a servant to check on Amelia and make sure she is unharmed with a note of warning to Franklin. But I don't trust them. I wouldn't put it past them to put together some sort of mutton-headed scheme. I won't let them upset Kendra again."

"But she will have no one from her side"-Hannah worried her hands in her lap-"and I just can't believe it of Amelia. I think she gets pulled into these awful ideas by her husband."

"You're right, Mrs. Colburn, my aunt has changed. She told Dorian where to find me and then helped me escape. I even heard her praying as I left. We can invite them but I really don't think that my uncle would attend or allow her to attend. And anyway, I'll have Faith, who already feels like a sister to me, and you and"-she nodded with a shy look at her soon-to-be father-in-law-"Mr. Colburn. It's enough."

"You know," Clayton said "I have been thinking about your aunt and uncle, Kendra. Farming is just not their strong suit, but Franklin has a knack for numbers, doesn't he?"

Dorian tried not to snort. "If you consider gambling-"

"Yes, but gamblers often make good men of business."

"What do you have in mind?" Dorian raised one brow at his father.

"I heard of an opening at the Custom House in Yorktown. I was thinking to help him get the job, sell that farm they hate, and get a little house in town. Franklin might do better in that sort of job and if we can get the two of them more stable . . . you won't have to worry about them so much."

"Oh, Mr. Colburn"- Kendra clasped her hands together in her lap-"what a wonderful idea! I know my aunt would love to live in town and Uncle Franklin, too. It would be a fresh start for them. How can I ever thank you?"

Clayton beamed. "I'll ride over after the wedding, then. And none of that formality, my dear. Please call us by our given names, or if you like, as all our children call us, Momma and Father." Clayton took a sudden sip of tea and looked hastily away.

Kendra gave him a gentle smile, thinking how blessed she was to have these new parents who were so kind and good to her. "Thank you, sir."

"Thank you, Father. It is most generous of you. Now," Dorian continued with the planning, "I will leave for Yorktown to procure the marriage license and the reverend. Father, if you could round up the family and send messages to any neighbors we want to invite."

"You're putting me in charge of invitations?" Clayton frowned, reminding Kendra of his son, and opened his mouth to complain more when Faith rushed into the room, eyes wide and bright. "Millicent says we're to have a wedding!" She looked from Dorian to Kendra and back again. "Thank G.o.d they found you! Are you alright? Is it true?"

Dorian grinned at her with brotherly affection. "It's true, poppet. And we are going to need your help."

"I'm so happy for you both." Faith hurried to Kendra's side and took up her hand. "Who abducted you?" She turned to Dorian. "How did you rescue her? Tell me everything."

Dorian motioned for her to sit down in a chair beside Kendra. He gave her a quick accounting of finding her about to be married to Martin.

Faith turned round eyes toward Kendra. "You must have been terrified. I was praying so hard!"

"Thank you, Faith. I can't imagine where I would be right now if they hadn't come. Martin was going to spirit me away to another town right after the ceremony."

Faith paled. "He would have forced himself on you."

Hannah cleared her throat. "Don't think of it, my dear. We have much to be thankful for."

Faith turned her face toward her brother with a dreamy sigh. "So you brought her back and proposed. When is the wedding?"

"Tomorrow, if possible. I should be able to bring back Reverend Worthington and the marriage license by then. Can the three of you come up with everything else?"

Hannah laughed. Kendra blushed and looked down into her lap. "I don't want to cause any trouble. Please, it should be a simple affair."

"Nonsense"-Faith reached over and squeezed her hand -"Momma is a miracle worker with situations like these. Aren't you, Momma? We will call the troops home to help-Lizzie and Charity and Marjorie. And I will make the bride's cake!"

Hannah set her teacup down and stood up. "An excellent plan, Faith. Send notes to your sisters right away. Kendra, we must find you a proper gown. Come and show me what you have and we shall see if we can't make something into a wedding dress. I dare say we have enough fripperies lying about in Faith's armoire alone to make something festive."

