Epilogue

Charlotte’s hands shook as she clutched the hastily gathered bouquet of irises and clematis. The local chapel was freezing and she was positive her lips were as blue as her pelisse. She tried to ignore the cold and focused instead on Apollo standing beside her, a man of her very own who loved her for what she was. As his gaze met hers, she was sure she saw a glimmer of tears in his eyes. He had said she’d brought him to tears on more than one occasion, but this had to be her favorite.

Her eyes widened as he slipped a gold band embellished with a cluster of rubies on her finger. She hadn’t realized he’d brought one, and it was gorgeous. He held it there as he said his vows. “With this Ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

With a kiss, it was over. They signed the papers and exited the church to a shower of rice and cheers from the Duchess of Haverford’s guests and local villagers. Cedrica hugged Charlotte before Apollo helped her into the carriage that would take them back to Hollystone Hall for the remainder of the party. Charlotte waved to well-wishers as the horses pulled the carriage through village.

When there was no one else to be seen, Apollo put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. Her face had begun to hurt from smiling so much, but there was nothing to be done for that. She kissed her husband joyfully, resolved not to let silly things like sore cheeks or an unsettled stomach ruin her day.

“It was so kind of Her Grace to arrange all of this for us so quickly,” Charlotte said. “I hope we haven’t too badly disrupted their plans.”

“Not at all. She was rather excited when I asked if she would mind. She’s offered us the old coach house for our honeymoon.”

“Coach house?” Charlotte asked. “Won’t the coaches need it?”

He shrugged. “They’ve built a new one, and this one has been converted into a cottage of sorts. It’s on the other side of the garden, so it will be quite private.”

She stretched her arm across his waist. “I like the sound of that.”

“You’re very saucy, Lady Somerton.” He grinned.

Lady Somerton. Who would have thought she’d end up as anything other than a tart? Now she was a countess and happy as could be, and she hadn’t even had to change herself to do it.

She raised an eyebrow. “Saucy? Why, Lord Somerton, you don’t know the half of it.”