They were married in the same church in the village that they had visited on their previous outing. The vicar was cool and favored them with disapproving stares throughout the brief ceremony. The ceremony was witnessed by Lord Ellersleigh, Lady Phyllis and her aunt, Lady Isabella. Lady Eleanor declined to come, pleading a headache. Emme's stepfather and mother declined to attend. After the ceremony, taken directly from the Book of Common Prayer, they returned to Briarwood for a small supper.It was hardly a momentous celebration, but Lady Phyllis persevered in her attempts to make it a jovial evening. Following the excellent dinner, the chef having outdone himself, the ladies pled exhaustion and retired early. Michael had simply vanished, and Emme and Rhys were alone in the drawing room."Why don't you retire? I'll join you shortly,” he suggested.Emme could feel his gaze upon her. She nodded and then left the room without speaking. Her mouth had gone dry and she doubted she could have produced a comprehensible response, at any rate.She knew, of course, what was to happen.
