When the vicar announced that they were husband and wife, Hartley pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the passion of a man who’d finally arrived home.
“We did it, my darling,” Harriet said.
“Indeed we did. Are you happy, my dear?”
“I’ve never been happier.”
They signed the registry book, and the guests headed back inside for the wedding breakfast. Hartley wanted a moment alone with his wife and held her back.
“Jon, is something wrong?”
He caressed her cheek. “No, my darling Harriet. Everything is finally right. I love you and will prove it to you every day for the rest of my life.”
“I love you too, my magnificent avenging angel.”
Hartley chuckled. “No more avenging for me. I’ve found my heaven on earth right here,” he said, kissing her soundly.
When they walked into the ballroom, Jon and Harriet were surrounded by well-wishers. Lord Spenser, Miss Weston, Mrs. Kennedy, all wished them happy.
“I’m pleased to see my son so happy, my dear, and it’s all because of you,” Kathryn said when it was her turn to congratulate the happy couple.
“Thank you, Lady Hartley,” Harriet said.
She leaned into Harriet and whispered, “Please call me Kathryn. We’re family now, and I never thought I’d be so happy to be called the Dowager Countess of Hartley. I feared this day would never come.”
“Will you stay on for a while longer with us?” Harriet asked.
Kathryn shook her head. “No, my dear. Newlyweds need their privacy. Although I would love for you to visit me sometime soon. I think you’ll love Hartley’s country seat. There’s plenty of wide-open spaces. I understand you like to ride as much as my son does.”
Harriet nodded. “I do indeed. That’s how we met.”
“Well, perhaps one day, you’ll tell me that story.”
“Lady Hartley, perhaps you’d like to visit with Lady Collin and me for a few weeks before we head back to London,” Marian said.
“Lady Dalling, how kind of you. I’d love that. Thank you.”
While her grandmother and mother-in-law chatted, Harriet finally had a moment to speak with her mother.
“My darling girl, you’re glowing. I’m so pleased for you,” Eleanor said, hugging her.
“I’m so very happy, Mama.”
“I shall miss you terribly, especially when your grandmother and I return to London.”
Harriet nodded. “I’ll miss you too, Mama. I don’t know when we’ll come to London, if ever., but, of course, we’ll see both you and Gran next summer.”
“I understand. All I ever wanted for both my daughters was for them to be happy. Both you and Mercy make me so proud of the young women you’ve become.” Eleanor looked over Harriet’s shoulder. “I see your husband is coming over.” She kissed her cheek.
Hartley made his way to them. “Please excuse us, Lady Collin,” he said, holding out his hand. “My darling wife, may I have this dance?”
The musicians began playing the opening strains of a waltz. “I’d be delighted, my husband.”
Hartley swept her into his arms, and they floated around the room as one.
“Are you happy, my darling?”
“So very happy, Jon.”
