circulated among the men. When she saw the dark-haired man was awaiting her answer to his question, she nodded. âI have my copy still, CapâNicholas.â
Keith was recovering from the shock of realizing that Rebecca would not become his wife. Irately, he turned to her and demanded, âThis man is telling the truth? You are really married to him?â
âYes, Keith,â she whispered.
âThat is ridiculous. Look at the date on that document. That was when the damnable British were running all over the area. Such a marriage under duress would not be sanctioned by any court.â He frowned. âDid you fear she was pregnant, Wythe, and wanted to give your bastard a name?â
The fury which burst forth from Nicholas was as cold as his eyes. âI did not seduce Rebecca when she was a child. I can assure you of that, sir. She saved my life. I was a badly injured man in enemy territory. She did nothing for which she should have been ashamed.â
When Hart stepped between the two men who looked as if they were set to settle the issue on the altar, he asked Rebecca for her side of this confusing tale. It did not take her long to tell, although he had to ask her to repeat herself several times when her voice became a whisper. Because she could not bear to look at the man she had promised to marry, she did not see Keithâs outraged expression when he learned that she had married of her own free will and had known exactly what she was doing. The fact that she had been only fourteen would have no bearing on its legality. Many lasses were wed not much older than that.
âAre you satisfied?â asked Nicholas when she had completed the short account which had kept the wedding guests enthralled. Once more he put out a long arm to pull Rebecca close. No one could miss her discomfort as he placed his arm around her shoulders. âAs I said, we must be leaving, if we are to catch our ship before it sails. Come along, Rebecca.â
âNow?â She could not comprehend what was happening. Her mind had been numb. Her world had turned inside out in one split second. One moment she had been so blissfully planning to wed Keith, the next this man who was a stranger was claiming her rightfully as his wife.
Nicholasâ voice softened for the shortest moment as he gazed at her shattered face. âYes, we must leave now, my dear. Bid your friends and family farewell.â
Docilely she did as she was told, for she did not know what else to do. She did not hear what she said or who she said it to as she went from one guest to the next. Only when she turned to Keith did her frozen exterior break. âIâm sorry, sweetheart,â she whispered. âI had no idea that he was alive. Iâm so sorry to hurt you like this. I love you, Keith.â
Paying no attention to anyone else, he swept her into his arms and kissed her with all his desire for her. Holding her tightly, he whispered in her ear, âI will come after you, my love. We will have this marriage annulled. Try to keep him out of your bed, Rebecca.â
âMy bed?â she cried. Involuntarily, she turned to look at the dark-haired man who was talking quietly to her brother. Hart nodded his head in resignation. As each second passed, this nightmare was solidifying into reality. She closed her eyes in pain as she saw her brother introduce Nicholas to her aunt, who had recovered her senses. When she saw Aunt Dena smile, Rebecca was sure the whole world had gone mad.
Grimly, Keith said in the same low tone, bringing her attention back to him, âHeâs your husband, Rebecca. He has a right to sleep with you. Try to keep him away. As soon as I can sell my farm, Iâll come to England and hire an attorney to free you. If the marriage is unconsummated, it will be easier. Just be careful, darling. You know how I love you. I promise you I will see you released from this marriage.â
âRebecca?â
She