Epilogue
Seated on a bench in the bride chamber of the church, Daphne tracked Alice as she paced back and forth in front of her.
With her gloved hands tightly clasped behind her, Alice asked, “How long must we wait?”
The wedding preparations had taken a toll on Alice’s nerves. It wouldn’t surprise Daphne in the least if Alice set off for Gretna Green with her intended rather than relive the last two months. The marital contract in itself took three weeks to be signed due to the solicitors’ need for extra time to draft the unusual terms she, her father, and Ambrose had agreed upon. Terms that required special consideration since the courts were not in favor of granting a wife ownership of assets in her own right. Regardless of the laws in place, both Ambrose and her father were adamant that they would not sign until the marriage contract reflected their intentions. Ambrose had apologized daily for the delay, but Daphne understood he was not only fighting for her but also for Alice and every other lady who stood to inherit unentailed assets. After waiting for years, a few extra weeks seemed paltry, especially considering the reason for the delay. However, once the contracts had been signed, life had been a whirlwind. Endless invitations to congratulatory teas, soirees, and balls had Daphne and Ambrose on the go for the entire three weeks that the banns were read. Miss Lennox had worked tirelessly to complete her trousseau. Contrary to Alice, Daphne’s anxiousness seemed to be dissipating rather than increasing as the minutes ticked by as they waited for the signal for the wedding ceremony to begin.
Daphne picked up the pair of lace gloves in her lap and smiled. Since her journey to Ambrose’s heart had begun over the wretched gossip that he could not afford to purchase lace, the delicate material would always hold a special place in her memories. She donned the gloves and stood to link arms with her best friend. As they paced the length of the small antechamber together, Daphne said, “You know they say that good things come to those who wait.”
“Hmm… I guess you could say that you are living proof of that.” Alice’s frown turned into a smile. “And when Ambrose starts to hound you about finding me a husband, you should recite the adage for I have no intention of marrying any time soon.”
Daphne giggled. “I’ve already had to remind your brother multiple times over the course of the past month.” She mentally added, like the time they were nearly caught in an embrace in the gardens, or the times when Ambrose’s frustrations got the best of him and he suggested they cancel the wedding and elope instead.
“From the smirk on your face I can tell that none of those instances were in relation to me and my marital status. However, I know my brother well, and I trust that you will defend my wishes to remain unwed.”
“Of course.”
Alice jumped first at the rap on the door. “At last.”
Daphne took a step back but held onto her best friend’s hands. “Ready, sister?”
“Ready.” Alice tugged her close and wrapped Daphne in a hug.
* * *
Standingon the dais next to Foxton, Ambrose said, “Heed my advice: elope.”
Foxton gave him a funny glare. “Elope? I may be a cad, but I’d never deprive my wife and family of such an auspicious occasion.” His friend’s eyes narrowed as if he was trying to say something.
Not understanding the meaning of Foxton’s odd looks, Ambrose shook his head and smiled to break the tension in the air. He focused on the doors that Daphne was to enter through. Everyone was seated, why had she not yet appeared? He glanced back over his shoulder to find Foxton too was anxiously staring at the closed doors. He whirled back around at Foxton’s hitched breath. His own breath caught in his chest at the sight of Daphne on the arm of her father standing behind his sister. The crowd rose to their feet and turned to watch Alice lead the way for Lord Sumnerson and Daphne down the aisle.
Lightheaded, Ambrose forced himself to exhale and inhale slowly.
The reverend’s hand clapped his shoulder. “Steady, my boy, steady.”
The clergy man’s reassuring words gave him strength, and Ambrose managed a smile as he straightened to his full height. Alice stepped up to the dais and gave him a wink.
Foxton’s mumbled minx reached his ears and he looked over his shoulder to glare at the man.
Head bowed, Foxton said, “My apologies.”
Lord Sumnerson cleared his throat, and Ambrose turned back around and reached for Daphne’s hand as she stepped up to stand next to him.
The reverend began the ceremony, but all Ambrose could do was smile and stare down at Daphne. The entire event felt like a dream, yet a calmness settled upon him as he declared to love and honor Daphne for the rest of his days. A promise he fully intended to keep.
When the reverend finally declared them wed, he swooped Daphne up into his arms, ignoring the gasps of shock from the guests below, and strode directly to his awaiting carriage that would whisk them directly to the London docks. A month abroad exploring the Continent was what he had intended, but the idea of remaining in London holed up in his chambers with Daphne was tempting. Blast and damnation, he should have sought Daphne’s wishes earlier. Before he deposited Daphne on her feet he asked, “Would you prefer to stay in town or venture to the Continent?”
“If I’d wanted to remain in London, I would have told you.” Daphne cupped his face and brought him down until their gazes met. “I thought you were already aware that my papa can never keep secrets from me.”
“Then you never believed the gossip of my financial strife.”
Daphne winsome smile was answer enough.
Ambrose pressed his forehead to hers. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
* * *