A Lady’s Propitious Match: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Regency Marriages of Convenience Book

EPILOGUE

A week later…

Christopher stood before the mirror, his heart dancing with joy as he prepared for the most significant day of his life — his wedding day. A day he never thought he would get to see, especially with this woman he was lucky enough to marry. The room was bathed in soft morning light, casting a warm glow on the carefully chosen attire for today.

Dressed in his finest suit, a tailored ensemble that spoke of timeless elegance, Christopher marveled at the day which lay ahead. The deep navy fabric embraced him, a perfect complement to the momentous occasion. The frock coat, adorned with subtle details, hugged his form with a tailored grace that mirrored the anticipation swelling within him.

A crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the frock coat, its immaculate simplicity accentuating the profound significance of the day. The tie, a rich shade of burgundy, added a touch of sophistication, a subtle nod to the depth of emotions that colored the canvas of his heart.

Christopher’s hands deftly secured the cufflinks, each click a melody of preparation for the harmonious union that awaited him. He cast a final glance in the mirror, a smile playing on his lips, a symphony of happiness echoed in his eyes.

As he adjusted the boutonniere — a delicate arrangement of blooms that mirrored the vibrant hues of the love he felt — Christopher took a moment to savor the magnitude of the day. The soft fragrance of the flowers, mingling with the anticipation in the air, created a sensory tapestry that would forever be woven in to the fabric of his memories.

A knock at the door surprised him. Who had his butler let in to the home unannounced?

“Mother?” he gasped as he prized open the door to his bedchambers. “Graham? What are you doing here? I was not expecting you to attend today?”

His mother, with kind eyes and a hesitant smile, was the first to speak out. She took a deep breath, her words carrying a sincerity born of introspection.

“Christopher, I have come here not to meddle but to mend. Over time, I have realised the errors of my ways, how I pushed too hard and failed to see you as your own person. I failed to listen to your desires, and even tried to tell you that you were not good enough for an earl’s daughter, for which I feel terrible. I was wrong. No titles can stand in the way of true love, which I can now see you have. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused, and I hope we can find a way to rebuild what was broken.”

Her words hung in the air, a fragile bridge linking their past with the potential for a better future. Christopher nodded, grateful for the acknowledgement and hopeful for a new beginning.

He could stay angry at his mother forever, or he could invite his family into his new life where he had found everything that he was looking for.

Graham, standing a few paces behind, approached with a reserved demeanor. His gaze met Christopher’s, conveying an intensity that hinted at the gravity of his confession. As he spoke, his voice held a steady tone, laced with remorse.

“Christopher,” he began, “I owe you an apology as well. I have carried the burden of a secret for far too long, a secret that has strained our relationship more than I realised.”

“What are you talking about?”

Graham hung his head low, shame ricocheting right through him. “I have always led you to believe that I blame you for Father’s death, but that is not exactly the truth. I have only said as much to try and assuage my own guilt.”

“You have guilt?”

Christopher darted his eyes between his brother and his mother, but neither of them were giving anything away.

“I knew that he was struggling. A mix of undisclosed health issues,” Graham confessed, “but Dad, he stubbornly resisted seeking medical help. I should have fought him on this. I should have insisted. But I never thought that he would end up dead.”

Christopher’s mind whirred, the pieces of a puzzle falling into place. The burden he had carried for years, the guilt and self blame for his father’s untimely demise, began to lift. The weight on his shoulders, which he had carried like an invisible anchor, slowly dissipated.

Graham’s honesty, though overdue, served as a soothing balm for wounds Christopher had not known how to heal. The room seemed to hold its breath, suspended in the gravity of the moment.

The mix of emotions within Christopher was palpable — a tumultuous sea gradually finding its calm. He met Graham’s eyes, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The unspoken understanding bridged the gap that had divided them for so long.

“You could not have made our father do anything,” Christopher offered Graham kindly. “However much you tried. You know how that man was. So determined that he was always in the right, no matter what.”

A tentative smile played on Christopher’s lips as he absorbed the weight of his family’s apologies. The air seemed lighter, and the tension that had long held their interactions captive began to dissipate. His mother’s sincere words and Graham’s heartfelt confession had laid the ground work for a new beginning.

“Thank you,” Christopher said, his voice carrying a sincerity that mirrored the authenticity of the moment. “I appreciate your honesty, and I am grateful for the chance to start afresh. I believe that this is something we all need.”

“We would love to come to your wedding, if you will have us,” his mother stated with hope dancing in her eyes. “We want to get to know your bride, to invite her into the family with us.”

Christopher beamed from ear to ear. “I would absolutely love that. Please, come with me now. I am sure you will love Clara, she is the best person I have ever met in my life, and by the end of the day, she will be my wife…”

Something he could not wait for.

