Page 14 of Never Tempt a Widow

Chapter Seven

The snow had melted by the time Rowland took Seraphina to the altar. His brother-in-law, however, had not.

Felix had attended the wedding as a witness, but his disapproval had positively filled the church. There was no one else to feel his displeasure but Rowland, the officiating clergyman, and Seraphina, as she’d insisted that there be no great fuss made about their marriage. He’d agreed to having no guests—under the circumstances, it would have been hypocritical to celebrate a business arrangement, especially when each spouse viewed the event with little joy. It was an enormous risk, and he knew Seraphina felt the same as he.

Even when the bond was complete in the eyes of the Lord, Felix didn’t let up.

“You will regret this,” he informed Rowland, catching his sleeve and halting him under the roofed lych-gate. “You have no knowledge of her origins. If she won’t tell you who her family is, how can you be sure she’s even given you her real name?”

“She’s perjured herself then.” Rowland’s voice was empty of emotion. His constant arguments with Felix had drained him. Despite their bond, he felt his brother-in-law was outstaying his welcome.

Felix tapped his foot, his body tense. “Look—why don’t I make discreet enquiries?”

He’d already thought about doing some investigating of his own and had rejected the idea. How could he explain to Felix that he had to trust Seraphina—because he wanted her and because he needed her to fill the gaping hole in his life?

“But the deed is done. We’re married.”

“But if she proves to be already wed, your bond can be undone.”

Icy uncertainty trickled down his spine. Seraphina, a bigamist? He couldn’t believe she was that unprincipled.

“Finally, Felix, you present a good case. But Seraphina’s behaviour has been exemplary these past few weeks. Edgar adores her, and he needs a mother.”

“He needed a wetnurse, not a mother. You succumbed to that woman’s emotional blackmail. I never took you for a fool.”

“How about this for an idea, Felix? You go away and make discreet enquiries. In the meantime, I will try to make this marriage a success—for all our sakes. Bring me back your findings, and I’ll act accordingly.”

His brother-in-law straightened. “She’ll have her claws sunk deep into you by then.”

Rowland flushed. “I’m not exactly blinded by love, Felix. This is a practical arrangement.” He wasn’t prepared to admit how much he had come to admire Seraphina as he got to know her better. Nor did he care to mention the powerful attraction he felt for her—those confessions would fall on deaf ears.

“So, you are saying that I can look for her family?”

“Yes, but you must promise to tell them nothing unless I give you leave. Subtlety must be your watchword.”

“Contrary to your expectation, I can manage that. You’ll thank me for this one day—I know you will.”

“Good. Now, for God’s sake, cheer up and stop making everybody uncomfortable.”

“I’ll do my best.” Felix stepped out of the way, and Rowland strode off to the waiting carriage. They hadn’t far to go, but he didn’t want his new wife catching frostbite before they’d even made it to their wedding night.