Elsbeth playfully narrowed her eyes at her cousin. “Was that truly necessary?”
“I just want Westcott to know what he is getting himself into,” Bedford said, his lips twitching.
Niles slipped his arm around Elsbeth’s waist. “I do believe I have finally met my match. The one who was brave enough to love me back. All of me.” He smiled down at Elsbeth. “And I will love every part of her because of that.”
Tears formed in Elsbeth’s eyes. “I promise that I will love you, always and forever.”
Lady Isabella clasped her hands together, drawing everyone’s attention. “We will make the announcement of your engagement tonight at the soiree.”
Bedford groaned. “Does this mean I have to attend the soiree?”
“Yes,” Lady Isabella responded quickly.
“I don’t mind,” Niles admitted. “I do hope there will be dancing. I find that I very much want to dance with my betrothed.”
“As do I,” Elsbeth said.
Niles met Elsbeth’s gaze. She smiled up at him, and in hergaze, he saw not just a future—buttheirfuture. And he knew, with unwavering certainty, that this was only the beginning of their story.
EPILOGUE
Three weeks later…
Elsbeth stood in front of her dressing table mirror and admired her reflection. The silver gown shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window. It had once been her mother’s, worn on her wedding day to Alfred. Now, knowing the truth about her father, the dress carried a deeper meaning, connecting her to both her past and the future she was about to embrace.
The revelation of her true parentage had been tumultuous, but it had brought healing. Over the past weeks, she had grown closer to Alfred, seeing firsthand the honor and quiet strength that had captivated her mother. He was not just a man who had helped rescue her from peril; he was a father who had loved her from afar, and now she was proud to call him her own.
She was happy now. Truly happy. She was about to marry the man she loved. A man who valued her. Understood her. The most beautiful part was she hadn’t even been looking for love when she found Niles. But he completed her in a way that she never thought possible.
The door creaked open, and her mother stepped inside. Elsbeth’s face lit up at the sight of her. “You look stunning!” her mother exclaimed, her voice warm with pride.
Elsbeth smoothed down the gown. “Thank you, Mother.”
Her mother stepped closer, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she took in every detail. “This dress fits you perfectly. It’s as if it were made for you.” She reached out, taking Elsbeth’s hands in her own. “I hope you find the kind of happiness I’ve found with Alfred.”
Elsbeth smiled. “I have, Mother. Niles reminds me every day why I fell in love with him.”
Her mother’s expression softened further. “Good. You’ve been through so much, and you deserve every ounce of happiness.”
“And so do you,” Elsbeth said earnestly.
Her mother’s lips trembled into a smile. “I love you, my darling,” she murmured, drawing her into a gentle embrace. “Now, let’s get you married.”
As they exited the bedchamber, Elsbeth caught sight of Charles waiting in the corridor. His easy grin was already in place as he greeted them. “Good morning, ladies.”
“Good morning,” they replied in unison, their steps falling into rhythm with his as they made their way towards the staircase.
Charles glanced at her with a teasing glint in his eyes. “It’s a fine day for a wedding, wouldn’t you agree?”
“It is,” Elsbeth agreed.
He leaned slightly towards her, lowering his voice in mock conspiracy. “Are you sure you want to marry Westcott? There’s still time to change your mind, you know.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I do. With my whole heart.”
“Well, I had to try one last time,” he teased.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Alfred appeared inthe entry hall. His expression was calm but purposeful. “Elsbeth, Charles,” he called, gesturing towards the study. “May I have a word?”
