Lady Unlike Any

30. Witness

His mother's excitement made his heart fill with warmth. He has always been closer to his mother the most. She was the source of his inspiration, his confidence. He wasn't afraid anymore.

"Mother," He said confidently, "I would like to introduce you to, Lady Kathalina Liverpool, my wife."

Mother Kentshire narrowed her eyes at the couple and exclaimed, "Wife?"

William gulped at his mother's question.

"I ask forgiveness for I have married without your consent. But I hope you will accept us," He explained.

"What if I don't?" His mother asked folding her hands.

William was at loss momentarily, he never expected such a reaction from his mother. She was very much happy to accept Hannah and Oliver and her questioning about accepting Kathalina didn't make sense to him.

"My lady," Kathalina spoke to his mother directly, "I am pleased to meet you. I understand you are quite surprised by your son's announcement. But I would like to clear out that I am the one who kidnapped your son and eloped with him. I asked him to marry me at Gretna Green. So, whatever punishment you want to levy, I will accept it gladly."

Mother Kentshire looked in awe at Kathalina. She turned to Hannah with an incredulous smile on her face. She turned back to William with a raised brow for he hadn't answered her yet.

"I-I," William stammered, "I love her." He knew his mother needed to hear it.

Lady Kentshire chuckled. She might have stretched her fun too much. Kathalina held on to William's finger lightly. She might have underestimated the effect of his family's rejection.

But his mother smiled vibrantly and placed a kiss on Kathalina's forehead.

"Pardon me for my behaviour. I wanted to know if my son married you for the right reasons. I do not want any woman in my house to be with a man that doesn't love her, "Lady Kentshire explained to Kathalina, "The time you step foot in my house as my son's bride, there was no room for any other useless thoughts. Welcome to the family, darling."

Kathalina eyes watered and she embraced Lady Kentshire tightly without qualms. She wished her own mother would be accepting of her in the same way but she knew reality will be quite different.

She didn't get time to ponder on her thoughts when the ruckus of people entered the parlour.

"They are really here," Someone said. Kathalina immediately recognized the vibrant green eyes. It was Lord Sebastian, Kentshire's third son.

"Why are you standing there like a fool?" He said to William, "Introduce us to your bride."

William placed his arms at Kathalina's waist guiding her towards everyone. One by one he introduced his father, his both brothers, Hannah, and the twins.

"Where is Oliver?" William asked when everyone had settled down with tea and snacks.

"He is hiding from you," Hannah was one to answer his questions, "He thinks you will berate him for telling mother about you and Kathalina."

"It was him," William said bewildered.

"Yes. You thought it was me, didn't you?" Hannah looked at him with the disapproving look he had thrown her way a couple of minutes ago.

"You should go talk to him," Nick said. 

"No, let him suffer a little more," William replied.

Kathalina couldn't believe it. It felt like her wishful thinking. She never expected anything to be so easy and yet here she was already a part of the family. Everyone was talking about the wedding preparation like she didn't just elope with William and married at Gretna Green.

"We will need to hastily prepare for the wedding, I think we will be adequately prepared in 1 month from now," Mother Kentshire said, "There is so much to do."

"Mother," William interjected, "Let's set a date for the end of this week."

"That is not enough time," His mother said aghast.

"I agree, I do want a lavish wedding if I can get one," Kathalina spoke up hopeful.

William sighed. It seemed all his family was going to oppose him but he had bigger worries on his head. He didn't want to speak so soon and ruin the mood but he will need to make them understand why he wants the wedding to be as early as possible.

"I am worried about Lord Liverpool," William said carefully, "I do not want to give him time to find anything that will take Kathalina away from me."

Everyone looked at William with newfound wonder. They didn't know William was capable of caring about someone this much. They felt happiness radiating from him whenever he looked at Kathalina. The air was filled with content.

"No one can take her away from you," Oliver said from the doorway, "You married in the church in front of God and witnesses. There must be a sign of two witnesses on your marriage certificate to prove that."

"Well, about that!" William said.

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