Epilogue
“My goodness, darling. You look absolutely divine.”
Prudence stared at her reflection, stunned by how true her mother’s words were.
The morning of her wedding had dawned with a gentle light filtering through the curtains of her dressing room at Pemberly. It felt surreal, a dream woven from the threads of hardship and unexpected love. Just weeks ago, she had been facing imprisonment, her future uncertain and bleak. Now, she was preparing to marry the man who had unknowingly captured her heart, the man who had stood by her when faced with damning accusations.
Her wedding gown was simple yet elegant, a soft ivory silk that flowed gracefully around her. She had chosen it deliberately, wanting the focus to be on the occasion itself, on the commitment she was about to make, rather than elaborate embellishments. Anna meticulously arranged the delicate lace veil that framed her face, her touch gentle and reassuring.
“Lady Jaxon is absolutely right, Your Grace,” Anna nodded in agreement. “I do not believe I have ever seen a more beautiful bride.”
Their compliments warmed her heart and granted her confidence in what was to come, reigniting the flames of excitement burning in her veins.
Oh, how she could not wait to be William’s wife.
A soft knock on the door announced the arrival of her sister. Marina entered, her eyes shining with happiness, a warm smile gracing her lips. Aaron followed close behind, his presence a comforting anchor. Their mother, Johanna, urged them to step closer and admire her handiwork putting Prudence’s attire together, her usual air of brisk efficiency softened by a genuine joy for her daughter.
“You seem as though you are all set. How do you feel?” Marina asked, holding her hands.
Prudence inhaled, searching her heart and noting with a smile how excited it felt.
“Eager. I can hardly wait to marry him.”
Marina grinned, looking proud. “I see no reason to keep you apart from him any longer, then.”
As she descended the stairs, her heart fluttered with a nervous anticipation. She could hear the low murmur of voices in the drawing room, where the small ceremony was to take place. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room, and her gaze immediately found William.
He stood near the fireplace, his tall figure looking impossibly handsome in a tailored dark coat. The familiar tension that often lined his face was absent, replaced by an expression of serene happiness. Even without his sight, there was a light in his blue eyes, a warmth that seemed to radiate outwards and envelop her. Melanie was by his side, holding a bouquet as she smiled with barely contained excitement at the sight of Prudence.
William turned his head slightly as he sensed her presence, a soft smile gracing his lips.
“Prudence,” he murmured, his voice filled with a tenderness that made her heart swell. “I may not see you, my love, but I can feel how breathtaking you look.”
His words, spoken with such heartfelt sincerity, brought a flush to her cheeks and a warmth that spread through her entire being.
“And you look as dashing as always,” she told him gently, heart swelling as he brushed the tips of his fingers against hers.
It was a small ceremony, attended only by those who meant the world to them. Aside from Prudence’s family members, the Marquess of Montclair attended on behalf of William, his usual sardonic wit replaced by a sincere smile.
When it was time for their vows, Prudence’s voice trembled slightly as she pledged her love and unwavering support to William. His response was equally heartfelt, his voice resonating with a deep sincerity that touched her soul.
“Prudence,” he said, his grip on her hand tightening, “You have brought light back into my world, a joy I never thought I would experience again. I promise to cherish you, to honor you, and to love you for all the days of my life.”
As the vicar pronounced them husband and wife, a wave of emotion washed over Prudence.
It was real. She was married to William. The man she loved.
Melanie who seemed to be the one who was gaining the most out of their union, clapped her hands with unrestrained glee.
“Mama! Papa!” she cried, rushing forward to hug them both, her small body squeezing tightly between them. She clung to them throughout the brief celebratory gathering that followed, her joy infectious as she excitedly called Prudence “Mama” over every little thing – the taste of the wedding cake, the color of the flowers, the sound of the birds outside.
Later, as the last of their guests departed, William turned to Prudence, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. “My wife,” he murmured, the words a soft caress.
A shiver ran down Prudence’s spine at the possessive tenderness in his voice. The longing that had simmered between them for so long finally reached its boiling point. Hand in hand, they made their way to William’s bed-chamber, the air thick with unspoken desires.
They fell into each other’s embrace as soon as the door closed behind them, lips locked in a passionate kiss. William’s movements were slower than the last time they had been together, more purposeful somehow, as though he wanted to imprint on every inch of Prudence’s existence.
She welcomed it, arched into his touch as he undressed her, and moaned long and loud each time he did something that left her body tingling and heart racing.
“I have dreamt of this moment,” he murmured against her cheek as he worked his fingers in and out of her, savoring each whimper she made. “I have wanted to hold you close and call you mine. And for the longest time, I was worried I would never get the chance to do just that.”
“Now you can,” she told him, straddling him and pressing closer, gasping as he thrust his fingers into her deeply, causing the warmth in her stomach to grow heavier. “You can do whatever you want with me. I am yours. Only yours.”
William smiled and removed his fingers, caressing the soft skin of her back.
“I want to have you, just like this.”
Prudence nodded, her hands cupping his cheeks and drawing him close for a kiss.
“All right,” she whispered against his lips. “I am yours to take.”
William guided her to sink onto his hardness, the position allowing him to reach even deeper into her. Prudence gasped, her walls clenching around the thickness of him, whining as he lifted her by her hips and slammed her back down onto him.
He seemed keen on breaking her apart, one moment at a time, his lips scorching her skin as he kissed and sucked her breasts and neck, occasionally fisting her hair and using it to guide her down for a bruising kiss.
She felt so hot, so full, so loved. She knew he felt the same by how his thrusts lost their rhythm and how he kept saying her name over and over again. Prudence pressed her lips to his as they fell off the edge together into the abyss of pleasure, mumbling to him,
“I love you. So much.”
“And I love you,” he told her, pressing kisses to her face and jaw.
For the first night in what felt like ages, Prudence fell asleep feeling adored and fulfilled, burrowed warmly in her husband’s arms.
The End?