A March Bride (A Year of Weddings 1 #4)(24)

She’d been so overwhelmed with moving to Brighton—adjusting to a new country and culture, developing her young relationship with Nathaniel, and planning a wedding—she’d not considered her own royal reality.

Susanna raised her chin to the breeze as it twisted her curls about her shoulders. Reverend Smith was right. Her new station in life afforded her such great opportunities for good.

Oh Lord, use me to make Your Son’s name famous.

She had no idea what Nathaniel had planned for this evening—he’d been unavailable all day today. Something about kingdom business. But she’d planned to surrender her heart fully to him tonight.

If love demanded her whole identity and being, then she’d give it. Unreservedly. Fear had no place in the heart of a princess.

The sound of horse hooves resounding against the asphalt drew her attention to the road as a pair of matched white mares with gleaming coats turned down the driveway drawing a glossy black and gold open carriage with red spoke wheels.

Susanna gasped, pressing her hand over her heart, falling against the porch post.

Jonathan, still dressed in his footman costume, rode on the back. He hopped down when the carriage stopped at the veranda steps, bowing and offering his hand. “Your carriage awaits.”

“This is too much . . . too much. Jon, where are we going?” She slipped her hand into his as he aided her into the carriage, settling her onto the rich red leather seats.

Jonathan patted the side of the carriage and spoke to the driver. “Be off with you now.” He hopped onto the back as the driver chirruped to the horses.

“Burt, hey.” Susanna leaned forward, glancing up at the man steering the horses. “How’d you get this gig?” Burt, a longtime family friend and customer of the Rib Shack, was the owner of Glynn Carriages.

But this was no carriage she’d ever seen him drive before. He wore a solemn expression along with a crisp, dark suit, cravat, and top hat.

“Milady.” His gaze twinkled down on her as he tipped the brim of his hat.

Susanna sat back, smiling. Nathaniel was winning her all over again, shining his light of love in the hidden recesses of her heart, those private places she felt too guarded to reveal. Even when she was with Adam, she hid those secret rooms from his heart’s eye.

But Nathaniel’s efforts spoke to her, drew her out of hiding. He made her feel what she’d longed to feel since she first hid in her bedroom closet, turning it into a magical garden as her parents fought the War of the Truitts. Safe. He made her feel truly, entirely safe.

She could spread her arms wide, breathe in life, and know nothing would smash her in the gut.

At the end of Steven’s Road, the carriage turned north instead of south toward Nathaniel’s Ocean Boulevard cottage.

“Jonathan?” She peered up at the royal aide-turned-footman. “Where are we going?”

He ignored her, eyes fixed straight ahead.

She would see when she arrived. The clop-clop of the horses’ hooves paired with the gentle sway of the carriage from side to side rocked her into a sweet peace. If one was going to be a princess, then one must learn to enjoy being a princess. She pictured Nathaniel, aching to be in his arms.

Burt called a gentle, deep “Whoa” to the horses as he pulled up to Christ Church.

Susanna angled forward, squinting at the massive glow dripping down from the trees, soaking the grounds in a white, cozy light. Did she hear an orchestra?

“Milady.” Jonathan appeared at her side, offering his hand.

Raising her skirt, Susanna stepped over the side of the carriage, landing softly on the ground, shards of excitement fueling her pulse.

“What’s going on, Jon?” She held on to his hand, refusing to let him step forward.

“You know, Suz, you ask too many questions.”

She balked at his abrupt break of character. “Wouldn’t you?” she said, squeezing his fingers.

“If you’ll walk with me, and let go of my hand so some of the blood can flow to my heart, you’ll have your answer.” Jonathan twisted his hand from her grasp, making a face.

With a slight push on her elbow, he directed her toward the front door, pausing when they stepped under the garden entrance.

“I’ve been silent about things since you left Brighton, Susanna, because it was not my place to speak. But since I’m on American soil, I’ll act the part of an American. Don’t be a bugger.”

She bristled. “Jon, look, I—” Susanna broke off, laughing. “Okay, I won’t be a bugger.”

He grinned. “I know this is not all easy for you, but you need to know I’ve never seen Nathaniel like this. And I’ve known him a long time. He’s turning his world upside down to please one person. You. He’s crazy in love and using all of his kingly prowess to prove it to you. To prove he’s worth everything he’s asking you to give up. How can he compete with your family? With your American ways? How can he compete with you? Giving up your citizenship and what all?” He sighed as if he might regret his outburst. “Just know if you refuse what’s on the other side of this entrance, you’ll break his heart and I’m not sure he’ll ever recover.”

She drew a long breath, returning Jon’s steely gaze. “You’re a good friend, Jon. And I’ve no intention of breaking his heart.”

“Because I know a good thing when I see it.” He smiled. “My apologies for violating protocol and speaking out of turn.”