George shook his head. “No, she’s retired to the country for the foreseeable future.”
“Maybe that’s for the best, as perhaps that way, she won’t be reminded every day of the family tragedy.”
George wondered if Lady Dalling suspected the true reason Grace was now living in the country. She was one of the wisest women he knew, and he wouldn’t be surprised if she’d figured out the real reason Grace was gone. After all, the timing of his mother’s departure was telling—right before the betrothal announcement. No doubt she’d guessed that Grace did not approve of Lydia, with her connection to trade.
“Mrs. Kennedy, delightful to see you again,” Marian said.
“The pleasure is mine, Lady Dalling” Agnes said.
“My daughter-in-law and I will be heading to Bath after the Season. Would you care to join us this year?”
“I would be delighted. I have many friends in Bath that I don’t get to see often,” Agnes said.
“Excellent. We shall all enjoy another wonderful summer.”
“Mrs. Kennedy, from what Hutchinson has told me, you were instrumental in bringing the family together,” Wolf said.
Agnes nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. It was the right thing to do, and I’m so pleased with how well everything has turned out.”
“Well, I’ve never seen my friend happier, and I thank you for your part in it.”
After greeting all the guests, Lord and Lady Surry walked into the ballroom. Glasses of champagne were being passed around to everyone, and Lord Surry held his aloft. “I’d like to thank everyone for attending a most happy occasion today and would like to make a toast to the happy couple.”
Everyone held their glasses aloft.
Lord Surry turned to George and Lydia. “To Lord and Lady Hutchinson. May your life be filled with love and much joy.”
“Thank you, Lord Surry,” George said.
Lydia smiled at her grandfather. She was so proud to be part of his family.
Lord Surry turned to the orchestra. “Let’s start the celebration with a waltz. Lord and Lady Hutchinson, the floor is yours.”
George stood and held out his hand for Lydia. “This is indeed a momentous day. I’ve married the woman I love, and my friends have come to help us celebrate. I’d like to invite them to dance with us.”
Wiltshire, Evans, and Hartley all stood and held out their hands for their wives. The group walked to the dance floor as the orchestra played the opening strains of the waltz. It was a sight to behold, and no other couples joined them for the first dance—four fellow soldiers and most unlikely lords were together again, this time for a happy occasion. The papers would be filled with articles about the Society wedding of the Season, and with such esteemed friends, there wouldn’t be a single word spoken against Lydia’s humble roots. All anyone saw were four young couples in love with each other.
“I love you, my darling,” George said.
“And I love you. You’re everything to me, and I can’t wait to start our lives together.”
“Shall we start now?” George asked with a wink.
“What? And leave our friends, who have traveled all the way to London to celebrate our marriage?”
George chuckled. “You’re right, of course. It is good to see everyone, although I dare say my friends would understand if we slipped away.”
“And we will, my darling, but first, let’s enjoy everyone’s company for a bit longer. Lord and Lady Surry have gone to a lot of trouble planning this celebration for us, and I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.”
George nodded and whirled his beloved around the dance floor. Tonight, he would show her how much he adored her.
Epilogue
Three months later
Lydia loved Ashmont Manor, theHutchinson country seat. The house was magnificent, boasting three levels. The stone façade with all its windows was impressive, but it was the garden she loved most. They’d been able to hire a gardener with her dowry, and he’d done an outstanding job of revitalizing the space. What a difference he’d made in the past few months. She loved wandering the paths through all parts of the garden.
She’d never seen George happier. He’d met with all the tenants, giving them the opportunity to air any grievances or request repairs for their cottages, and now that all the repairs had been done, they were looking forward to a decent harvest this year. The weather had been warm and sunny this summer, not like the cold and damp weather of the past two years. Even her husband’s investment with Lord Evans was paying off handsomely. The estate coffers were no longer in jeopardy.
