“Yes, of course. They will eventually grow to love you. Meanwhile, they’ll be infinitely glad that we finally came to a resolution. I nearly took off Heath’s head this morning during our fencing practice because I was seething with frustration.”
“His grace won’t be overjoyed about our marriage.”
“Drew is just cynical about love because he’s never experienced it before. Heath is more adventurous, so he’s more willing to concede that I might love you witless. But he doesn’t want to see me turned into a tame milksop. I think he worries that you will lead me around by my bridle.”
Arabella laughed. “I don’t intend to bridle you, any more than I intend to wear a bridle.”
“Which is exactly how it should be between us.”
As Marcus gazed down at her, the passion she saw in the endless blue depths dazzled her, but it was the love shining there that made her heart sing. Then he kissed her again and made her heart race as he reached up to pull the pins from her hair.
“I thought you didn’t intend to dishevel my hair,” Arabella murmured.
“I changed my mind.” His slow, very male smile held the wonderfully wicked charm that had won her heart during his admittedly unwanted courtship. “If I can’t have you again until a full month from now, then I mean to make the most of our time here together, Hobbs or no Hobbs.”
She laughed again, her breath whispering against his lips as she gave herself up to Marcus’s incredible passion.
Epilogue
How glad I am that Marcus wagered for my heart and won. I wish you could find the same bliss in love, Fanny.
– Arabella to Fanny
I have never met the man who could make me blissful in love. But I am overjoyed for you, dear Arabella. I will dance at your wedding, if you are not afraid that I will scandalize the company.
– Fanny to Arabella
Danvers Hall, June 1817
When Arabella sank into a chair and sighed happily, Roslyn smiled with love and satisfaction. “You made an exquisite bride today, dearest. Being in love becomes you.”
“You do look positively beautiful, Belle,” Lily seconded.
The three of them were ensconced in Lily’s bedchamber, taking the opportunity to say a private farewell. It was nearing midnight and the wedding breakfast and ball were almost over, so the sisters had slipped away from the throng of guests to go abovestairs for a moment.
Lily was putting her nightclothes and a few personal items into a bandbox, since she and Roslyn meant to stay with Tess tonight to allow the newlyweds privacy for their wedding night.
“Thank you,” Arabella replied to the compliments, glancing down at the stunning wedding dress her sisters had helped her don this morning. “I feel beautiful in this confection.”
Her empire-waist gown of ivory silk was delicately embroidered with gold thread at the bodice and hem, and the rich fabric matched the creamy roses and gold ribbons she wore twined in her fair hair.
Her sisters, too, looked beautiful, garbed in pale rose-hued silk gowns, Arabella thought with pride.
She was very glad for this time alone with Roslyn and Lilian after the frenetic activity of the past few weeks. Not only had the renovations to the Hall required finishing, but the sheer size of the wedding celebrations had proved a challenge. A skilled hostess, Roslyn had taken on the task of arranging the enormous wedding breakfast and ball, supervising the army of servants who had prepared frantically for days.
“And thank you for your tremendous efforts, Roslyn,” Arabella said. “Everything turned out perfectly.”
Roslyn smiled. “My efforts were not so exceptional.”
“Indeed they were.”
Lily broke in. “They most certainly were. I could never have managed so many details so flawlessly, Rose. I never would have had the patience even to try.”
“I thought the ceremony was lovely also,” Roslyn said, casting an amused glance at their youngest sister. “I think even Lily enjoyed it.”
Lily wrinkled her nose but laughed. “Surprisingly, I did.”
The ceremony had been held at the Chiswick church in the company of friends and family. As for the groom, Marcus had driven directly from London to the church this morning, along with his sister, Eleanor, his aunt, Lady Beldon, and his two friends, the Duke of Arden and the Marquess of Claybourne. The bridal party had arrived soon after, and the festivities had begun at Danvers Hall immediately following the marriage service.
“It was good to have Mama here,” Roslyn added softly.
“Yes,” Lily replied. “We owe the earl a huge debt of thanks for arranging for Mama to come home.”
Arabella fully agreed, feeling a glow of gratitude for what Marcus had done to unite them with their mother.
Lady Freemantle had helped also, taking Victoria and her French husband under her wing these past few weeks. It warmed Arabella’s heart that Mama was gradually being accepted by many of their neighbors who wished to remain in the Earl of Danvers’s good graces, even if the former Lady Loring was considered something of a scarlet woman.
Their neighbors had been required to swallow an even bigger affront today, Arabella reflected with a mischievous spark of humor, since the notorious Fanny Irwin had attended both the nuptials and the festivities afterward. Roslyn and Lily had kept Fanny close company so she wouldn’t feel ostracized, but it was clear the gentlemen present were fascinated by the celebrated courtesan, enough to keep her dancing the entire night.
Fanny had departed for London a few minutes ago, and Tess planned to leave the ball shortly. Lily meant to accompany Tess home now, but Roslyn would remain until the last guests left, to confer with the Simpkins about putting the Hall to rights on the morrow.
Arabella gave a sigh of weary contentment. The entire day had seemed a pleasant whirl, but thankfully it was nearly over. In the morning, she and Marcus would embark on a monthlong wedding trip. They planned to tour Scotland and the Lake District in northern England, then spend time at the Pierce baronial family seat in Devonshire so Arabella could become acquainted with his estate and tenants there before returning to Danvers Hall.
Arabella eagerly anticipated both the journey and her wedding night with Marcus, since they’d had very little chance for intimacy or passion during the past month. The thought of finally sharing a nuptial bed with her new husband brought a private smile to her lips.
Lily evidently saw it, for she observed cheerfully, “I concede I was wrong to oppose your union with Marcus, Arabella. I have no doubts now that he will treat you as you deserve. It’s obvious he loves you-and that you love him. I vow you are actually glowing with happiness.”
Arabella smiled serenely. “That doesn’t surprise me. I never dreamed I could be this happy, Lily. I only wish you could feel half as much happiness.”
Lily laughed. “Well, I most certainly will not find it in marriage. If you have daughters, I will be content to play spinster aunt and teach them manners and deportment.”
Meeting Roslyn’s amused eyes, Arabella shook her head wryly. Lilian excelled at any kind of physical activity-riding and driving, archery, and dancing in particular-but manners and deportment were not her forte.
Both Lily and Roslyn would take on larger roles at the academy from now on. Arabella felt considerable relief, knowing the endeavor would continue to prosper. Not only would the school provide better futures for dozens of young lower-class girls, teaching them to become true ladies, but it would provide Lily and Roslyn satisfying occupations and independence, allowing them to continue earning their livings-although being penniless was no longer a concern after the generous settlement Marcus had made them.
Because he had also drastically improved their social status, Roslyn could now consider her own matrimonial prospects. Lily had no such desire. Even seeing Arabella’s newfound happiness was not enough to make Lily question her refusal to surrender her cherished freedom to a husband.