Epilogue
The wedding day arrived. Letitia sat at her dressing table while Jane put the finishing touches on her hair.
She wore the stunning blue taffeta ballgown Madame Serena had created for her.
Her eyes, staring back at her from the looking glass, were bluer than blue.
She wore sapphires in her ears and at her throat.
Gifts from Greyson. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he had spies inside Rutherford Manor.
Otherwise, how did he know she was wearing blue?
Most likely he had guessed, knowing it was his favorite color, and had become hers, too.
“It’s time,” Jane said, wiping tears from her eyes. “I’m so happy for you, my lady, and for Master Simon.”
“Thank you, Jane.”
Letitia took a moment to breathe before standing and making her way down the stairs into the entry hall, where Simon stood, dressed most handsomely, beside his governess. “Mama,” he said with a big grin.
“Good morning, my son.” She held out her hand. “Are you ready for my wedding?”
“Yes.”
Mr. Henry opened the door and bowed. “My lady.”
“Thank you, Mr. Henry.”
They descended the stairs and were met by Danbury’s footmen and driver in full Danbury livery.
They had traveled so often in Greyson’s unmarked coach that she was unaccustomed to seeing his father’s colors, and it brought tears to her eyes as she thought of Greyson’s father, the Earl of Danbury.
He would not be attending the wedding, which was unfortunate for Anastasia and Aurora.
However, their mother would be attending.
Sitting in the carriage on one side, while Simon and his governess sat opposite, she was very thankful she wasn’t experiencing any morning sickness this morning.
She noticed Simon was unusually quiet today, and she hoped he would acclimate to having a father.
Greyson would become his father today, and they would be moving to Danbury Hall. Letita’s heart couldn’t be any fuller.
When the carriage stopped outside Danbury Hall, her nerves calmed, and an extraordinary warmth overtook her.
Her dream of marrying for true love was coming true.
The carriage door opened, the stairs lowered, and she took the footman’s hand as she stepped down.
She giggled when the footman tried to help Simon, but Simon climbed out himself, followed by Mrs. Hartman.
Holding Simon’s hand, they ascended the stairs. They stepped over the threshold into the entry hall, where her eyes fell on Anastasia, splendid in a cream silk gown. Aurora looked lovely in a pale-green taffeta gown with a lace overlay. They both beamed when they saw her.
“It’s our wedding day,” Aurora said, fighting back tears.
“I know,” Letitia agreed. “Henderson, will you take Mrs. Hartman and Master Simon to the drawing room where our guests are waiting?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“How much time do we have?” Letitia asked as she removed her cloak and handed it to a footman. She ran her hands down her skirts to smooth out any creases that had formed in the carriage.
“Not long,” Anastasia answered. “Henderson informed us right before you arrived that all our guests and husbands-to-be are in the drawing room. That’s why we felt safe meeting you in the entry.”
“Well, then, let’s not keep our gentlemen waiting.
” They decided to enter in the order they were engaged.
When it was Letitia’s turn to enter through the drawing room’s double doors, she almost faltered in her steps.
Greyson stood, looking splendid in his evening wear.
But what stunned her and brought tears to her eyes was that he stood on his own, aided by a walking stick.
Other than the man she loved, she didn’t notice another person in the room.
Their eyes stayed connected the entire time she walked toward him. It all seemed like a dream. It felt as though she were floating on a cloud toward another cloud where Greyson waited for her. When she reached him, she joined her hand with his free one. “Greyson.”
He cleared his throat and murmured, “You look beautiful.”
Warmth kissed her cheeks. “Thank you.”
They stood side by side, holding hands as they awaited their turn with the minister.
Letitia barely heard the vows spoken by her soon-to-be sisters-in-law.
Her entire being was centered on Greyson.
How his large, warm hand felt in hers. Even though he leaned on a walking stick, he towered over her, making her feel safe and warm.
His woodsy scent eased her straight to her soul.
The sound of his clear, even breathing had her thanking God he was alive.
She was so thankful to be able to spend her life loving this man.
As far as she was concerned, no greater, kinder, or more loyal gentleman existed.
The minister came and stood before them. Greyson squeezed her hand. She spoke her vows softly. They were for Greyson alone. He recited his just as softly. He placed a delicate sapphire-and-diamond ring on her finger, matching the jewelry she was wearing.
The minister addressed their guests and announced all three couples were wed.
Greyson and Letitia paid no attention. They snuck out the adjoining door that led into the dining room.
Exited that room into the corridor and paused so Greyson could rest his leg.
“Can you make it up the stairs?” she asked because she could see pain radiating in his green eyes, and she was concerned it would be too much.
“Nothing will keep me from bringing you to my . . . our . . . chambers,” he said with a grin and a wink.
“Well, then,” she exhaled. “Shall we?”
It was slow going up the stairs and down the long corridor, and finally, a deep sigh, as they entered his chambers.
Greyson closed and locked the door behind them.
She stood, tears of joy dripping down her cheeks.
Hundreds of red rose petals covered the floor and the bed.
She reached for his hand, raised it, and kissed it. “Thank you.”
“I love you. I would do anything for you. I am yours always and forever, and I plan to spend my life cherishing you.”
“Then let me help you undress so you can cherish your new wife by making love to her.”
“Your wish is my greatest desire.”
THE END