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“Most times, yes.”
“Daphne,” Elizabeth interjected, “what incited the duke to lie to your father? What did Harwick do to you?”
Daphne shuddered. “It isn’t what he did to me, it’s what he intended to do. I’ve never seen him so angry. Then, when Pierce informed him we were already wed, he went berserk. He seemed to believe we were all part of some conspiracy. He took off for Tragmore—to thrash you and to have my marriage annulled.”
“So that’s why you dragged me away so swiftly,” Elizabeth realized aloud, looking at Pierce with a mixture of gratitude and fear. “I thank you, sir. But it won’t help. Eventually, I have to return to Tragmore and Harwick’s wrath.”
“No. You don’t.” Pierce shook his head. “Along with my title, I’ve acquired five enormous, currently unoccupied estates. Take your choice. You have only to move in. I’ll arrange the rest.”
A twinge of hope flickered, then died. “Harwick will find me.”
“I’m certain he will. But he’ll never get past the men I have guarding the property.” Pierce’s lips quirked. “There are distinct advantages to growing up in the streets. One meets the most resourceful people.”
“But the law says—”
“One also learns to ignore the law, if need be.”
Elizabeth’s mouth snapped shut. “I—Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Pierce,” he amended. “After all, within the hour we’ll be family. I believe a touch of informality would be in order.”
The door at the head of the church opened. “Snowdrop, the license is now in order. I’ve also managed to amass an ample supply of wildflowers for your bouquet and enough candles to bathe the church in a suitably reverent glow.” The vicar came to a halt. “Elizabeth.” He came forward in a rush. “Are you all right?”
She smiled a smile that, for once, reached her eyes. “It’s wonderful to see you, Alfred. And yes, I’m quite well. Thanks to the duke—Pierce.”
“And to God,” the vicar murmured, scrutinizing Elizabeth as if to ensure himself of her safety. At last, he drew a slow, inward breath and glanced past her to Daphne and Pierce. “Let’s proceed with the wedding then, shall we?”
With a flourish, he opened his book. “Dearly beloved…”
Ageless words, timeless in duration, poignant in significance.
Daphne felt her hands tremble, heard the quiver in her voice as she recited her vows. A gamut of emotions engulfed her all at once: awe, disbelief, excitement, wonder.
But never doubt. And never fear.
Not with Pierce.
The vicar paused, having reached that portion of the ceremony involving the ring. “I nearly forgot,” he murmured to himself. Digging into his pocket, he extracted a dainty silver band, two narrow circles endlessly entwined. “Given the unplanned urgency of this ceremony, I assume you hadn’t time to shop,” he began, the tremor in his voice belying the frivolity of his words. His gaze fell on the delicate scrap of silver in his hands, and he abandoned all pretense. “This ring means a great deal to me.” He cleared his throat roughly. “I’ve kept it safe for years, somehow knowing it would one day be needed for just the right purpose. That day has arrived.” He extended the ring to Pierce. “Please. It would be my pleasure, no, my privilege, if you would seal your vows by placing this band on Daphne’s finger.”
Visibly moved, Pierce accepted the clergyman’s gift.
“Thank you, Vicar,” Daphne whispered, wiping tears from her cheeks, vaguely aware of her mother’s quiet weeping. “Not only is the ring lovely and symbolic but, as it comes from you, it’s value is immeasurable.” She turned to Pierce and placed her hand in his, watching as he slid the band onto her fourth finger. Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet her new husband’s.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” she heard the vicar proclaim.
A profound silence permeated the room.
Tenderly, Pierce cupped Daphne’s face, and she
was stunned to feel his hands tremble as he bent to brush her lips with his. “You’re mine now, Snow flame,” he said in a breath of a whisper. “No one will ever hurt you again.” Straightening, he extended his hand to the vicar”
“Thank you. You’re all Daphne claimed and more.”
“I return the compliment.” The vicar clasped Pierce’s hand warmly. “I wish you a lifetime of joy.” He kissed Daphne atop her head. “Be happy, Snowdrop.”
Daphne hugged him, then her mother, feeling utterly light-headed and disoriented.
“Go,” Chambers said, seeing the dazed look in her eyes. “You and your new husband need time together.”