Dorian frowned at his sister. "Now don't overwhelm her. I don't want to find her frightened away when I return." He walked over to Kendra and pulled her to stand in front of him. In a low voice he said, "I'll be back by nightfall, G.o.d willing."

"I will miss you." She bit down on her lower lip. "Do be careful." Her voice was low but everyone in the room had become suddenly busy looking elsewhere.

"Always." He bowed and kissed the back of her hand but not before Kendra saw a look of uncertainty pa.s.s through his eyes, a shuttered look that lasted only a moment, but still, it was there. Oh, dear. Did he really want this marriage? Or was he only doing this to "keep her safe" as he'd said. She thought back to his proposal and realized, belatedly, that there had been no mention of love in it. She started to say something, to ask, but he had turned away, nodding farewell to his sister and parents, and then strode from the room.

"Girls, do come along." Hannah's eyes brightened with excitement. "We've so much to do."

Clayton came over and gave Kendra a kiss on the cheek. "Welcome to the family." His voice was so warm and kind, so sincere, that she determined to forget her worries about Dorian. This is what she wanted-a family that loved her and that she could love in return. Dorian just hadn't said it yet, that was all. It was up to her to make sure he knew what a wonderful wife she would be and how she would pour her whole heart into making him happy. He would say it soon. Maybe on their wedding day.

Hannah's arm wrapped around her waist as she led Kendra out the door toward her bedchamber. Kendra squashed her doubts, only too glad to be carried away on their wave of excited happiness.

They'd done it.

Not that he had doubted his mother and sisters' ability to pull off a wedding and celebration party afterward, but still, it was impressive, all that they'd managed.

He stood with the Reverend Worthington at the end of a gra.s.sy aisle under an old walnut tree that he used to climb as a boy and tamped down the raw fear that gnawed at his stomach. The smell of hot honeysuckle from nearby bushes floated on the breeze toward him, making it impossible not to remember the other time he had stood up to be married.

Tricked. Made a fool. The worst mistake of his life.

And now, here he was doing it again. Was he making the same mistake?

He took a deep breath and reminded himself for the hundredth time that Kendra was not Molly Simpson, not even close. Molly's face flashed through his mind. Shame filled him when he thought of her, which was rare. It filled him now as he stood and waited for his bride. He knew what he should be feeling-joy, antic.i.p.ation, love-the fact that those emotions didn't come easily made him grit his teeth and look down before someone saw the anger in his eyes.

Music lifted on the fragrant breeze. He looked up from studying the tips of his shoes in the long gra.s.s and saw her come to stand at the end of the long line of chairs set up for the guests.

His breath caught in his throat.

She was wearing a pale blue dress, almost silver. It floated as she came to a stop, settling around her in a cloud like some magical creature of light and beauty. He swallowed hard. She looked up and caught his gaze, held it. There was questioning in her eyes, as if she, too, feared this thing they were doing. And why wouldn't she? Dorian realized. Her parents had loved and lost. She had her wounds too.

G.o.d, help me be brave enough to love her. His eyes glossed over and he stretched out his hand. Come to me. Marry me. We'll figure it out . . . together.

She couldn't have heard him, but it seemed she did. Her lips curved in a slow smile, a smile that said she was willing to step off the cliff with him into the unknown. She started walking, a little faster, and then her hand gripped his, her eyes shining with unshed tears too.

He wanted to lean in and kiss her but something told him to wait, it wasn't time yet. He turned toward the preacher, hoping he would hurry with the ceremony.

Kendra hoped no one could hear the loud pounding of her heart. He'd had that look again, like a trapped animal, wary and unsure. It had only lasted a moment but it brought back all her doubts. They were doing the right thing, weren't they? Lord, You know I love him. I will make him a good wife. I won't give him any reason to regret this day whatever his reasons for marrying me.

She said her vows with determination, staring into his eyes with all the conviction she could muster.

His voice was determined too, as if he'd made an inner decision.

Her hand shook as Dorian slid a delicate ring with a small stone the color of deep amethyst onto her finger. "I'll get you a prettier one later," he leaned in to whisper.

Kendra shook her head. "I love it."