***

The air shimmered with the residual magic of the small, intimate ceremony. Christopher and his new bride, Clara, walked hand in hand towards the lavish setting where a wedding breakfast awaited them, courtesy of Christopher’s gracious Aunt Abigail. The joy in their hearts mirrored the brightness of the day, and as they stepped into the celebration, a sense of contentment enveloped them.

This was everything that Christopher had hoped for, and so much more. He knew that this future was going to be perfect from here on out.

Aunt Abigail, with her warm smile and meticulous attention to detail, had spared no effort in creating a feast fit for royalty. The tables were adorned with flowers, and the soft murmur of laughter filled the air. It was a scene of joy and celebration, a fitting continuation of the union that had just taken place.

Clara, radiant in her lacy, elegant wedding gown, which cinched at the waist with a delicate satin bow, and Christopher, still basking in the glow of marital bliss, found themselves surrounded by well wishers. Friends and family gathered, sharing in the happiness that permeated the atmosphere.

As the festivities unfolded, a ripple of excitement passed through the gathering. Christopher’s dear friend Elliot, with a gleam in his eye, stood up to address the room. The attention of the guests turned towards him, curiosity sparking in their eyes.

“Friends and family,” Elliot began, his voice carrying a mix of enthusiasm and anticipation, “today is not only a day of celebration for Christopher and Clara, but also a day of new beginnings. I hope you do not mind me taking the time to share this with you.”

The room hushed, the words hanging in the air like a promise.

Excitement flooded Christopher and he was sure that Clara was thrilled too.

“Lady Imogen Chambers and I,” Elliot continued, casting an affectionate glance at his long time friend, “have officially decided to begin courting formally ourselves.”

A collective gasp of surprise and delight swept through the room, followed by a wave of applause. The announcement added another layer of joy to an already festive occasion. Christopher could not help but feel a surge of happiness for Elliot and Imogen, two individuals dear to his heart, embarking on a journey of their own.

Clara beamed with happiness as she embraced her cousin, Elliot. The room buzzed with conversations about love and new beginnings, the atmosphere filled with the palpable warmth of shared happiness. It was truly wonderful, very exciting for everyone in the room.

Of course Christopher was thrilled for his friend, and happy to share Clara’s and his special day with anyone in love. Especially if it was the person closest to him, who had been assisting him the whole way with his journey. Without Elliot, he would never have found the love of his life with Clara, so he was always grateful.

***

The lively melodies and laughter of the celebration echoed through the halls, but Christopher felt a gentle pull to steal away with Clara for a private moment amidst the joyous festivities. Hand in hand, they ventured towards a secluded corner, where a quiet intimacy enveloped them like a soft embrace.

Christopher’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he carefully retrieved a package, cradled in his hands. The moment held a sense of sacredness as he presented it to Clara, his new bride, a token of his love and the artistry that flowed from his soul.

With a tender smile, he handed her the carefully wrapped gift. Clara’s eyes gleamed with curiosity and affection as she unwrapped it, revealing an exquisite portrait sketch that Christopher had meticulously crafted from memory. The rendering captured Clara’s essence — the graceful curve of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and the warmth that radiated from her spirit.

“It is for you,” Christopher murmured, his voice laced with the love that had inspired the creation. “A reflection of the beauty that resides in my heart whenever I think of you.”

Clara’s breath caught as she beheld the portrait. The details were impeccable, a testament to Christopher’s talent and the depth of his connection with her. Her eyes traced the lines that formed her likeness, and a soft gasp escaped her lips.

Finally, he felt like he had mastered his new skill, and he had managed to draw from memory alone. The fact that he had done this for his wife only made it feel that much more special.

“Christopher, this is… breathtaking,” she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of genuine emotion. “You captured me so perfectly, as if you painted the very essence of my being.”

Christopher watched with a mixture of joy and relief as Clara was visibly moved by his thoughtful gesture. The sketch had been a labor of love, an attempt to freeze a moment in time, a piece of their journey together.

As Clara tenderly studied the art work, Christopher sensed a shared connection between the strokes of his pencil and the beats of their hearts. The depth of emotion flowed silently between them, and without a word, he drew her into his embrace. The warmth of their union, both in art and in love, enveloped them like a cocoon.

They shared a glowing smile, their eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. In that private alcove, surrounded by the echoes of celebration, Christopher sealed the beginning of their new life journey together with a sweet, lingering kiss.

It was a kiss that held the promise of countless shared moments, each one as precious as the strokes on the canvas — a testament to the timeless beauty of their love.

A love that would last forever, he was sure of it.

The End