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There were voices whispering to her. Loving voices. Evelina roused slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. She took a deep breath, gazing around, not knowing where she was at all or how she had come to be there.
She was in her father’s study, lying on a chaise lounge in the corner, with a rug over her. Her father was hovering above her, looking concerned. And kneeling next to her, holding her hand, was Jude.
She gasped, struggling to sit upright. It was all coming back to her. The ball. The announcement. And Jude, walking out, wearing her father’s jacket, being announced as her betrothed. Her father had introduced him as someone else, someone noble. And then she recalled the older gentleman, the man who looked so much like Jude it was uncanny.
“I… I do not understand,” she stammered, her head whirling in confusion again.
Her father sighed heavily. “I am sorry, my dear girl. In my excitement to surprise you, I may have overstepped the mark and have clearly overwhelmed you.” He smiled slowly. “You fainted. Jude carried you in here himself.”
Jude was caressing her hand, frowning slightly. “Are you well, Evelina?”
She sighed, blinking rapidly. Itwasreal. It hadn’t been a figment of her fevered imagination. Jude was in this room with her father.
“Let me explain, my dear,” said her father, grinning broadly. “I discovered something truly astounding. Jude is actually the Viscount Asquith. The son of the Marquess of Winston.” He paused. “That was the reason for my sudden trip. I reunited father with son, and we confirmed Jude is truly the marquess’s lost boy.”
“It is true, Evelina,” smiled Jude, looking astounded himself. “I couldn’t believe it. I have found my father. I have found myfamily.”
Evelina gasped. “But… but how?”
Her father’s smile broadened. “Well, the irony of it all is that Sir Henry inadvertently revealed it,” he said, chuckling to himself. “The rest was deduction on my part after I questioned the gentleman. It turns out that it is true. Jude was abandoned in the same month and year that the marquess’s son vanished. They are the spitting image of each other. And Jude carries a scar that the marquess remembers well. There is no doubt.”
Evelina stared at Jude. He nodded.
“Andthere is no impediment any longer to the two of you being together,” continued her father in a soft voice. “For I know how much you love him, Evelina, and how distraught you were over marrying Edward Beaumont. That betrothal is officially broken. I told the Beaumont’s on the night of the dinner, after I realised how poorly you would be treated by him.”
Evelina’s heart flipped. “He is no longer my betrothed?”
Her father shook his head. “No. You are free to marry the one that you love, my dear.”
A hundred questions whirled in her mind. So many that she didn’t know which to ask first. It was all so sudden and overwhelming. But beyond the questions, a glow was stealing through her, entering her heart and filling her with pure wonder.
She was no longer betrothed to Edward Beaumont. Jude was actually the son of a noble gentleman. And her father was giving his permission for them to be together.
It truly was a miracle. A Christmas miracle.
“I think the two of you need some time alone,” said her father, grinning widely. “And I must return to the ball. My guests are waiting.” He paused. “May I suggest a walk through the gardens? It is most beautiful. You both have my blessing.”
He left the room, closing the door gently behind him. They gazed at one another in wonder. Slowly, Jude reached out a hand, tracing the lines of her face.
Her heart filled. She didn’t think it could hold much more love and happiness.
“Come on,” he whispered, taking her hand. “Let us take that walk, your father suggested. There is something I want to ask you, Evelina. Something which I never thought I wouldeverhave the chance to ask you.” He took a deep breath. “And I think we have waited long enough. Too long. Don’t you?”
***
The air was crisp as they walked hand in hand along the garden path towards the gazebo. The path was illuminated with lanterns, casting shadows across the snow.
Suddenly, she heard the beautiful sound of singing in the distance. Her heart filled with wonder and joy. The wassailers were here, singing Christmas songs for pennies. She recalled that night, long ago, when she had drifted off to sleep on this very night to their voices.
So much had changed since then. But she was certain of one thing: the magic of Christmas had woven its spell around her once again. She could never have imagined it or anticipated it. It was as if the world was new again.
They reached the gazebo. Her heart swelled as she remembered the last time they had been here. The nativity scene was illuminated by lanterns, as well. It looked so beautiful and moving with the voices singing in the background that she gasped aloud.
And then he was down on his knees, taking her hand. Her heart contorted again as he gazed up at her, intent upon his task. The face of the man she loved. Her one true love.
“Will you be my wife, Evelina?” he whispered, his green eyes shining with love.
Tears were streaming down her face. Slowly, she nodded.
