Chapter Twelve

W hat the devil is Kempbury doing here? The man was escorting Mrs. Dove-Lyon up the aisle! If he attempted to disrupt the wedding, Ben would feed him a mouthful of knuckles! But if the man kept his peace and didn't interfere, Ben would leave him alone. And truly, he saw something—or, rather, someone—more important to think about; she was walking toward him down the aisle, looking marvelous, carrying her son on her hip.

He did not plan his smile. It spread across his face without any intent on his part, an automatic reaction to her presence. Dorcas. His love. He held out a hand and she took several swift strides to take it.

Together, they faced the rector. The ceremony hit a snag immediately, with the words, "Who gives this woman?" Ben hadn't thought of that. Ben's friend, Asher, the Earl of Royston, whispered, "Should I do it?"

Kempbury spoke up. "Kempbury," he introduced himself. "As her brother-in-law, it is my privilege to represent Mrs. Anderson in this matter. If it pleases you, Mrs. Anderson?"

At her nod, he took a pace forward, bowed to the rector, and stepped back again.

Well! Kempbury has had a change of heart!

That was his final thought about the duke for the rest of the service. He had eyes only for Dorcas, his ears attuned only to her and to the cues from the rector for the vows he gladly made.

Only when it came time to sign the register did he again take in his surroundings, and he was surprised to find Kempbury at the table where the register lay, signing as witness immediately after Asher.

Dorcas gave the man a surprised glance. "Mrs. Dove-Lyon and I thought it best," the duke said in an undertone. "No one will question whether your marriage has taken place when a duke has signed as witness."

Ben gave Kempbury a nod, and the man took a few strides down the church and stopped to watch Stephen, who had gone to his dear Maudie. Ben whispered to Dorcas, "He has changed his tune."

"He says he will not challenge our guardianship or our custody. He wants to stay in touch, and get to know Stephen," she whispered back.

Kempbury's look at Stephen could only be described as wistful.

"Shall I invite him to visit us?" Dorcas asked.

That was a good idea. If Kempbury really was interested in his nephew, it could only be good for Stephen. And if he was a danger to the boy, then Ben would be better prepared to counter any attack the man might make by getting to know him. "You are the mistress of my house, dear wife," he said. "Invite him if you wish. It will help us to decide whether he is to be trusted."

She nodded. "I will then. For the day after tomorrow? In the afternoon?"

"Indeed," he said. "I have plans for the rest of today. And tomorrow."