Reverend Worthington said the final words of the blessing and p.r.o.nounced them husband and wife.

Dorian leaned down and kissed her before he'd finished the last words. The crowd behind them chuckled. She grasped Dorian's arm with a laugh-joy-a shaft of light bursting through her, and then they walked toward the aisle and the congratulations of these kind people who were now her family, her friends.

She had finally found home.

On the other side of the long yard, standing hidden amongst a stand of trees, stood Angelene, gnashing her teeth, a lone tear running down her cheek, and promising herself revenge.

Chapter Twenty-Three.

Good morning, love," Dorian murmured as he leaned over his wife who was obviously pretending to be asleep. She smiled, eyes still closed, and snuggled closer to him. "Having trouble waking up?" Dorian wrapped his arms around her before rolling them both over and over, and then completely out of the bed. They landed on the floor with a thud and a squeal from Kendra.

"You sir, are a cad. You did that on purpose!" She sat up, straddling his stomach. "Married a mere two months and you're already trying to kill me. What's next, poison? From now on you have to taste everything I eat before I eat it."

Laughing, Dorian rolled her over so that she was pinned beneath him. "Oh gladly, my lady, and I'll start by tasting this." He slowly lowered his head toward her.

Kendra pushed him back with a laugh. "Don't you have to leave soon? John's showing you his finished stables today, isn't he?"

"Aye. But I'm sure he won't mind waiting."

Kendra wriggled out from beneath him. Backing away with her hand out, she shook her head. "Victoria will mind, and I'll not have it my fault that you're late."

Dorian rose up off the floor in a sudden move and reached for her.

She shrieked, laughing harder, and jumped out of his reach. "Stop it, knave. We have no time for pillage and plunder and you know it."

One of Dorian's brows rose in a wicked-looking question. "I'm a pirate now, am I? That is one of your favorites."

Kendra squeaked as he dove for her, catching her nightgown in one hand. He hauled her backwards until her back hit his chest. She had the good grace to know she wouldn't convince him and with a sudden movement, turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I suppose pirates always get their way," she murmured near his lips.

"Oh, yes, my prize. Always."

When she finally got Dorian out of the house she looked at the clock in a panic. A quarter past nine and there was so much to do to prepare for his twenty-sixth birthday party that she was throwing for him that evening. She had been planning a surprise dinner party with their closest friends all week. Now they only had a few hours to decorate the house, go over the menu, and help Cook with all the different dishes. She shouldn't fret though. Faith was a testament to her name and would a.s.sure her that all things were possible and pitch in wherever needed. She and Hannah were as excited about Dorian's birthday as Kendra was. Well, that was close to true. Kendra had a surprise for all of them.

A thrilling hum filled her and tears stung her eyes as she put her hand over her stomach. A baby. What a perfect birthday gift to give her husband. Walking over to her chest at the foot of the bed, she knelt down and opened it. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the familiar lavender and cedar that greeted her from the contents. She lifted out the miniature portraits of her father and mother, wishing they could have met Dorian and what would have been their first grandchild. They would have been so happy for her. Laying them aside, she lifted out her other treasures she had brought from England-a few slim books, her mother's dragonfly brooch, fine linens for when they had a home of their own, and her first sampler. She smiled at the crooked st.i.tches and could still feel the p.r.i.c.k of the needle as she rubbed her finger against her thumb before setting it aside. Near the bottom she withdrew a small bundle wrapped in paper. Her fingers were clumsy with excitement as she untied the ribbon. Folding back the paper, she lifted out a tiny garment. A white christening gown with white satin embroidery and a lace-trimmed bonnet. It had been her christening gown and now it would be her baby's. It was still in perfect condition and snowy white, being wrapped and always stored in the chest. Yes, this was perfect. She would give it to Dorian as a gift and watch his eyes light up when he understood the meaning. She held it to her, closed her eyes, and imagined his happy, surprised face. A baby. Thank You, G.o.d!

