Page 11 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

Once the ceremony was over, Mr Barnes ushered them into the vestry. While he wrote the details in the marriage register, Cassandra drew forward her companion to stand before Jethro.

“My stepsister, Julia.”

Jethro bowed and muttered something appropriate, but she met his bow with only the briefest of curtseys, and what looked like a sneer. His hackles rose. Surprise he had expected, but not disdain. In worldly terms, it was a good match. What right had Julia to disapprove of her sister’s choice?

It was not a promising start, but Jethro would prove her wrong. He would show her what a trustworthy husband he could be. He would take care of Cassandra. His wife would have no cause to rue this day’s work if he could prevent it.

Mr Barnes invited them to sign their names in the register, and Peter Crowley and Cassandra’s sister added theirs as witnesses.

There. It was done. In the eyes of God and the law, Cassandra and he were now man and wife.

Outside the church, Julia bid her sister a hasty farewell and went off in the opposite direction to where he lived. No—where they lived.

He offered Cassandra his arm, and she laid her hand upon it, so lightly he was barely conscious of her touch. Together, they walked down to the harbour and along the water’s edge.

“That is my warehouse,” he said, failing to keep the pride out of his voice as they passed the mainstay of his business.

“It is a fine building.”

“It is. And I mean to build a finer. I wish to expand my operations. My dream is to become the foremost agent in Weymouth.”

“That is an admirable ambition.”

Jethro wondered whether she meant it.

They turned the corner into Devonshire Buildings and climbed the steps to the front door of his house, which was opened by a footman before they reached it. Jethro was surprised to find his entire household waiting for them in the hall.

“May I offer you congratulations, sir?” his housekeeper said.

“Thank you. This is your new mistress—Mrs Hunt.”

Cassandra bestowed a smile on each of his servants and exchanged a few words with the most senior. She seemed to know who the most important members of his staff were without him even saying.

“Is breakfast ready, Mrs Timms?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

Jethro led the way to the dining room and pulled out a chair for Cassandra.

“Please, be seated.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope you’re not disappointed we have not had a formal wedding breakfast.”

“Not at all. It wouldn’t have been appropriate, as I’m still in mourning for my father, and apart from Julia, I have no friends or family who would expect it of me.”

“Please forgive me, I should have asked your sister to join us.”

Cassandra’s colour deepened. “Julia was in a hurry to return to her duties at the school.”

Huh! His wife was being diplomatic. It would be nearer to the truth to say her sister was in a hurry to get away from him, but he did not push the point.

Once they had eaten, they retired to the drawing room together. Alone. What were they supposed to do now? He had never entertained a female apart from his mother and he felt his skills in this area were decidedly lacking.

“What would you like me to call you?” Cassandra asked.

“I beg your pardon?”