Epilogue
CAROLINE
We set the wedding date for the end of the season, which meant we had three weeks of hurried preparations.
After news of the duel had spread throughout the ton, Auntie refused to hear anything about us getting a special license and marrying quickly.
When she’d come home that day to learn that Kendrick and I were engaged, she chose to overlook the fact that she’d found us in my bedroom.
We were both fully clothed, so she could pretend that nothing untoward had happened.
Henry had no choice but to give his consent for the betrothal, but he made it a point to be absent whenever Kendrick called.
I no longer had to endure Penham’s visits, thank heavens, and his friendship with my brother had cooled considerably.
I couldn’t say I was sorry to hear that.
I had no proof, but I’d come to suspect that he’d encouraged my brother’s worst excesses.
For the most part, Auntie kept me busy with the wedding preparations.
But now that it was only a few days before the wedding and most of the arrangements were in place, including my wedding dress and the invitations that had gone out to only a few select members of the ton, she turned her attention to ensuring that Kendrick was never alone with me.
She wisely decided he could not be trusted.
After a great deal of convincing, I obtained her permission to call on Victoria that afternoon.
I was hoping Kendrick would also be there and that we’d be able to slip away for a few minutes of privacy.
When I’d mentioned the visit to him yesterday, he’d been evasive.
I knew he wasn’t having second thoughts about our marriage, but I couldn’t help thinking he was holding something back from me.
Victoria was waiting for me in the drawing room, and she rose to give me a quick hug. “This is so exciting. I feel bad for telling you Kendrick wouldn’t marry you. I was certain he was going to break your heart.”
Her exuberance almost matched mine. “I’m so glad you were wrong.”
“Come with me. I have something to show you.” She had a twinkle in her eye that I hoped meant Kendrick was waiting for me in another room.
I followed her to the dining room, and my eyes fell on my soon-to-be husband, who was standing just inside the doorway. My spirits soared, as it always did whenever I saw him. Only when he shifted to one side did I see the other Legends standing on the far end of the room.
I watched in shock as they all raised a glass to me.
I turned to Kendrick “What is happening?”
He dropped a kiss on my cheek. “We’re officially welcoming you into the Legends.”
I stared at him. Surely I’d misheard. Victoria had been welcomed into their group, but she was Rexford’s sister, after all. I never imagined they’d extend the same welcome to me.
Rexford approached and bowed. I’d never spoken to him before, but there was no mistaking him. He was almost as attractive as Kendrick, and I was fairly certain that half the women of the ton, married and unmarried, were in love with him. “This is for you.”
I took the coin he held out. “What is this?” Confused, I looked down at it and gasped when I realized what I was holding.
On one side of the coin was a six-pointed star, symbolizing the six Legends. On the other was the crown that symbolized Rexford’s club, King’s. I stared at him. “Is this what I think it is?”
He smiled. “Welcome to the Legends. Try to keep this one in check,” he said, nodding toward Kendrick.
Fondness unfurled within me. Something about this man had me wanting to please him.
He’d brought together these six men, and they’d formed a tight-knit bond that was stronger than those found in most families.
They would do anything for one another, and that included welcoming the women they married.
I turned to where Victoria had moved to stand next to her husband, grinning. “I can’t believe this is happening.” I looked at Kendrick, then Rexford again. “My brother is going to be furious when he learns of this.”
We all laughed, and I felt a lightness in my chest. Henry would never be welcome at King’s again.
And while I wasn’t foolish enough to think I could come and go as I pleased—it was still a gentleman’s club, after all—this coin represented something even better.
I was marrying a Legend and was welcome within their group.
Only two women had managed to accomplish that feat.
Everyone raised their glasses, and Fairfax stepped forward. “To Miss Caroline Edwards. The diamond Kendrick never wanted but couldn’t give up.”
I joined in their laughter and took the glass of champagne Victoria handed me. Then I raised it to make my own toast. “To the brothers who’ve proven to be more accepting than my own.” They began to raise their glasses again until I added, “And to the women you will all one day marry.”
A twinkle of amusement glinted in Rexford’s eyes, but Clifton, Greyson, and Fairfax all seemed appalled. Victoria and I burst into giggles and drank heartily from our champagne. Moreland and Kendrick didn’t laugh, but I could tell they were also amused.
I turned to Kendrick while the others descended on the food laid out on the dining room sideboard. “Only three days until the wedding. I almost couldn’t convince Auntie to allow me to visit today. I think she might lock me in my room when she learns I’ve been with a group of known rogues.”
He smiled down at me. “I’ll scale the wall to your bedroom.”
I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll make sure to sneak downstairs and leave the side door open for you.”
He pulled me closer. “Three more days, and then you’ll be mine.”
“I was yours the day you showed up in my drawing room with that promissory note.”