“London? You would go to London?”
“Unless you prefer to wait three weeks for the banns to be read?” he asked.
“No, I don’t want to wait. Will you be well riding to London? I know you’re averse to traveling there.”
Hartley kissed her again. “I’ll be fine and don’t plan on seeing anyone except your cousin and the archbishop. I’d do anything for you, my dear Harriet, even travel to London.”
By the time they walked back into the parlor, tea had been served. Harriet ran to her mother, “Mama, we’re betrothed!”
“Oh, my darling girl, I’m so very pleased for you.”
Hartley walked to Wiltshire. “Perhaps you’d like to ride to London with me tomorrow to see Lord Collin and to secure a special license?”
“I’d be happy to accompany you,” Wiltshire said. “There won’t be any trouble with Lord Collin, especially after the last time I saw him when I wanted to marry my duchess.”
“Oh?”
“It’s not important. You’ll have your permission.”
“That’s good,” Hartley said, relieved that the woman he loved would soon be his.
Everyone congratulated the happy couple, and Mercy hugged her. “I’m so very pleased for you, Harriet” her sister whispered.
“Thank you, Mercy. I guess you were right when you counseled me to have faith. I didn’t think I’d ever see Hartley again, and now we’re betrothed. This is the happiest day of my life.”
“Well, I must say, this has been a most joyous summer,” Marian said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Epilogue
Hartley stood outside in thegarden in the late August sunshine, waiting for the woman he loved to walk down the makeshift aisle. He felt like a new man, one that loved Harriet with all his heart. He never would have believed a chance encounter in the meadow all those weeks ago could lead to such happiness. She was the beacon of hope he’d been searching for. The light in all the darkness he’d felt since returning from the war. She soothed the savage beast inside him.
She was everything. And she would soon be his.
The garden at Hartley Manor had been transformed. He’d hired an army of gardeners to create a beautiful fairy garden for their wedding day. The duke and duchess had delayed their departure by a few days so they could attend the wedding, and Richard had honored him by agreeing to stand up with him. He shifted from foot to foot, waiting for his beloved to arrive.
“Be patient, Jon. She’ll be here soon,” Richard said.
Hartley nodded and tried to calm his thundering heart. Just when he thought he couldn’t wait another moment, she appeared at the French doors, her hand on Wiltshire’s sleeve. When their eyes met, a thousand fireworks went off inside him. Here was his future—a future which held the promise of great happiness with the woman he adored.
He wanted to rush down the aisle to meet her, but he stood patiently while Wiltshire escorted her to him. Helena walked behind them and would stand as their other witness.
“She’s beautiful,” he whispered.
“Indeed, she is,” Richard said.
Hartley followed his friend’s line of sight, and it was clearly focused on Helena. Yes, they were all clearly men in love with their wives, and today, he would happily join their ranks.
Lady Harriet looked stunning in the peach silk dress she’d worn the first time they danced together. Clever girl. She knew he’d remember that encounter for the rest of his life.
When Wiltshire and Harriet reached his side, Hartley whispered to her, “You look stunning, my darling.”
The sweet smile she gave him nearly undid him.
“Dearly beloved,” the vicar began.
Jon didn’t hear half of what the vicar said, he was focused on Harriet. When prompted, he repeated his vows and then slipped a gold wedding band on her ring finger. It complemented her betrothal ring to perfection.
Harriet repeated her vows in a clear, strong voice.
