Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Three Months Later, Stonefield Estate, Oxfordshire, England

“ A re you ready?” Cecil asked as he helped Percy to pin a red rose to his chest.

“Past ready,” Percy admitted with a grin.

Cecil chuckled. “Any second thoughts?”

Percy shook his head. “Not a one.”

Cecil grinned. “Good. It does my soul good to see you both so happy. Madeleine has blossomed in the absence of her previous fears.”

Percy’s grin faded a bit.

Cecil frowned in concern. “What is it? Do you still hold fears? Surely the curse’s hold has released its power over your heart and mind.”

Percy nodded. “It has, for the most part. Occasionally it will rear its ugly head in the realm of my doubts and fears. I love your sister so much. I do not want to lose her.”

Cecil laid a reassuring hand on Percy’s shoulder. “Your grandmother told our mothers that you would not lose Madeleine until you are both old and grey. Do you still believe in your grandmother’s visions?”

Percy nodded. “I do. It is just my love for her is so strong that I cannot help the fears that arise.”

Cecil gave Percy’s shoulder a squeeze. “Do not let the fears win.”

Percy shook his head. “Never. She is mine now and unto eternity.”

Cecil nodded, smiling. “Now go and tell her that.” He clapped his friend on the back. “Let us get you two married.”

The two men left Cecil’s room and made their way down the stairs to the foyer below where the Earl awaited them. “Are you ready?” the Earl asked his future son in law.

“I am. Is she?” Percy asked, his heart racing in anticipation of spending the rest of his life with the woman that he loved.

The Earl smiled widely. “Take a look for yourself.” He gestured for Percy to look behind him.

Percy turned and looked up to find Madeleine descending the stairs. His breath caught in his throat as his heart stuttered in his chest. She was resplendent in a gown made of white lace with silver roses embroidered around the waist and falling in a cascade down the front of the dress to the hem. Her lady’s maid had intertwined silver ribbons and red and pink roses into her beautiful dark hair.

“My love,” he breathed, as he climbed up to meet her. “You look stunning.”

Madeleine smiled. “As do you.” She reached out and touched the red rose bud pinned to his chest.

Percy smiled at her tenderly. “Are you ready to become my wife?”

“I am.” Madeleine’s smile widened. “Are you ready to become my husband?”

Percy chuckled. “Dear God, yes,” he replied, pulling her into his arms. “For now, and always.”

“Let us get thee married before you embarrass yourselves further,” Cecil jested as he urged them all towards the waiting carriages. Madeleine, Emily, and the Countess rode in one carriage while the Earl, the Viscount, Cecil, and Percy rode in another.

Once they reached the parish church, they disembarked. “I will see you soon,” Percy murmured, kissing Madeleine’s hand, then he turned and entered the church. He had arranged for the local parish minister to read the banns for the last three Sundays. Now, the minister stood beaming in approval at the front of the church, content that all of the proper pre-ceremonial duties had been performed. Percy went to stand beside him.

The Viscount entered with Emily on his arm, beaming in adoration at his wife, happy with his own life. Percy smiled at the sight. He knew he would be the same way in years to come. After them came Cecil with his mother on his arm. The family took their seats in the front of the church. Finally, came the Earl with his beautiful daughter. Percy’s heart raced with excitement as she drew closer then came to a stop in front of him.

The Earl took Madeleine’s hand and placed it in Percy’s. “To you I entrust my daughter. Take good care of her and bring her happiness always.”

“I will,” Percy promised then the couple turned to face the minister.

The minister opened the Book of Common Prayer and began reading from it. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.”

Percy looked at Madeleine, and they shared a secret smile. They both knew more than a few things about carnal lust. Flashes of the intimacy that they had shared darted through both of their minds. Oblivious to their shared moment, the minister went on with his speech.

“First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.”

Percy and Madeleine shared another private look. The words of his grandmother echoed through their minds. They would have children, and they would live long and happy lives. Not all families were so blessed, and they knew that better than most.

“Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.”

Cecil snickered in the front pew, and Percy shot him a reproachful look. Cecil shrugged his shoulders but quieted down. Madeleine blushed bright pink but kept her eyes forward.

“Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”

Percy gave all those in attendance a warning glare which made several members of the congregation laugh out loud. Not a one of them would have dared to interfere. The minister, not knowing what was going on, looked up startled, frowned in confusion, then continued.

“I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their matrimony lawful.”

“There is no impediment,” Percy reassured him.

“There is no impediment,” Madeleine echoed shyly.

“Very well,” the minister nodded pleased with their answer. “Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will,” Percy answered, his heart nearly bursting with love and joy.

“And Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter to the Earl of Stonefield, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will,” Madeleine answered, her eyes shining with tears of happiness.

The minister looked up. “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”

“The Earl and Countess of Stonefield, her father and mother,” the Earl answered, holding his wife in his arms as she wept, her face wreathed in wet smiles at her daughter’s happiness and tears of sorrow that her dearest friend could not be there to witness the marriage of her son.

The minister turned to Percy. “Your Grace, if you would repeat after me.”

Percy nodded in consent.

