Chapter Eight
Buckingham House
London, England
The Earl of Wentworth was escorted into the drawing room by the queen’s lord-in-waiting.
Julian’s father looked about, and his eyes widened.
A palpable tension filled the air as a deep frown settled on his face when he observed Julian and Lacy standing together.
Her gloved fingers tightened on Julian’s sleeve as she nestled closer to him.
Lacy’s heartbeat ratcheted into a wild staccato, and Julian, sensing her dismay, placed his hand over hers reassuringly. Beneath his breath, he whispered. “No matter what happens, remember that I love you.”
Reclaiming his composure and dignity, Alfred Kingsley, Earl of Wentworth, tore his gaze away, bowed, and addressed the queen. “Your Majesty, how lovely to see you again.”
The queen, who was seated on a chair, raised her hand for him to kiss. “Lord Kingsley, I am delighted to receive you.” Her regal presence commanded the room. “I believe you know everyone here. I won’t bother with introductions. Please sit beside me.”
The earl took a chair next to hers, looking as uncomfortable as a man could be.
“I imagine you are wondering why I invited you to Buckingham House today.”
“I am curious.”
“First, I want to congratulate you on the engagement of your son to the Duke of Somerset’s daughter, Lady Cecilia. They make such a lovely couple, don’t you think?”
“I—I—I’m not sure.”
“Not sure? I do love to see two people together that are so clearly in love.” The edge in the queen’s voice would bear no disagreement. She would not be trifled with. “There is nothing that pleases me more than seeing two of my subjects fall in love and plan to marry.”
“Yes, well—”
“I am so delighted with this match that I have decided to hold a dinner party in their honor. It’s good for our subjects to know that their queen and regent hold their happiness as our foremost desire.”
The earl turned toward the duke, unable to contain his anger. “You did this to spite me!”
“No, Alfred, you did this to yourself. It’s time for us to find forgiveness in our hearts.
For too long, we have nurtured our grievances.
I am sorry for the pain you have endured and wish to make amends for the sake of our children.
Julian and Lacy are deeply in love, and there is no better time than the present to let bygones be bygones and start anew. ”
The earl looked at Julian, who protectively held Lacy’s hand.
“Well, Father, what have you to say about this? Can we come together as a family and open our hearts to one another? One day, Lacy, God willing, will bear the future Earl of Wentworth, your grandson. I hold hope that you will be part of his life and a part of our lives.”
“It seems the choice has been made for me,” growled the earl.
“And a wonderful choice it is, Alfred.” Antoinette smiled encouragingly. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for welcoming us here to Buckingham House to celebrate the reunification of friendship and a coming marriage born from love. My dear sister Clara would have been so happy. Thank you.”
Queen Charlotte beamed with pleasure. “Dear Clara—she left us too soon, but she gifted us with three beautiful daughters. I believe champagne and a toast to the lucky couple are in order. Shall we?” She nodded to one of the servants, and as if by magic, trays with flutes of champagne appeared.
When everyone had been served, the queen raised her glass.
“To Julian and Lacy—may your life together be filled with joy! May you always love each other as you do now.”
Julian looked adoringly at Lacy. “To us!”
“To us, my love!” Lacy touched her glass to his glass and blew him a kiss.
Antoinette raised her flute. “To the queen, long may she live!”
“To the queen!” everyone in the room toasted.