The Truth about the Viscount (Whispers of the Ton #4)

Epilogue

“ I think it has been a wonderful evening.”

Patience nodded and smiled, watching as Eleanor danced with Lord Thornlake, a gentleman who had been paying a little more attention to her of late.

“It has been, yes.” She smiled at her sister. “And I now see Lord Hurrelton coming to seek you out, my dear sister.”

Watching as Christina’s cheeks flushed, Patience’s smile grew, though she quickly took a few steps away to permit her sister to speak with the gentleman alone.

Letting out a slow breath, Patience felt contentment settle deep within her. At her request, nothing had been said to her mother or sister about what had taken place, though she had been required to share it all with Eleanor, simply so that her cousin could confirm that yes, Patience had been in her company that afternoon. Eleanor had been quite horrified, of course, but all had come to a pleasing conclusion, for Lord Newforth had not been seen in some days now, with the last rumors being that he had returned to his estate, rather than coming back to London. Isabella’s betrothal ball had been a marvelous success, and now all that was left for Patience was to look forward to her wedding to the gentleman she had come to care for so very deeply.

“There you are.”

Patience turned quickly, only to giggle as Lord Hastings pulled her back into the shadows at the edge of the ballroom, his eyes twinkling and a broad smile on his lips as he did so.

“I know that I ought not to do such a thing, since we are not yet wed, but I could not help it.” Putting his arms around her, he looked down into her eyes and held her gaze for a long moment. “My goodness, Patience, you are more beautiful every time I look upon you.”

Patience reached up one hand and brushed her fingers lightly across his cheek.

“You are all the more handsome also.”

That, she knew, was quite true, for in setting all that Lord Newforth had done behind them, there had come a new freedom, a new joy, into Lord Hastings’ character. He smiled more brightly, spoke with more delight, and no longer hid himself in the shadows though, Patience knew, he was still fully resolved to move away from society once they were wed.

“Are you quite well, my dear?” Lord Hastings’ expression suddenly became a little more serious. “You are enjoying the evening, I hope?”

“Of course I am. Though,” Patience continued, tilting her head a little, “I could do with more time beside you. I miss you when you have to step away.”

A soft smile tipped up the edges of his lips.

“As I miss you,” he murmured, shifting his feet so that he stood even closer to her. “Patience, my heart cannot help but cry out in agony whenever we are apart, my whole being crying out to come back to be beside you. I count the days until we finally become husband and wife so that I might never be away from you again.”

Patience’s heart soared at his tender words. They had shared many conversations these last few days, but none had expressed such intimacies before.

“I dream about the day that I am to make my promises to you, Hastings,” she said, a sudden tension in her frame as she fought to find the strength to speak the truth of her heart. “I – I am quite in love with you, you know.”

Lord Hastings said nothing. He did not look surprised, nor did he frown. Instead, the smile on his lips only grew, a joy in his expression which made Patience let out a breath of relief, seeing now that he too felt the same way as she did.

“My love,” he murmured, lifting her hand to his lips, sending a wave of warmth cascading over her. “Yet again, you have the strength that I ought to have possessed. I have not wanted to overwhelm you when there has been so much for you to recover from, but I see now that I ought not to have waited.” Lowering her hand, he pressed her fingers gently. “I love you with all of my heart, Patience. You are the most remarkable, wonderful, beautiful, and extraordinary creature that I have ever met, and to have you as my betrothed is so utterly overwhelming, I find myself wondering what I did to deserve such joy. For that is what you are, Patience, you are a joy that fills every part of my heart, every part of my life, and for which I shall always be grateful.”

He kissed her there, even as the ball went on around them. His lips were tender, his arms gentle around her. It was as though her very heart was dancing with sheer happiness, as though her whole body was singing with the delight that now filled her.

The darkness of the past had fled from them both and now, as Patience melted into Lord Hastings’ arms, all she could see was light, happiness, and love being laid out before her.

It was more than she had ever dreamed of, more than she had ever wanted for herself. As their kiss lingered, Patience willingly lost herself in Lord Hastings’ embrace, knowing that their love would last forever, tying their hearts together.

Patience was patient! So glad she found someone who would appreciate her!