Epilogue
Three weeks later…
The morning sun streamed through the windows as Wesley stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting his cravat. Today was his wedding day. A day he had been anticipating ever since he first asked for Melody’s hand. She was everything to him, and soon, she would be his. And he, hers. The thought filled him with a sense of joy he hadn’t known was possible.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts, and the door creaked open to reveal Watkins. “Good morning, my lord.”
Wesley turned to face him. “Ah, you have finally returned. I was beginning to worry you might miss my wedding.”
“Good gads, no,” Watkins said. “The journey took longer than expected due to the weather.”
Wesley’s smile faded slightly, his expression growing more serious. “Are the prisoners secure at Newgate?”
Watkins gave a curt nod. “For now, yes. They are set to be hung in a fortnight. But they didn’t give up much information during their interrogation by the spymaster. Which means, for the time being, you will need to be vigilant. Lady Melody’s safety remains a priority.”
Wesley’s jaw tightened. “That won’t be an issue. I will hire more guards at my country estate. No one will come near her.”
“Pierre admitted to poisoning Mr. Artemis Nelson, but he revealed he had accidentally switched the plates. It was you that was supposed to be poisoned,” Watkins revealed. “Marceau had wanted you out of the way. When the poison didn’t work, he tried to shoot you.”
“Luckily for me, Marceau was a terrible shot.”
Watkins stepped closer, making a few minor adjustments to Wesley’s cravat. “There, now it is perfect. How did you manage to dress yourself without me?”
“I am not completely incompetent.”
“Of course not, my lord,” Watkins said with a smile. “But I feel as if I should warn you that Lord Dunsby and Lord Winston are waiting for you on the other side of the door.”
Wesley glanced at the door, raising an eyebrow. “And what do they want?”
Watkins shrugged. “I don’t rightly know, but it is best if you get it over with.”
Wesley walked over to the door and paused. “I am glad you are here, Watkins. I hope you know that I consider you a friend above all else.”
“I feel the same way, my lord.”
With a tip of his head, Wesley opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, where Lord Dunsby and Lord Winston were waiting with solemn expressions.
“What is this?” Wesley asked.
Lord Dunsby gestured towards the corridor. “Walk with us, Emberly.”
Wesley didn’t say anything as he walked between the two brothers. Their serious demeanors made him wonder what exactly they had in mind.
Lord Winston spoke first. “We are most grateful for what you did for our sisters, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching you.”
“Precisely. If you ever make a misstep with Melody, you will have both of us to answer to,” Lord Dunsby said.
Wesley sighed. So that is what this was about. “You need not worry. I love Melody with all my heart.”
Just then, the door to a nearby bedchamber opened, and Elodie slipped out, her eyes locking onto Wesley’s. “Have you threatened him yet?” she asked with mock seriousness, holding up her bent nail. “Is it my turn now?”
Lord Winston chuckled. “Put that blasted nail away before you hurt yourself.”
“I think it is rather effective to get my point across,” Elodie responded.
Wesley put his hand up. “There is no need for threats, I promise. I will love Melody above all else, and most importantly, I will keep her safe.”
Elodie considered him for a moment, her tone still serious. “I believe you. But if you don’t do as you promise, I will ensure you are drawn and quartered.”
Lord Dunsby let out a heavy sigh. “You do realize you don’t have the authority to draw and quarter anyone? Only the most grievous criminals receive such punishment.”
“I will petition Parliament for permission,” Elodie said.
“You are just a woman,” Lord Winston pointed out. “Parliament will hardly take you seriously.”
Undeterred, Elodie shot him a determined look. “Then I shall make signs and protest outside their walls.”
With a shake of his head, Lord Winston turned to Wesley. “I love my sister, and her happiness means everything to me. I expect you to be true to her, always.”
Wesley met Winston’s gaze. “You have my word,” he said, his voice unwavering.
As the brothers studied Wesley, the tension in the air eased slightly. The protectiveness they displayed was no longer something that troubled Wesley. Quite frankly, he understood it completely, for he felt the same way about Melody. He would guard her heart, her happiness, and her life, no matter the cost. Today was the beginning of their future together, and Wesley would ensure that nothing stood in their way.
Melody’s voice came from down the corridor, breaking through Wesley’s thoughts. “Dear heavens, am I interrupting something?”
Lord Dunsby turned to Melody with a smile on his face. “We just needed a moment to speak to Emberly. That is all.”
Melody crossed her arms; her gaze held skepticism. “You mean threaten him, do you not?”
“Some harsh words may have been said,” Lord Dunsby admitted with a slight shrug.
“Leave my fiancé alone,” Melody insisted. “Besides, shouldn’t you be threatening Jasper, as well?”
Elodie held up her rusty nail. “It has already been done.”
“I can’t imagine Jasper was intimidated by a bent nail,” Melody said with a shake of her head. “Regardless, Mother said it is time to leave for the chapel.”
Elodie moved to stand next to her. “I heard that Lord Wythburn is officiating your wedding.”
Melody’s face brightened. “He is, and I am so grateful. He is a man I have always deeply admired,” she said as she made her way over to Wesley, standing close enough that he could feel her warmth. “Are you ready to get married?”
Wesley pulled out his pocket watch, pretending to study it seriously. “I suppose I can find the time.”
She laughed, just as he had intended. “You’d better be nice to me, considering I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot you again.”
“Melody shot you?” Lord Winston asked, his eyebrow raised in genuine surprise.
Elodie giggled. “A lot has happened while you were on your wedding tour.”
“Apparently so,” Lord Winston said. “But I am back now.”
“Only until you move into your dilapidated cottage on your sheep farm,” Elodie said.
Lord Winston smirked. “Careful, it almost sounds like you will miss me, Sister.”
Before Elodie could reply, Lady Dallington’s voice came from down the hall. “Why, pray tell, are you all lollygagging in the corridor? We have two weddings today! The coaches are waiting outside, ready to take us to the chapel. Come along, now.”
Wesley extended his arm to Melody. “May I have the honor of escorting you to the coach, my love?”
She accepted his arm. “Thank you.”
As they walked down the corridor, Wesley took a moment to admire her, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face. “You look lovely today.”
“You don’t need to flatter me,” Melody replied with a playful glint in her eyes. “I have already agreed to marry you, remember?”
“Am I not allowed to speak the truth?”
“Very well. What truth would you like to share with me this morning?”
Wesley came to an abrupt stop and turned to face her. His expression grew serious, and he gently took both of her hands in his. “Life has broken me in so many ways. But when I am with you, every shattered piece falls back into place. And now, we will continue on our journey, together, mended as one.”
“I promise that I will always love you, Wesley. For now, I do not feel alone,” Melody said.
He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “More than you could ever know.”
Lord Dunsby cleared his throat from behind them. “I hate to interrupt, but if you do not get into one of those coaches soon, I suspect Elodie will threaten you with her rusty nail.”
Wesley took a step back and held his hand out. “Are you ready to become my wife?”
“Yes.”
A wide smile broke across Wesley’s face. “Then let us begin this new adventure together,” he said, his voice filled with promise.
As they walked side by side, hand in hand, the future stretched before them, full of possibilities. And in that moment, for the first time in his life, Wesley realized that even forever would not be long enough with her by his side.
The End