“I, Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, take thee, Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter of the Earl of Stonefield, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

Percy turned and gazed lovingly into Madeleine’s eyes, squeezing her hand gently. “I, Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, take thee, Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter of the Earl of Stonefield, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

The minster turned his gaze to Madeleine. “Lady Madeleine, if you would be so kind as to repeat after me.”

Madeleine nodded her consent.

“I, Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter of the Earl of Stonefield, take thee, Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

Madeleine made a funny face when the minister uttered the word obey that nearly made Percy laugh out loud. He was certain that they would be having a conversation about that part of the ceremony in the near future if the eye she was giving him was any indication. Nevertheless, much to Percy’s relief, she repeated the words.

“I, Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter of the Earl of Stonefield, take thee, Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

The minister lifted a ring from the book that Percy had given to be blessed the Sunday before. It had been his mother’s and his grandmother’s ring before that. Madeleine recognized it, and a tear slipped from her lashes to splash upon the stone floor.

“Repeat after me, Your Grace, as you place the ring on your bride’s finger,” the minister instructed. “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

The minister handed Percy the ring. Percy took the ring and faced Madeleine. The sparkling blue of the sapphire matched the beautiful blue of her eyes. He gazed deep into those eyes and pledged to her his world. “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

“Let us pray,” the minister instructed, and they knelt down to receive the blessing.

“O, eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Percy and Madeleine rose and faced the minister once more. Taking both of their right hands, he placed them one in the other. “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” He gave a warning glare out to the assembled congregation.

Cecil rolled his eyes. He knew no man alive would be willing to challenge Percival Hardy for the woman that he loved. Mowbray had not told anyone of Madeleine’s activities, but he had warned away all other men, stating that the Duke of Greyhall was not a man to be trifled with. All callers had ceased after that.

“For as much as His Grace, Percival Hardy, Duke of Greyhall, and Lady Madeleine Gillett, daughter of the Earl of Stonefield, have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

The minister laid his hands on top of Percy and Madeleine’s joined hands. “God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.”

The minster went on to read from the Book of Psalms, chapter one-hundred and twenty-eight. “Blessedare all they that fear the Lord: and walk in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be. Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine: upon the walls of thine house; thy children like the olive-branches: round about thy table. Lo, thus shall the man be blessed: that feareth the Lord. The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee: that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy lifelong; Yea, that thou shalt see thy children’s children: and peace upon Israel. Glory be to the Father, as it was in the beginning.”

Percy and Madeleine smiled at each other, his grandmother’s words ringing through their ears. It was as if the psalm that the minister had chosen was a benediction of her prophecy . …a long and happy life surrounded by your children and grandchildren… It felt as if she were right there beside them, and it meant the world to both of them.

When the Psalm ended, the minister looked up at both of them. “Please kneel before the Lord’s table,” he requested as he went to stand behind the table. Once he was in place and they had knelt, he met each of their eyes in turn. “Lord, have mercy upon us.”

Percy and Madeleine had already been instructed on what to say next. “Christ, have mercy upon us,” they replied in unison.

“Lord, have mercy upon us,” the minister repeated. “Let us pray.”

The congregation bowed their heads.

“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

The minster lifted his head, “O Lord, save thy servant, and thy handmaid.”

Once again Percy, Madeleine, and the congregation spoke as one. “Who put their trust in thee.”

“O Lord, send them help from thy holy place.”

“And evermore defend them,” the congregation replied together.

“Be unto them a tower of strength.”

“From the face of their enemy.”

Cecil’s voice rang out heartily above the others in the congregation, and he exchanged a knowing look with his best friend and sister. They were all thinking of the close brush with death and ruin that Laura Knight had brought upon them, but she was now in an asylum where she could bring harm to no one. Cecil nodded to them in reassurance, and they smiled back at him. They had his support and that was an enormous gift to them both.

“O Lord, hear our prayer,” the minister continued with no notion of the underlying currents that were passing between the family members who knew the truth of their union.

“And let our cry come unto thee.” The congregation droned like bees in the repetition of the chant.

The minister lifted his hands in prayer to the heavens. “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless these thy servants, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts; that whatsoever in thy holy word they shall profitably learn, they may indeed fulfill the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully upon them from heaven, and bless them. And as thou didst send thy blessing upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great comfort, so vouchsafe to send thy blessing upon these thy servants; that they, obeying thy will, and always being in safety under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“Amen,” the congregation replied.

“Merciful Lord, and heavenly Father, by whose gracious gift mankind is increased: We beseech thee, assist with thy blessing these two persons, that they may both be fruitful in procreation of children, and also live together so long in godly love and honesty, that they may see their children Christianly and virtuously brought up, to thy praise and honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Percy squeezed Madeleine’s hand, giving her a lustful look. Madeleine blushed and returned the squeeze. Thoughts of their wedding night were clearly on both of their minds.

