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Elizabeth sucked in her breath as she heard her new title which came with many expectations that she did not know how to fulfill. “Thank you, Miles,” she responded with as much grace as she could muster before her mother and Irene hugged her.
“Lady Guildford suits you, Elizabeth,” Irene said, and when Elizabeth looked at her father, she found he was nodding in agreement. She looked up at Rhys, who stood quietly beside her, but the smile he gave her was warm and welcoming. Her smile quickly turned to a grin. Seeing him look pleased gave her the confidence she needed to banish her uncertainties and hope for happiness. Rhys raised her hand to his lips then, his blue eyes filling with a hunger that he masterfully concealed from everyone else.
“Is that not the most romantic sight, Joseph?” Clarice sighed.
“It is, my dear,” her father affirmed, and Elizabeth laughed softly.
The Dowager cleared her throat then, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “Welcome to the family,” she said to Elizabeth, her voice lacking warmth, and her tone grudging.
Nevertheless, Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, My Lady.”
Rhys placed her hand on his arm then he picked up a glass of champagne from the tray that a footman had just brought and handed it to her before taking one for himself. He leaned close to her ear. “Do you think anyone will notice if we leave now?”
She grinned and looked at her family. They were enjoying their champagne and little treats. “I doubt they will.” She took one sip of her champagne and decided not to finish it.
“Do you not want to drink?” Rhys asked, his brows drawing slightly.
“I am too nervous to,” she confessed.
He smiled. “You have nothing to be nervous about. Should we leave now? The carriage was ready before the ceremony began.” Elizabeth nodded. They had a long journey, and she was ready, at last, to embark upon it. They went to bid everyone farewell, and as much as she tried not to cry, her eyes brimmed with tears, especially when Irene and her father held her.
“Will you visit me soon?” she asked her father.
“Of course, we will. You need only write to us when you want us to visit.” He kissed her cheek then said to Rhys, “Have a fair journey, Guildford.”
When they went out into the front hall, Smith met them with an odd expression on his face. Elizabeth thought he looked concerned about something, and Rhys must have seen the look as well because he asked, “Is something the matter?”
“Perhaps now might not be a good time to depart, My Lord,” Smith replied, adjusting his cravat.
“What is it?” Rhys asked, and at that same moment, Elizabeth heard sounds, voices. Many voices.
“I believe half of the town is gathered outside to witness the wedding, My Lord,” Smith revealed.
Elizabeth hurried to the window that looked out into the street, gasping when she saw the gathered crowd. It would seem this was the consequence of having a small wedding.
