Alexander placed a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t have to look at it now, you know. Why don’t you enjoy your wedding day, and think about it afterwards?”
William smiled up at his brother, nodding slowly. “I think that’s a good idea.”
Outside, wedding bells began to peal.
***
Three Days Later
Lavinia picked up the envelope, lifting an eyebrow. “Is this it?”
William nodded. “There it is.”
Their wedding day – and the next few days – had passed in a blur of wine, dancing, and laughter. William couldn’t entirely believe that hewasmarried, and to the most beautiful woman in the world.
At least,hethought that she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Lavinia had kept her wedding-dress, a beautiful, lace-edged, ivory creation which suited her fiery hair and smooth, creamy skin. Her bouquet was mostly greenery, dappled with small white flowers, and matched William’s button-hole posy. He’d pressed the posy between the pages of a book, to keep forever.
Today, she was wearing a simple muslin gown, probably one of her riding gowns. Lavinia had ridden Sapphire now too, and she and the horse seemed to be a perfect match.
William still did not love riding, but he was growing to like it more. Just a little more. Now that the horse which had killed his father was named, the creature seemed… well, more like an ordinary horse. Sometimes, the events of the past few months seemed like a hazy dream.
The families were settling down now. Katherine’s pregnancy was common news, and they were all excited for the new baby. Their mother had set up a firm friendship with Lady Brennon, and the two women seemed remarkably good for each other. Miss Gillian was engaged to Lord Langley, who had apparently been ready to ride out to meet her at the country estate as soon as he knew she had left Bath and beg her to marry him. They seemed well suited.
It seemed odd, though, that the Willenshires were suddenly settled, with all the chaos behind them. Was this the end?
“If you want to destroy it,” Lavinia said, cutting into his thoughts, “I won’t stop you.”
William let out a breath. “No. I want to read it. I should read it.”
She smiled, and impulsively leaned down to kiss him.
“You’re a brave man, Will. Go on, then. Let’s see what your old man has to say.”
William gave a burble of laughter at this. “You’re a wretch. He’d have hated you.”
“I certainly hope so.”
He undid the envelope, pulling out a single sheet of good paper, covered in the old duke’s handwriting. The corner of the page was singed. Lavinia met his eye and lifted her eyebrow questioningly.