“O God, who by thy mighty power hast made all things of nothing; who also, after other things set in order, didst appoint, that out of man, created after thine own image and similitude, woman should take her beginning; and, knitting them together, didst teach that it should never be lawful to put asunder those whom thou by matrimony hadst made one: O God, who hast consecrated the state of matrimony to such an excellent mystery, that in it is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and unity betwixt Christ and his Church: Look mercifully upon these thy servants, that both this man may love his wife, according to thy word, as Christ did love his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it, loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh, and also that this woman may be loving and amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband; and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy and godly matrons. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit thy everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“Oh, I love her,” Percy reassured the minister with a wide grin. “But I am not so certain about how obedient or quiet she is going to be.”

The minster gave Percy a censorious look while the congregation broke out in laughter. “Your Grace, please,” the minister chastised. “Some decorum if you would.”

“I would rather she not be quiet,” Percy murmured softly for Madeleine’s ears alone, causing her blush to deepen to a crimson hue.

The minister cleared his throat and resumed his praying. “Almighty God, who at the beginning did create our first parents, Adam and Eve, and did sanctify and join them together in marriage; pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctify and bless you, that ye may please him both in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives’ end. Amen.” The minister put emphasis on the words holy love while giving Percy the eye.

The minister then turned a reproachful eye of warning to the congregation. “All ye that are married, or that intend to take the holy estate of matrimony upon you, hear what the holy scripture doth say as touching the duty of husbands towards their wives, and wives towards their husbands.”

Percy lifted an eyebrow then wiggled his eyebrows lasciviously at Madeleine, nearly making her laugh out loud. “Behave,” she whispered. Percy shook his head, grinning broadly.

The minister continued on. “Saint Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, the fifth chapter, doth give this commandment to all married men; husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water, by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.”

He paused to give Percy a warning look to not say anything, then continued. “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself: for no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife; and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife, even as himself.”

Percy’s grin faded a bit at the mention of leaving his father and mother. Madeleine gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. The minister realized too late what he had said and how it might affect the Duke of Greyhall. He gave Percy an apologetic look. “My apologies, Your Grace.”

Percy nodded in acceptance of the apology and motioned for the minister to continue on.

“Likewise the same Saint Paul, writing to the Colossians, speaketh thus to all men that are married; Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

“I could never be bitter against you,” Percy reassured Madeleine softly. He raised her hand to kiss it, and she smiled sweetly back at him.

“Hear also what Saint Peter, the Apostle of Christ, who was himself a married man, saith unto them that are married; ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge; giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.”

Cecil snorted at the idea of his sister being a weaker vessel. Percy chuckled but said nothing.

“Hitherto ye have heard the duty of the husband toward the wife. Now likewise, ye wives, hear and learn your duties toward your husbands, even as it is plainly set forth in holy scripture.” The minister turned his gaze toward the women of the congregation causing some of the women to look quite uncomfortable.

“Saint Paul, in the aforenamed epistle to the Ephesians, teacheth you thus; wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. And again he saith, let the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

Percy and Madeleine exchanged a look. They had talked about this part of the ceremony the night before the wedding. They had agreed on mutual respect and love but that their marriage would be different from so many others that they had seen. Madeleine’s father had always included her mother in the running of the estate, and Madeleine expected the same of Percy. Percy had agreed, glad to be in a true partnership with someone of intellect and friendship.

They had also agreed that neither of them would be expected to blindly obey the other but would decide things for their family together. Blind obedience to her husband is what had resulted in Percy’s mother dying in childbirth in spite of the doctor’s advising otherwise. Percy had loved his parents both equally, but he would not have such a marriage as theirs for himself.

The minister droned on, “And in his Epistle to the Colossians, Saint Paul giveth you this short lesson; wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”

Percy gave Madeleine an imperceptible shake of the head to affirm that it would not be so with them.

“Saint Peter also doth instruct you very well, thus saying; ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible; even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

The minister continued on praying rendering more blessings upon the couple ranging from living a good life to being fruitful and bearing children. Then he delivered a further sermon of his own opinions of the duties of a man to his wife, and a wife to her husband, before giving them both the holy sacrament. Rising from communion, the happy couple turned and faced the crowd, relieved that the ceremony was at last over. A loud cheer went up, and Percy drew Madeleine into his arms, kissing her soundly.

“My wife,” he whispered against her lips.

“My husband,” she whispered back.

“Partners,” he reaffirmed in reassurance of her heart.

“Always and forever,” she replied, smiling up at him.

Percy kissed her again then the happy couple left the church. The congregation had gathered outside to wish them well with cheers and shouts of good wishes and some more bawdy marital advice from some of Percy’s young gentleman friends. Madeleine blushed but accepted it all in good humor. Percy pulled her tight against his side and shouted for the worst of the lot to be still.

All those in attendance retreated to Stonefield Manor where a wedding breakfast was served by the household staff. The assembled guests toasted the newlyweds, wishing them a long and happy life together. Once breakfast was concluded, Percy gathered his wife into a waiting carriage to more shouts and some tears on the part of the Countess. Madeleine waved goodbye to her family and snuggled in next to her husband on the seat.

“Where to, Your Grace?” the driver asked, from atop the carriage.

“To Greyhall,” Percy instructed the driver. “And to bliss.” Then he gathered his wife into his arms and kissed her with all of the love in his heart.