Kendra stood hidden beside a tall Longcase clock in the front drawing room with family and all their close friends, who were hiding behind various pieces of furniture, waiting for Dorian to walk through the door. It had been John's duty to keep him occupied until six o'clock when they were to have dinner with John and Victoria. No one had mentioned it being Dorian's birthday, and Kendra didn't know if he had guessed at the reason behind the dinner or not. Either way, he would not know it was going to be a much larger affair.

A clatter of hoofs sent all the guest diving for cover with m.u.f.fled giggles and exclamations. Kendra put her hand to her mouth to still the laughter bubbling up inside her and peered around the clock.

The front door opened with a blast of sunshine and fresh air. "Surprise! Happy birthday!" Friends and relatives sprang from their hiding places. Kendra bit down on her lower lip as she watched Dorian's eyes grow round with shock. He saw her then, gave her a sideways look that was half-accusing, half-laughter, then strode over to her and caught her up to him, giving her a tight squeeze. His smile was brilliant, the one that always melted her heart. "What have you done? I didn't think you knew it was my birthday."

"Your mother told me. Are you happy?"

"I've never been happier in my life." His eyes were intent and voice thick with emotion as he said it.

Kendra couldn't respond, only basked in the perfect moment.

The dinner was a huge success. There was more food than they could eat in three days-veal chops and lamb, duck and monkfish. There were all sorts of colorful garden vegetables-peas, carrots, turnips, and potatoes. Giant bowls of roasted corn on the cob dripping with b.u.t.ter, and platters of corn bread soaked in maple syrup. Gingerbread, apple dumplings, and then, in the center, on a raised dais made from a linen-covered box and crystal vase, sat Dorian's favorite dessert that Kendra had made herself-spice cake with almond-flavored icing. A meal to rival Christmastime!

After supper the party gathered in the drawing room where Charity played cheerful tunes on the pianoforte, with various guests volunteering to sing. After a time, the men pulled back the furniture to the walls and couples began to twirl and dance about the room. Kendra felt her heart might burst with the happiness of it all.

"May I have this dance, my lady?"

Kendra curtsied and took her husband's offered hand. He led her to the center of the room and then pulled her in close for a waltz. Her eyes glowed with happiness as Dorian swept her into his arms, circling and turning, his hold so secure she felt she was floating.

"I still can't believe you've done this." Dorian grinned down at her.

"Oh, there is even more to come. You haven't even opened your presents yet."

"Presents too? You'll spoil me."

Kendra raised her brows and c.o.c.ked her head to one side. "I am determined to make you a good wife."

A small frown creased his forehead but his smile remained intact. "Why would you say that? You have nothing you must prove."

Kendra looked away, realizing she'd expressed too much of her fears out loud. He seemed so happy-they were so happy-and yet, he had never said those three words, that he loved her. The music came to a halt and everyone swung to a stop around them, breathing deeply, laughing and talking. Kendra took the opportunity to slip away. "I have something to do now. Go and dance with someone else, one of your sisters perhaps?"

Dorian nodded, watching her go, his smile a little stiff.

He was so astute to her every mood. She must be more careful and keep her silly doubts to herself. She hurried over to her mother-in-law. "Hannah, I need to run upstairs and fetch my present for Dorian. Could you round everyone up and direct them into the back sitting room? The children are getting tired and we should have him open his presents soon, don't you think?"

Hannah laughed, the crinkles around her eyes endearing. "The adults are getting tired, too." She waved her toward the stairs. "You've done a wonderful job, Kendra. He's never had such a day just for him."

Kendra leaned over and gave Hannah a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I will be right back."

When she came back down she spotted Dorian in a secluded corner, his head bent, seeming in a deep conversation with John. Probably talking about all the improvements he meant to have in the home he was building for them. He would be lost in that conversation for half an hour if she let him. This was a party. She would have to pull him out to join the guests.

She jostled her way through the crowd, stopping beside a high-backed chair where she watched her husband un.o.bserved. He looked so handsome in a waistcoat of dark silver, black breeches, and shining top boots. His jet-black hair lay combed against his tanned neck. She lost her train of thought as she watched him, smiling to herself, but then she became aware of what he was saying.