Page 104 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

She linked arms with Evangeline as they walked into the courtyard where Crispin and Jonathan waited for them by the fountain with the parson. Jonathan’s face lit up when he caught sight of Evangeline.

“My sunbeam,” he said.

She laughed with giddiness.

Regina came forward with two bouquets of lavender tied with twine, kissed her cheek, and handed her one of the bundles.

“It was the best I could find on short notice. Hopefully, Lord Dominic will forgive me for raiding his garden bed.”

Evangeline glanced up at his shuttered windows. “It appears he isn’t in residence at the moment. Maybe he won’t notice before they fill in again.”

“As Auntie would say, he’s a cagey one. He disappeared often while you and Jonathan were away.”

“He likely has a lover,” Evangeline said.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Sophia whispered, “but my lover is looking rather impatient.”

“Sophia.” Regina wrinkled her nose. “I don’t need that image in my head.”

“I agree,” Sophia said. “I won’t repeat it, I promise.”

Evangeline laughed softly as Regina handed a bundle of flowers to Sophia and kissed her cheek.

“Come along, ladies,” Parson Tewksbury snapped.

Jonathan aimed a quelling look his way, and his already pink face deepened to scarlet. He blotted sweat from his upper lip with a limp handkerchief and added, “Please?”

Uncle Charles took his place between Sophia and Evangeline while Regina rejoined her husband and Aunt Beatrice. Lord Dominic’s servants had dragged dining room chairs to the courtyard for their small party of witnesses. Little Taavetti stood next to Leda’s chair, holding her hand, but he dropped it to wave at Evangeline. She returned his enthusiasm and promised him a sweet after the ceremony.

Xavier angled Regina’s parasol to provide her with ample shade. Witnessing his tenderness with her older sister settled any lingering reservations Evangeline had about forgiving Jonathan and trusting her instincts.

Regina and Xavier’s relationship began with a lie as well, but they had overcome it. Farrin had been behind that lie, too, manipulating Xavier just as he had manipulated Jonathan.

Uncle Charles escorted Evangeline and Sophia to stand before Parson Tewksbury.

“Who gives these ladies to be wed?”

“I do,” Uncle Charles said.

“And I,” Aunt Beatrice piped up.

Uncle Charles smiled at her. “And their great-aunt.”

He kissed Sophia’s cheek and surrendered her to Crispin before showing Evangeline the same affection.

“You have my full support, Vanna. Sir Jonathan will be a good husband.”

She hugged her uncle and thanked him. Uncle Charles had spent the afternoon with her groom, and his reassurance meant everything to her.

When Jonathan took her hand, he said, “I’ll be the best husband.”

Parson Tewksbury huffed. “Wait for the vows, sir.”

Jonathan grinned as they took their place to the left of Sophia and Margrave.

“Who will speak their vows first?”

“My sister and her groom,” Evangeline said. “She has been waiting a long time.”