Chapter Twenty-Five
Six Months Later
G yles stood on the balcony of his parents’ home with his friends, Saxton, Lucius, and Asher. His wedding reception was in full swing but he took a moment with these men who were like brothers to him. He saw Josephine inside laughing at something his mother had said to her and he smiled knowing how well the two ladies got along.
“You’re one lucky man, Wickes,” Asher said raising his glass in a toast. “You and Saxton found rare gems among the ladies of Society.”
Lucius chuckled. “Who knew the Lyon’s Den could deliver such comely women for potential wives… not that I’m in the market to find myself hitched anytime soon.”
Saxton slapped Lucius on his back. “Best stay away from the Den, my friend. Neither of us were looking for a wife either, but I’ll always be thankful to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for her timely intervention. I couldn’t be happier than to have Moriah in my life.”
Gyles nodded. “One game of chance completely changed my life for the better. I won’t complain about losing—not when Josephine was everything I hoped to gain in a lifelong companion. My days gambling my money away at the Lyon’s Den are now over.”
Asher grumbled a curse. “Looks like it’s just you and me left, Lucius, to enjoy bachelorhood and the Den,” he moaned as if he saw his friendship with these men slipping away.
“Someone has to carry on,” Lucius answered with a sly grin. “Too many women to enjoy in life… too many games of chance to play and conquer. I gladly will hold up my end and enjoy my single life to its fullest.”
Saxton laughed. “Keep going to the Lyon’s Den and you’ll find yourself wed in no time.”
Gyles smiled. “Well, I for one have no complaints, gentlemen. In fact, I think I’ll go and find my bride. I think it’s more than time I enjoy one last dance with her.”
“Not sure why you haven’t already taken her home to enjoy your time in private,” Asher teased.
“Mother insisted we spend the night here since she expected the party to continue until the wee hours of the night. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ve deprived my lady long enough of my witty conversation,” Gyles said with a grin.
He finished his drink, handing the empty glass to a passing servant and found his wife laughing with her friend the marchioness. Now that Josephine was his wife, he had no issue publicly showing her any form of affection. He leaned down to whisper softly in her ear.
“Dance with me,” he crooned even though he wished they were already alone upstairs.
Her soft brown eyes sparkled in delight as she placed her hand in his. “With pleasure, my lord. Excuse me, Moriah,” Josephine said as they went to the dance floor.
Gyles raised his hand and the musicians in the gallery began a waltz. A perfect dance to perform with his wife. As they whirled around the floor, Gyles pulled Josephine closer and he swore he heard her sigh of contentment over the music .
“Happy?” he asked staring into her eyes.
“So happy I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find this was all a dream,” she answered with a smile.
“Would you be terribly upset if I said I wanted to take you upstairs to our room where we could begin our married life together?” he inquired hoping that she, too, was more than ready to make their union complete.
“I thought you’d never ask,” Josephine said with a small laugh.
After the last chords of the music faded away, Gyles took Josephine’s hand and they began bidding everyone a good night. It took far longer than he anticipated for it seemed as each and every person had some well wishes to say to the couple before they left for the evening. But they finally made it up the staircase and to their room. Gyles leaned on the door and put the lock into place. He was finally alone with Josephine after all this time, and he could barely contain his excitement for what was to follow.
A bottle of champagne with two crystal flutes was placed on a table along with some cheese, fruit, and other items of food if they were hungry. But eating or even drinking was the last thing he had in his mind. He watched as Josephine began pulling the pins from her hair and a part of him rose as he watched her black tresses cascade down to her waist in curls.
She gazed over her shoulder toward him. “The day was perfect.”
“The night will be even more so,” he said coming to her side and lifting a strand of hair to feel its silky length between his fingers. “I am so happy you are finally mine.”
Josephine stood and began untying his cravat. “And you are now mine. For today. For tomorrow. For always.”
“I love you, Josephine,” he said trying his best to keep his hands from her and not rush the moment. But when she began pulling his shirt from his chest all plans to take things slow left him.
“You have fulfilled all your promises to me and I love you, Gyles. Now make me yours in every way and let us begin our lives together.”
He needed no further encouragement and as he pulled Josephine into his arms it was as though the world tilted and he found his home. Yes… Josephine was everything he had ever wanted in his life. After all these years, she was finally his and forever more would they be together. From this moment forward, they would build their lives as one. And if they were so blessed, their children would follow to carry on his name.
He hadn’t lied to his friends when he said he would be forever grateful for the Widow of Whitehall and all she had originally done to point him in the direction of Josephine. He had waited a lifetime to at last have the lady as his wife. He was indeed blessed and he would always be thankful that he and Josephine found their way into each other’s arms.