Page 45 of An Enchantress for an Earl

Epilogue

For once, Violet felt more beautiful than any of her sisters. The gown she wore was simple – an underlayer of shimmering white silk, with an overlayer of a fine silvery net, upon which tiny amethyst gems glittered, their colour echoing that of her eyes. In her hair, pins tipped with the same gem sparkled, and the necklace she wore bore a single large amethyst set among diamonds.

It was, she thought, the simplicity of it which made it so effective. When she had looked in the mirror as Annie set the final pins into her hair, she had felt rather as if someone had performed magic, transforming her, and wondered if it was only conceit, or if others, if Arryn, would think it beautiful too.

Now, as she stepped into the church and her eyes met his, she knew that it was not conceit.

His eyes widened, and shone with such love that she could have simply stopped, and stayed in that moment forever. But her father urged her on, and she moved slowly through the scatter of rainbow light cast by the stained-glass windows.

Christmas was but days away, and Violet was glad that they would be married by then, that she might celebrate this year with her family, but as a married woman. They had discussed the idea of a wedding trip, but decided to put such activities aside until spring or summer. Around her, those gathered to see them wed shifted and watched her, a weight of friendly eyes upon her.

They reached the front of the church, and she took her place beside the man she loved, more than ready to say the words which would bind her to him forever.

>>>

Arryn turned at the whisper of sound which filled the church when those assembled saw Violet step into the church. She was spectacular – almost ethereal, an enchantress, a sparkling picture of white, touched with amethyst fire. All else faded away, and he simply stood, captivated, and watched her walk towards him.

He had never imagined that he would find a woman with whom he was so in tune, so happy – yet here she was, a miraculous gift in his life. His love for her overflowed as, when she reached his side, their eyes met, and he saw his own feelings reflected there.

The minister began to speak, and they each spoke the words when required, but Arryn was barely aware of anything but her presence, the delicate scent of her hair – a mixture of lavender and rose water, he thought – and the heat of her, standing so close to him that they almost touched.

Finally, it was done, and they stepped out into the crisp cold air, the touch of the winter sun barely warm at all.

Around them, friends and family pressed forward with good wishes for their future, and passers-by paused on the street to watch, smiling at the sight of their happiness.

Had anyone asked him, just four months earlier, if he would marry soon, he would have laughed, and declared that a thing for the distant future – yet here he was, married, and overjoyed to be so.

He twined his fingers with hers, and they stepped forward to where their carriage waited to take them to Elbury House for the wedding breakfast.

The people all pressed close to them made him feel a desperate desire to escape the crowd, and he held to her steadiness as an anchor, only breathing a sigh of relief once they had settled into the carriage and were moving. Sometimes, the press and the noise of people seemed unbearable, and he longed for a quiet library.

Now, he longed for a quiet library with Violet by his side.

She turned to him with a smile.

“It’s rather overwhelming, isn’t it? And now we have to spend the rest of the day smiling at people, and dancing, and generally being sociable, when all I want to do is hide away with you, and enjoy being together.”

That she understood so clearly how he felt still shocked him – and delighted him. It was a relief to be accepted for who he truly was, and not expected to fulfil others wishes.

“It is – but we will get through it together – and escape as soon as we reasonably might. But for now, while we have this short interlude…”

He lifted her face gently, and brought his lips to hers, in a kiss which began softly, yet soon deepened into one full of passion, and the promise of what would come later. She returned that kiss with equal fervour, slipping her hands around his neck and pulling him to her.

All thought of anyone else fled his mind, and he savoured the feel and taste of her, marvelling again that she had willingly chosen him.

>>>

The ballroom at Elbury House was full, and people stood in groups, talking as the food was brought out. Violet felt strange – for the scene was familiar, even the wedding breakfast part, after the weddings of her five older sisters, yet this time, it was for her, this time she was the one who was married. The thought that this very evening, once the guests had all departed, so would she, to begin her new life, was exhilarating and frightening at once.

Merryfield House had been opened up and prepared for them. It was part of Lord Westerhazy’s estates, but had been simply managed with a minimal staff to maintain it whilst Merryfield still lived with his parents. Now, it would be theirs. The thought was wonderful, yet she suspected that she did not know anywhere near enough about running a household…

She smiled, and spoke to people, pushing aside any worry about how she would cope – she ate, drank, danced, and conversed, allowing the day to slip away with Arryn at her side. She felt as if the entire ton were in attendance – and, given her mother, perhaps they were.

By late afternoon, the eating and dancing had slowed, and people turned to quieter pursuits. The small orchestra left their dais, and were taken to the kitchens to receive their own well-earned meal, leaving the instruments standing there, beside the pianoforte, looking oddly forlorn.

As Violet watched, to her surprise, she saw Lord Greenleigh approach, and take a seat at the pianoforte – it seemed that he was volunteering to play, and she was grateful. With his skill, she regarded it as a wedding gift of great value. Soon, the delicate sounds drifted through the room – a complex piece, which spoke of love and longing, of joy and doubt, and more. Iris knew it, Violet realised, and had played it at times. It was beautiful, and well suited to the occasion. She looked away, and Arryn slipped an arm about her waist.

“Shall we find a seat? I confess that I am tired of standing.”