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And then Lord Ashworth stood, and the room went silent. “A father is concerned—rightfully so—about his children. One never knows what the future holds in store.” He gazed about the table, his eyes resting briefly on Halford and then Lord Anthony and finally on Louisa. “Lord Farleigh is a good man, Louisa. With great joy and relief, I am assured of this. Take care of my daughter, Farleigh.”
“I intend to, sir,” William replied. “With my whole heart.”
Lord Ashworth nodded. “To a lifetime of happiness together.”
“To a lifetime of happiness,” the guests echoed.
William took Louisa’s hand in his now. “Will you walk with me, Lady Farleigh?” he asked her in a low voice. “There is a place I should like to visit today, and I would appreciate having you with me when I do.”
“You have no need to ask. I would love to go with you.”
He stood, and she rose to her feet as well. “Thanks to you all, dearest friends, and the warmest welcome to new family members. I am a man who is truly blessed. My heart is full.”
Cheers of congratulations and well wishes met his words.
“My bride and I will leave you to enjoy yourselves. Mrs. Brill, please bring on the desserts for our guests. Eat, drink, everyone, and Louisa and I will join you again shortly.”
“Little chance of that happening,” Alex drawled, drawing a few chuckles and raising a blush on Louisa’s cheeks.
“Alex!” she hissed.
“Halford, really!” Louisa’s mama scolded.
William himself merely ignored it. He was in too good a mood to do anything else. He laced his fingers through Louisa’s and led her out of the dining room and eventually outside.
He took her back to the chapel.
It was midafternoon now, and the sun was shining at a different angle and with a different sort of light than it had this morning. The stained-glass window painted the interior walls with deeper hues than it had earlier in the day. There was an air of welcoming solitude and peace about the place, especially now with just the two of them here.
They sat side by side on the first pew, not speaking. William knew he would always be a man of few words. He was not of a gregarious nature.
“You will not miss London or your friends there?” he asked Louisa after a few minutes.
“I expect we will visit on occasion. You will have your place in the House of Lords and must see to your duty.”
“That isn’t what I asked,” he said.
She smiled. “I know. I do not need London to be happy, William; quite the contrary. What I need is to be at your side, creating a life and a family together with the wonderful people who are here.”
“I love you; you know that, don’t you?” William said, lowering his head to kiss her—rather chastely since they were in a house of worship.
“Yes,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “And I love you with all my heart. But there is something important I would have you know.”
“What?” He couldn’t resist stealing another quick kiss.
She placed her hands firmly on his shoulders and looked him squarely in the eyes, which was a total pleasure as far as William was concerned. She had a serious look on her face, however, that quickly sobered him. “I am officially informing you that I shall be calling you William in private only. You are Farleigh now, and I intend to refer to you as such whenever we are not alone. It is time the title Viscount Farleigh become known for its honor and integrity.”
Spoken like the daughter—and wife—of a nobleman. It also reminded him of his reason for bringing her here. “There is somewhere I would like to take you this afternoon,” he said.
“I suspect I know where that might be,” she said. “And I’m glad of it.”
“Wait here for a moment.”
He kissed her hand and went to a small alcove, retrieving the small painting of him with his parents. He’d brought it to the chapel early this morning, wanting to have both his parents present at the ceremony. Then he led her to the family churchyard on the east side of the chapel and to his mother’s grave. His father’s fresh grave lay next to it.
His mother would have loved Louisa dearly had she met her and would be utterly thrilled with their match; of this William was certain. He expected his father would have at least appreciated the irony surrounding the original wager and William’s subsequent use of the vowel—and the end results.
He handed the portrait to Louisa after removing its cloth covering. She ran a single finger across it, from William’s mother to his father and finally to William.
