AllFreeNovel
Share Us
EPILOGUE
January 5, 1819
A wedding
The rescue of Lady Arabella and the subsequent arrest of the Duke of Newcastle’s former betrothed, Lady Caroline Evers, for the murder of a duke dominated headlines for a week. The second male accomplice was found and witnesses came forward. With evidence already gathered—including the huge debts she incurred coordinating her vicious activities, Lady Evers’s prospects for conviction became fodder for wagers. Compounded with His Grace’s return from the dead, London’s news exploded, and people purchased every news or gossip sheet. Lady Evers was being held in the Tower and word was the death sentence was being considered. It was an astonishing development.
Bella and Slade hated the spotlight Society had thrown on their romance. The only perk was the special permission given by the Regent to hold their ceremony in Hyde Park, in the same place where Slade and Gracie had rescued her. Slade worked with his brother to transform the corner of Scandal Street where Bella had been rescued into something dream-worthy and replace the horrific memory connected with her abduction.
The gardener’s shed was practically rebuilt. Wood was replaced, the shed was painted, and windows replaced. For this day, they had replaced the tools with mirrors, carpet, and curtains, forming a plush interior where Bella could dress for the ceremony. They would hold the ceremony under a large tent with chairs and a white carpet through the middle up to the altar.
“’Tis hard to believe you chose my wedding dress. With the modern touches Madame Trousseau made, it has an even more elegant look and feel,” her mother said, fretting with the lace around Bella’s collar.
“Thank you, Mama. I rather love it,” Bella said, blushing.
“I felt the same way when I wore it all those years past. You will need this,” laughed Mama, helping her into a coordinating pelisse made of white velvet and fur. “Even with the sides on the tent, ’tis chilly. I cannot believe you are getting married in a park.”
“This feels like a grand dream, Mama. I imagined nothing like this,” Bella said, fingering the diamond earrings Slade had given her. “I am marrying the man who has held my heart since I was three and ten. I never thought he would notice me.”
“I think my brother had always noticed you,” Tabetha said, walking toward them. “He always went into detail whenever describing any antics of yours. He fondly retold the swimming story several times,” she said, laughing. “My father thought you had pluck!”
Mama reached into her satin reticule and withdrew a velvet box. “My grandmother’s broach,” she said.
At her words, Bella burst into tears. “No, my darling. Your eyes will be all puffy for your wedding. You must not cry,” her mother said, dabbing her handkerchief at her daughter’s face.
A heavier knock at the door sounded. “Bella, it is time,” her father said. Standing, she carefully checked herself in the long mirror. Giving one more cursory look and pinching her cheeks, she turned, ready to join her life to Slade’s.
The tented ceremony was beyond anything she had imagined. Her mother and the duchess had arranged everything to perfection. Lord Latham stood beside Slade, both dressed in black and white. Gracie wiggled her way into the tent, where she jumped up beside the duchess and Paul, who sat quietly with the families in the front row.
White roses and greenery covered the altar, and thick white drapes covered the inside of the tent, with brightly lit candelabras scattered throughout. The effect made it feel as if they stood in a chapel.
Bella became lost in thought, absorbed by all that had happened these past weeks.
“I do.” Slade’s deep melodic voice beckoned her, bringing her back from her reverie—his deep brown eyes holding her captive.
A moment later, the bishop pronounced Slade and Bella man and wife, as it snowed. White crystal powder covered everything surrounding the small tent.
“It appears that even Mother Nature approves of our nuptials, wife,” Slade whispered, kissing his bride to the cheers of their small audience.
“My dearest wife, is this the wedding you would have wished for?” Slade asked, gently drawing her close. He pulled her tighter against him and brushed his lips across hers, his eyes glistening.
“Oh, yes, husband. I am filled with a joy I did not know was possible.” She took a breath, exhaling slowly, with her eyes closed and her smiling face upturned. “I could never have imagined such a glorious wedding. What of you?”
He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead. “I have always been an adventurer, but my home will forever be where you are. I love you, Bella.”
“And I love you, Slade,” she replied. Exiting the tent, the newlyweds walked towards their snow-covered carriage and were met by the duke holding Paul’s hand, with Gracie ambling alongside them.
“Paul has something special to say,” Graham said with a wink.
The little boy looked up. “I wuv you,” he said, wrapping his little arms around Bella’s legs in a hug.
Bella’s eyes filled with tears as she leaned down and pulled him close. “I love you, too, Paul.” She kissed his head. “While we are away, will you to take care of Gracie for the duchess?”
“I will. I promise,” he said, smiling up at her. She squeezed his hand. “When we come back, we will look for your parents.”
“My associates are continuing to look for his family,” Graham added.
“Should we not find them, you have a home with us,” Slade added, placing his hand on the child’s head.
