Henrietta turned around and saw her brother-in-law, Lord Bideford, approaching. He came to a stop in front of them. “We were worried that your coach was lost in the traffic on the streets.”
“I can assure you that wasn’t the case,” Charles replied. “The vicar wanted to speak to us for a few minutes after the ceremony.”
“Perhaps it was because the bride almost changed her mind,” Lord Bideford teased, turning his attention towards Henrietta. “Since we are family now, I wanted to come speak to you before we adjourn to the dining room.”
Lord Bideford smiled before he continued. “I am pleased that you were willing to take a chance on my brother.”
“Is that so?” Henrietta asked with a side glance at Charles.
Roswell nodded. “My brother is a man of many talents, but he becomes quite a bore when he speaks about antiquities.”
“I respectfully disagree, my lord,” she replied. “I find that most intriguing.”
Roswell smirked. “I insist that you call me Roswell, since our family does not make use of titles,” he said. “Furthermore, I feel that you are blinded by love.”
“So be it,” she replied. “Because I am madly, deeply in love with Charles.”
Roswell nodded in approval. “I am happy to hear that.” He gestured towards a door. “Come now, it is time to meet the rest of our friends and family.”
As Charles began leading her towards the dining room, a knock came at the main door and Thorne opened it, revealing Marjorie and Lord Brixton.
Marjorie rushed up to Henrietta. “Lord Brixton and I are engaged to be married!” she announced.
“You are?”
“He offered, again, and I accepted this time,” Marjorie said.
Henrietta embraced her sister. “What changed your mind?” she asked, leaning back.
Lord Brixton came to stand by Marjorie and slipped his arm over her shoulder. “I had to beg for her hand in marriage.”
“Is that so?” Henrietta asked.
Marjorie smiled. “When I saw you standing up front with Lord Charles in the chapel, I knew how desperately you two loved one another, and it made me realize that I wanted that,” she explained.
“I am so happy to hear that,” Henrietta said.
“I may have given up the chance to be a countess, but I am marrying the man I love,” Marjorie stated.
Lord Brixton leaned closer and kissed Marjorie on the cheek. “Viscountesses have more fun, I can assure you of that,” he joked.
Marjorie laughed. “I hope that is the case.”
“Besides, I am much wealthier than Lord Featherstone is,” Lord Brixton stated. “My country estate puts his to shame.”
Marjorie turned towards Lord Brixton. “I am pleased to hear that, but I would marry you even if that wasn’t the case.”
Lord Brixton smiled at her, and the look of love that passed between them was undeniable. “I am happy to hear that.”
“I do hope you don’t mind that we are announcing my engagement at your wedding luncheon,” Marjorie said, bringing her gaze back towards her.
Henrietta shook her head. “Not at all.”
As Lord Brixton and Marjorie walked towards the dining room, Charles asked, “Don’t you find it the least bit irksome that they can’t wait to announce their engagement?”
“No,” Henrietta replied. “Today is the happiest of days, and nothing can dampen my spirits.”
Charles wrapped his arms around her and stared lovingly into her eyes. “You are an incredible woman, Henrietta.”
