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Emily’s wedding day dawned bright and sunny, the warm summer air wafting through her open windows.
A fortnight had passed since she’d agreed to marry Jacob. They’d stayed at Aubrey’s and Nick’s home, partially because there had been follow-up questions to the death of Lord Tinderwell and partly because it was calm and quiet, giving a chance for her and Nick to get to know one another and heal.
They’d both needed it.
Emily crossed the bed to her window, watching the dew-covered landscape as the sun began to fill the land.
Last night had been the first night she’d slept without Jacob since he’d come back from London.
She’d missed him. Not only had he become her constant pillow, but she missed his heat, his strength, the way his chest rose, the way he made her feel cherished, safe, and also strong. She traced her finger on along the windowsill, knowing that after today, they’d never need sleep apart again.
It was that thought that spurred her into action. She rang for a bath despite the early hour and began to brush her hair.
That was when a soft knock sounded at the door.
She rose, thinking that the maid had been quick. “Come in,” she called, thinking that she’d ask for a tray of tea and cakes as well.
But it wasn’t a maid who answered but Aubrey who walked in, looking pensive as she twisted her hands together.
“You look more nervous than I feel,” Emily said to her friend with a laugh as she began walking toward Aubrey, her hands extended.
But she stopped well short of her friend. Because behind Aubrey, stood another figure. Gaunt, and a bit haunted, a shadow of himself, stood her brother, Ashton.
“Ash?” she cried, her hands flying to her mouth.
“It’s me, Em,” he said stepping around Aubrey. “I hear I made it just in time for your wedding.”
“Ash!” She cried again, tossing her arms about him. He felt thin, almost frail. “What’s happened to you? Where have you been?”
“I’m so sorry, Em. I wanted to be here for you, but I was…delayed.”
A voice called from the hall. “I’m here too, Emily.”
Jacob. She found herself lifting up on her toes to catch a glimpse of him now. Did he know what had happened? He’d tell her…
“It’s bad luck,” Aubrey cried, pulling her back.
Ash stepped between her and the door, looking down at her. “I heard my old friend has been caring for you in my absence.” But Ash didn’t exactly sound happy, and his eyes held a skepticism she’d rarely seen before.
Ashton normally believed the best in everyone. “Ash,” she whispered, “You’re going to have to trust me that I’ve made the right choice.”
His eyes flickered as they looked back toward the hall. “Your dowry?”
“Not to worry.” Emily patted her brother’s cheek. “The Duke of Wingate—”
“Who is Jacob’s friend…”
Her brows lifted. “And yours. And he negotiated on my behalf. I retain all financial control of my funds. I’m sure Nick will review the documents with you this morning if it will put your mind at ease.”
Ashton’s eyes widened. “Emily. What happened to you…you’re so grown up.”
She gave him a small smile. “I likely did, which means in this moment, I am far more concerned about what happened to you.”
He gave her a small nod. “Let’s see you wed first and then I’ll tell you everything.”
Her smile grew wide, nearly splitting her cheeks. Her brother was here, and he was going to see her married.
It was more than she’d ever dared hope for.
