Epilogue
“Lord Nicholas,” Regina said to her husband as they stood in the church right after exchanging vows, “allow me to introduce you to my cousins.”
She hooked her arm around Wayne’s elbow and moved them toward the family standing in the back, visiting with Regina’s parents.
It was difficult to look at everyone who had attended their small wedding, especially when Wayne was so handsome that she couldn’t take her eyes off him for more than two minutes.
Never had she seen a better-looking man than the one she’d married. It didn’t matter to her that he held no title, especially when he was honest and kind and treated her like a queen.
Once Jane and Harold Meyers were sent to the gaol, Wayne had courted Regina the way most women wanted.
He escorted her to balls, but mostly he took her riding every morning in the park.
They still met after hours at his father’s jewelry store, and although they shared more passionate kisses, they also talked and became better acquainted with one another.
Regina had never been so happy in her life.
“My cousins,” Regina continued, “live in Leicestershire. As a child, Bridgett was the closest thing to a sister that I had.” She tilted her head. “Not even Jane can take that privilege.”
Wayne’s smile warmed her heart. Then again, anything he did made her warm inside. “I’m certain I will love them all.”
Regina glanced at her uncle and his four daughters: Bridgett, Priscilla, Felicia, and Jannette.
As a young girl, Regina had always wanted to be as pretty as her cousins, although her father had always assured her that she was.
Bridgett was more reserved, and Priscilla followed closely in her sister’s footsteps.
Felicia and Jannette, however, were the opposite.
Because the girls were raised in the country, they were able to get away with most things Regina was not.
When she neared her cousins, she released Wayne’s arm to hug each one, and her uncle. She stepped back and took hold of Wayne’s arm, bringing him closer to her family.
“I want you all to meet my adoring husband, Lord Nicholas. His father is the Marquess of Huddleson.” She smiled at her husband. “And these lovely people are the Benson family.”
As she introduced each sister, Wayne greeted them and bowed respectfully. She could tell by the look on his handsome face that he was very pleased to meet her cousins, and that her cousins were happy to meet Wayne.
As the men chatted with each other, Bridgett pulled Regina aside, holding her arm. Bridgett’s dark-brown ringlets bounced as she walked.
“What is amiss, dear cousin?” Regina asked.
A heavy sigh came over Bridgett as a frown claimed her face. “Father is pushing me to find a husband. I know I must, but he wants me to find someone with money to help our family.” She shrugged. “I know not how to find such a man. How will I be able to interest a man if my dowry has been depleted?”
Regina gave her cousin a heartfelt smile and patted her soft hands.
“Bridgett, you must not give up on love. I never imagined I would find a man like Lord Nicholas, but I have, and I feel like the most fortunate woman in the world. When I first met him, I didn’t know he was a lord, and I thought he was poor.
But it didn’t matter. He was a gracious man with a kind heart, and I fell in love with him.
” She shrugged. “So, my advice to you is to find the man who makes you smile and whose very nearness weakens your legs and has your heart beating out of control, because that is the man who will keep you happy for the rest of your life.”
Bridgett smiled and hugged her. “Oh, Regina, your advice is priceless. And if I ever find a man—”
“Not if, but when,” Regina interrupted.
Bridgett nodded. “Indeed, you are correct.” She straightened her shoulders, appearing to have more courage. “When I find this man, you must promise to come to my wedding.”
Regina nodded eagerly. “A flood couldn’t stop me.”
The loud giggles of Felicia and Jannette pulled Bridgett’s attention toward the door leading outside. She groaned and shook her head.
“Forgive me, but I must go calm my sisters before they make spectacles of themselves. Again.”
Regina laughed and let her cousin leave. Seconds later, she felt Wayne’s gentle touch on her elbow, and she turned toward her broad-shouldered husband, who made her breathless every time she looked at him.
“Is your cousin all right?”
Regina nodded. “Out of all of my cousins, Bridgett will be the one who is always all right.” She slipped her hands into his. “However, I would rather talk about something else now.”
“Like what, may I ask?”
She grinned teasingly. “Like where you are going to take me next. I am most eager to be alone with you again, and especially…” She glanced around them to make sure nobody could overhear.
She lifted on tiptoes and brushed her lips across his ear.
“I wish to start our wedding night in the next hour, if possible.”
Wayne pulled away. His eyes were wide, and his face slightly red from embarrassment. She laughed, loving his reaction.
“Then, my lady, I shall make our excuses so that we can leave posthaste.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Lord Nicholas.”
He winked. “You have no idea just how loving I can be, but I assure you, by tomorrow morning, you shall know exactly what I mean.”
Regina didn’t want to tell him yet, but she already knew. Jane hadn’t been na?ve when it came to knowing about the mating rituals of men and women. Finally, Regina realized that she had learned something from her friend.
“Lead the way, my wonderful husband.”
And he did…very quickly.
The End