The guests were seated around the perimeter of the ballroom. Enjoying the breakfast fare of hot rolls, buttered toast, eggs, and ham spread out in a buffet, giving them the opportunity to take what they like.

In the middle, was an elegant wedding cake which some would not partake of, thinking cake to be too decadent. Instead, they traveled to the end of the table for some delicious chocolate. The perfect sweet drink to end any sumptuous meal.

Juliana did not realize, how hungry she was until one of the servants had placed some food in front of her. She could barely touch her food this morning, being too excited to even entertain the idea. She took a bite and sighed content.

The quartet of musicians played some lively tunes and couples collected on the ballroom floor to join in the country-dance. The mood was light and joyous. Richard extended his hand to Juliana and they joined in a Scotch reel. Juliana was not the best of dancers, having little opportunity to practice. Richard however, was perfection, keeping her on course from making too much of a fool of herself on the dance floor.

They were quite spent when they reached their table again, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Lord Riley appeared and asked for the next dance with the bride.

Albert had appeared at the table and leaned in to say something in Richard's ear. His smile disappeared. Fear leaped into Juliana's heart, at the shift in his mood.

Richard however smiled again saying to the elderly Duke, "I expect you to be on your best behavior, Lord Riley. She is, after all, a married woman now, and she belongs to me."

"On my honor, sir. I will treat her like my own daughter," Lord Riley said placing a hand over his heart. Juliana's eyes darted to Albert and back to Richard. Now obligated to dance, she could not discover the purpose of the interruption.

It was another Scotch reel and having danced it with Richard, Juliana did quite well on her own this time. Lord Riley kept up a simple conversation as they danced but Juliana missed a question, distracted by watching Richard and Albert leave the room.

What would be so important that Richard would leave his own celebration?

"I'm sorry, my Lord. I am not the best of dancers and the concentration on my feet, I believe, has caused me to miss what you were speaking of?"

Lord Riley chuckled, "Quite bold of you to admit. Few women would dare do so."

"Well, I am not most women," Juliana stated, confidently.

"Of that, I am certain, as you would not be married to Lord Bentley if that were the case."

----------------

Albert led Richard to his study.

"Who is this man?" Richard asked.

"I do not know, sir. He refused to give his name and demanded to see you."

"The footmen at the front door, feared him making a scene, so put him in the study and got me directly," Albert said, quickly falling behind Richard's longer strides.

Richard wondered. Was this it? Was this the moment? Was he about to meet the man behind it all?

Before he opened the door he looked at Albert and said, "I wish you to return to the ballroom and keep a very close eye on Juliana, in case this is meant to be a distraction. She is to be protected at all cost."

Albert did not like the idea of leaving Richard alone with the stranger but understood. He nodded and began his trek back to the ballroom. He then stopped and grabbed hold of one of the footmen.

"You are to stand outside of Lord Bentley's study. If you even suspect the slightest sign of trouble, you are to retrieve me from the ballroom, understood?"

The footman nodded. Albert felt a little more at ease. Knowing he had ears to leave behind.

Richard took a deep breath and exhaled. Preparing to face whoever was on the other side of the door and stepped through.

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Juliana became quite popular on the dance floor. Now that Richard had disappeared, she lacked the excuse to return to her table. Grateful the musicians had taken a break, Juliana searched for Clara, but she must not have returned. Juliana's worries compounded, especially when she had seen Albert return to the ballroom without Richard.

She made her way to him.

"Albert, what is going on? Where is Richard?"

"He has been detained by a guest, Mistress. He asked that you remain here, and he will join you shortly."

Juliana knew Albert all too well. "I will have the truth, Albert and I will have it now."

Albert shook his head, "That is all the news I have, Mistress."

Juliana's frustration knew no bounds. "Clara is missing!"

This got Albert's undivided attention. "When? For how long?"

"Since after the ceremony. She said she needed some space and would come and join us here but has not returned. Find what servants you can and have them search for her. Report back to me as soon as you have any news of her whereabouts."

"Yes, Mistress," Albert said, he knew he was not to leave Juliana but this was dire indeed. He grabbed three of the wait staff and gave them new orders. They were to gather others and search the house for Clara and report back to him immediately."

He stayed to watch over Juliana. There were many problems afoot, and he was determined not to let her out of his sight.

---------------------------

Richard walked into his study and came face to face with a rather brooding looking young man. His unkempt state showed he held little regard for his appearance, and he had a rather pained and anxious look about his expression.

"I am Lord Bentley. I have been informed you needed to speak with me? Hope it of importance, as this is my wedding day."

"I should say so. What the devil have you done with my wife?"

"Excuse me?!" Richard asked, taken back by the vehemence in this man's tone.

"I am not a man to toy with Bentley. When I ask you, where is my Clara? You had best have an answer, sir and it better be good."

"Benjamin McAllister?"

Benjamin ran a hand through his disheveled hair, "Who the hell do you think I am? Where is Clara?"

Richard did not care for Benjamin. He could not see what Clara found redeeming in such a character. "She is here. She came to my wedding. Is that a problem?"

Benjamin nearly collapsed into the nearest chair, too relieved knowing she was safe.

"Lord be praised!" And then suddenly his anger seemed to return. His eyes locked on Richard.

"Do not judge me, sir. I can see it in your eyes, the pompous way you puff out your chest and look down your nose at me. I have nearly killed myself getting here after receiving word that Clara had left the country house."

"Fool woman knows better. What the hell was she thinking?" Benjamin said shaking his head, which was currently throbbing.

Richard could not make heads or tails of Benjamin's ramblings. "Is Clara in some sort of trouble?"

"She is now," Benjamin muttered under his breath. "Have her sent to me directly. We are going home."

"She is my guest and my sister, and I, sir care little for your tone. She will not go anywhere she does not wish to go."

"You are an idiot and I do not have time for this. Bring her to me!"

"I think not," Richard stated flatly.

Benjamin sighed heavily trying to reign in his anger, "Right then," he stood, "I will retrieve her myself."

As he passed by Richard, Richard put his arm out and stopped Benjamin in his tracks.

Benjamin looked down at the hand on his chest and then back at Richard. Something in this man's eyes caused Richard to remove his hand.

"I appreciate your position, Bentley. I get you believe you are protecting her, but you cannot. That is my job and one I was doing quite well before your family showed up on my doorstep."

"Again, you speak of my sister as if she is in grave danger, why?"

Some of the fight had left Benjamin's stance, "Because she is. Because of me."