WARNING: this chapter contains scenes of assault.
***
The entire church stared at Calvin, their eyes wide with shock. Who on earth was this man? Why did he object to the union?
The minister cleared his throat. "You wish to object to this union sir?"
Calvin strode into the church, his eyes fixed on Clara. "Yes I do."
Minister. "Why do you believe this union should not be?"
Calvin pointed a finger at Clara. "She belongs to me, not the Duke of Manchester."
The minister scratched his head. "Who are you sir, and how do you know this young lady?"
Calvin smiled wickedly. "I am Lord Calvin Harrington, second son to the late Duke of Richmond. Clara is my cousin."
The minister turned his attention to Clara. "It seems your cousin is desiring you as his wife Miss Harrington."
Clara was furious. How dare Calvin come and ruin her wedding! She stepped forward. "Lord Harrington might desire me to be his wife, but I do not desire him. Not as my husband, or anything else. He is a rude and arrogant bastard."
Calvin glared at her. "I am no such thing!"
Clara crossed her arms. "Yes you are Calvin. Need I remind you that you tried pursuing me three years ago, when I was 18 years old?"
Calvin rolled his eyes. "Yes, I remember that. You resisted."
Clara glared at him. "Yes I did, because you tried to ruin me!"
A collective gasp cascaded through the church, everyone's staring at the scene unfolding before them. It was quite clear Lord Calvin Harrington was a rake.
Calvin took a step forward. "All right, I did try to ruin you. However, you were very stubborn and punched me in the face."
Clara. "I could easily do that again."
Calvin raised his fist, his gray eyes raging like storm clouds. "I could easily throw you over my shoulder, take you to the next room and..."
Brandon was about to throw himself at Calvin, having had enough of this bastard. But he didn't get the chance, because he was held back by Clara. He stared at her. "What are you doing?"
Clara placed one hand on his chest. "Exactly what I should have done three years ago."
Brandon. "Which is what?"
Calvin. "Yes my dear cousin, what is it that you had planned for me three years ago?"
Turning to glare at her cousin, Clara stepped forward, raising her right knee. With one swift motion, she brought it forward, kicking Calvin square in the groin. Smiling with satisfaction, she watched as he crumpled to the floor, clutching his prized possession.
Calvin stared at her, his eyes watering from the pain. He glared at her, opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water. He was in too much agony to say a word.
Minister. "Guards, take this gentleman out of this sacred church immediately. His presence is no longer needed."
A pair of guards came forward, picking Calvin up by the arms. Dragging him out of the church, they tossed him into a carriage that would take him home.
The minister turned his attention back to the task at hand. He cleared his throat. "Does anyone else have any objection to this union?"
No one spoke a word. There were no more objections that needed to be made.
Minister. "Well then, by the power vested in me by the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Their eyes shining with love and adoration, Brandon and Clara exchanged a suite and passionate kiss. After a moment, they came away, smiling at each other. Their fingers intertwining, they escorted their guests out of the church and into the group of carriages that were waiting to take them to Manchester Park for the reception.
Brandon smiled, holding Clara close as their carriage drove down the cobblestone streets. "You were bloody brilliant my darling."
Clara giggled. "Thank you my love. I cannot tell you how long I've been wanting to do that. It felt wonderful."
Brandon. "I am sure it did. With that bastard out of the way, we can begin to focus on each other completely."
Clara smiled, tilting her chin up and kissing him softly. "We certainly can."
They smiled at each other, exchanging sweet kisses as the carriage continued the journey. With no more interruptions, they could begin their new lives as husband and wife.