She nodded her agreement. “What of a vicar?”
Julius smiled. “The Reverend E. Stone is enjoying a repast in the breakfast room while we dawdle upstairs.”
“Mr. Stone! You confirmed he had an alibi, then?”
“We did. He is in the clear and was most flattered to be invited to conduct the nuptials for such an illustrious family. He was the first person I thought of when the special license was delivered this morning.”
Audrey found she was pleased. The vicar seemed a jovial sort. “Then send your mother!”
She shut the door and raced back to complete her ablutions before dressing in her stockings and shift. Then she took a seatat the dressing table to brush out her hair. Soon Lady Stirling arrived with her lady’s maid who had several gowns folded over her arm. They chattered with good cheer while helping Audrey into her stays and one of the gowns which seemed most likely to fit, with its relaxed bodice to hug her full bosom and flowing skirts. It was a soft azure with indigo braiding at the waist and neck, with a froth of ivory lace down the bodice. Peering in the mirror, Audrey was pleased with her appearance. The lady’s maid twisted her hair into a soft coif that allowed her blonde locks to billow and frame her face, and the dress accentuated the color of her eyes.
“You look beautiful, my dear.” Lady Stirling was staring at her in the mirror, dabbing at tears with a lace handkerchief as she considered Audrey’s reflection. She was unaccustomed to a motherly presence, but it was nice to share this with the countess.
Audrey grinned. It would do.
Shortly after, they left her room, Lady Stirling accompanying her to the drawing room that overlooked the street where they found several people gathered. Lord Stirling was sartorial perfection in a dark blue. Penelope was by his side, more cheerful than the night before.
Julius was chatting with Stone. In addition, Lord Filminster was in attendance with a diminutive young lady who must be the baroness. Her coloring was the same as her much taller brother, Lord Abbott who stood at a window with his bride—the lovely Lady Abbott who towered over the other women in the room. Julius came forward, offering his arm so he could walk her around for introductions.
Another couple entered while she and Stone conversed over the coming ceremony, and Julius drew them over.
“Miss Gideon, I would like to introduce my sometimes chum, Lord Saunton. Although it is his brother with whom I am closest.”
Lord Saunton, a handsome nobleman, shook his head in grinning rebuke before dipping a bow to Audrey. “Pay Trafford no mind, Miss Gideon. We are never friends. I merely tolerate him for my brother’s sake.”
Audrey smiled, dropping a curtsy. “The honor is mine, my lord.”
Julius turned to the earl’s wife. “Lady Saunton, may I present my bride, Miss Audrey Gideon?”
Lady Saunton’s expression was warm as she gave a nod of her head. “Miss Gideon, my cousins are most pleased that you saved Lord Trafford from himself. They have spoken of nothing else in days!”
The countess gestured to the tiny Lady Filminster and her towering brother, Lord Abbott. Audrey was relieved to have the connection clarified to help her recollect that Julius had mentioned the Sauntons before.
“Unfortunately, the duke is meeting with the Home Secretary this morning to discuss what has happened, so he and the duchess will not be joining us for the nuptials.”
Audrey blinked in surprise, not having considered that a duke would feel the need to make his excuses. She had not known the duke even knew who she was, but she recollected that Julius had mentioned something in regard to the special license. It must have been His Grace who had had the documents delivered this morning. It was daunting to consider that she was marrying into such lofty circles and she had several peers in the room to witness her vows.
Soon she and Julius were standing in front of the vicar, and the ceremony was underway. Until their vows drew to a close and she was Lady Trafford, an honorary viscountess with anearl for a father-in-law and a beloved husband who had her arm tucked around his.
She peered up at Julius to see how he was responding to the loss of his bachelorhood, and he returned her gaze with a joyful smile before dropping his head to buss her cheek.
Much later, after a hearty wedding breakfast with their exuberant guests, Audrey pulled him aside as the ladies made their departures but the men remained behind.
“What of the investigation?”
“Montague is confirmed to have been at the physician for that terrible blistering treatment on the afternoon of the coronation. We are satisfied that he could not have been visiting the baron within a few hours, so the entire investigation has turned to unearthing evidence against Scott. That is what the duke is about this morning. He is having an informal discussion with Sir Robert about what we know without providing any names or details. The men will meet with my father later when the duke returns from the Home Office so we may determine how to move forward.”
“So this matter is almost done?”
Julius leaned down, speaking in a low voice that sent shivers racing down her spine. “It is. And matters between us are just beginning.”
Audrey was unable to respond, her heart overflowing with the knowledge that the elusive Julius Trafford was now her true husband, and best of all, he seemed more than content to assume the role.
His whisper skated over her cheek as he asked an unexpected question.
“Do you wish to visit my tailor with me in the morning?”
She squinted in confusion. “Do you mean a modiste?”
