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“Da,” Rose said.
“I am truly a blessed man,” he said, pulling back. “I have both of my lovely women in my arms.”
And indeed, what had begun as a hardship full of anger and an accident that had created guilt had instead resulted in his two greatest blessings.
He kissed Rose on the cheek and then kissed Rebecca, his bride-to-be—no, more than that: the love of his life. And then he held them both close and sent up a grateful, silent prayer to God.
* * *
“I’m afraid I must apologize for urging you to come to Town,” Rebecca overheard Aylesham say to Ben the following Monday evening. “I didn’t anticipate the fact that all and sundry would prefer to celebrate Bonaparte’s abdication with the visiting Allied sovereigns rather than pay attention to other pressing needs of the country.” He sounded rather aggrieved.
They had all gathered at Aunt Margaret’s house for a casual supper. Papa planned to make the general announcement to everyone that Ben had received his permission and that Rebecca had accepted Ben’s offer of marriage.
“I would have traveled to Town regardless,” Ben said. “I had pressing business—at least, pressingpersonalbusiness—I wished to attend to, regardless of what Parliament chooses to do or not do. And considering the number of years we have been at war with France and Bonaparte, I suppose people are allowed an opportunity to rejoice together.”
“You may have the makings of a diplomat, Winton,” Aylesham said.
“I think not, Your Grace,” Ben replied. “But I am honored by your kind words.”
“Indeed,” Susan said, slipping her hand through Aylesham’s arm. “I suggest you write in your journal that the Duke of Aylesham apologized for inconveniencing you and offered you a compliment, all in one brief conversation. Something like that is as rare as a white peacock and might end up being considered a document of collectible value in the future.”
“You see why I adore her?” Aylesham said. “She is my match. She knows my weaknesses and holds me accountable for them.”
“I daresay I know your strengths as well,” Susan said. “One of which is how well you tolerate the little barbs I sling your way on a regular basis.”
“They speak as though they are an old married couple, do they not?” Rebecca said. “One would never know they wed but a month ago.”
“When one knows, one knows,” Aylesham said, his eyebrow arching upward and his chin rising just a bit, with just the merest smile on his lips.
“I will second that statement,” Ben said, turning to smile at Rebecca.
“Supper is served,” Foster, Aunt Margaret’s aged, devoted butler announced.
Ben offered his arm to Rebecca. “Are you ready?” he whispered to her.
She nodded.
Aunt Margaret had offered to host this supper, although Mama and Papa had insisted it was their responsibility and that Aunt Margaret should simply enjoy herself. A few additional servants had been hired for the occasion so as not to burden Aunt Margaret’s cook or her kitchen and service staff.
When they were all seated at the dining table, Rebecca looked around the room. Mama, Papa, Aunt Margaret, then Susan and Aylesham. Lord and Lady Bledsoe, who had taken Rebecca under her wing at Almack’s, and Lord and Lady Melton, who had featured Rebecca at her musicale, were also here, as were the Duke and Duchess of Atherton. Until a mere few weeks ago, the only titled persons she knew had been her parents. Until a mere few weeks ago, she had imagined such people—the nobility, in particular—as daunting and exciting and to be held in awe. Now she was surrounded by them at an intimate, casual supper being held for her and Ben.
Because they were far more than titled people. They were new acquaintances, but they had extended friendship to Rebecca and her family generously, beginning with Susan’s arrival in Town. They were generous and kind, and Rebecca had learned to love them all.
Papa rose to his feet. “My lords, ladies, and gentlemen,” he began. “Welcome! Lady Thurlby and I are honored and humbled that you would join us here today. We are additionally grateful to our dear friend Lady Walmsley, who has been so generous to our daughters and to us. May we raise our glasses to Lady Walmsley in a toast.”
Everyone raised their glasses.
“Secondly, it pleases me to have you all in attendance to rejoice in the recent marriage of our daughter, Susan, to the Duke of Aylesham. Many, if not most, of you were in attendance for their nuptials, and I thank you all once again for your generosity of spirit to our dear daughter and her exemplary groom.”
“Brave groom, more like,” Susan murmured under her breath, although everyone heard it and chuckled, and Aylesham gave her an amused look.
“Finally, I wish to announce the betrothal of our youngest daughter, our dear Rebecca, to Benjamin Fortescue, the Earl of Winton.”
There were gasps from a few of those gathered.
“You will undoubtedly be relieved to learn that their acquaintance preceded his recent appearance in Town, so, no, their courtship wasn’t even shorter than Susan and Aylesham’s courtship was.”
Everyone laughed once again. Some, Rebecca could tell, appeared relieved.
