Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) (20 page)
Read Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) Online
Authors: Joan Avery
Tags: #England, #opposites attract, #forbidden love, #Emile Pingat, #women's rights, #1879, #Victorian Era, #Viscount
Epilogue
“I can’t imagine what’s delaying my father,” Victoria said.
“It must be something important.” Edith held her newborn as the nursemaid hovered nearby. “Shall I send Henry out to look for him?”
“No, no. We have waited this long; we can wait a few more minutes. I’m sure he will be along shortly. Would you mind telling Hugh? I don’t want him to think I’ve changed my mind,” she said with a soft laugh.
“Of course, my dear. Of course.” Edith handed the child off to the nursemaid and followed them out of the room.
What could possibly have delayed her father? He had promised he would be here and had left the house before her. For a moment she worried. So much had passed since that day in court when her life had changed forever. He had been so happy for her. Had something happened to him? Perhaps she should send someone to look for him.
There was a commotion outside the door. She heard her father’s voice and relaxed. He was here.
She turned back to the mirror and adjusted her dress one last time. She wanted it perfect, but when the door opened, all that was forgotten.
“Emily!”
She ran to her friend and embraced her. “I can’t believe you are here. When did you arrive?”
“Just yesterday. I had to be here. I’m so happy for you.”
Victoria searched her friends face for anything untoward, but Emily seemed to have recovered fully from the tragedy that had marred her life. In fact she glowed.
“You look happy as well. Has something happened?”
Emily blushed, and the color in her cheeks completed the picture of her contentment.
“You must tell me,” Victoria said, shaking her friend slightly.
“You will think me coldhearted.” Emily lowered her head.
“I could never think that of you.” Victoria thought for a moment and then realized what had made such a remarkable change in her friend. “You have met someone.”
Emily looked up. Her smile lit the room. “He is a wonderful man. He does not care what may have happened in the past. He is so kind and supportive. Mother and Father have said I must wait until it is a full year before we make any plans. He is more than willing to wait. We hope to marry at Christmas, and you must come.”
“You must tell me more about him.” Victoria clasped Emily to her breast once more.
“His name is Patrick Whiton. He is a surgeon and well regarded by his peers. He is young and very handsome.” Emily laughed.
“And what do your parents think of him?” Victoria wondered if they had learned their lesson in meddling with their daughter’s life by arranging a tragic marriage for her.
“That is what’s so remarkable. They have had no objections beyond requesting we wait. They have allowed him to call on me, even though I am still in mourning. I can’t believe I could be so lucky as to find love this quickly.”
Victoria smiled. “I can. Anyone would be lucky to marry you.”
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Victoria’s father opened the door.
Emily gave her friend a light hug. “But I should go.” She held Victoria back to admire her dress. “You look wonderful.”
“Thank you, my dear, dear friend.”
“Are you ready?” her father asked.
“Yes,” she responded.
He offered his arm, and they walked slowly out.
…
“Well, you seem calm enough,” Henry joked with his friend. “But then I have seen very little ruffle you.”
A slight noise at the back caused them to look up.
“Except maybe that.” Henry clapped his friend on the back.
Hugh stood motionless at the altar of St. Paul’s. The beautiful church was quiet except for the Percy brood, who squirmed in their seats and whispered about Victoria’s appearance.
Hugh had never seen her look more beautiful. They had waited six months. And the wait had been unbearable. But the gossipmongers had moved on to other things. A quiet midweek wedding attended by a small group of people had attracted little attention.
She walked alone. Her father had just installed himself in a front pew. If he was disappointed to not be walking her down the aisle, he didn’t show it. He, no doubt, knew his obstinate daughter well.
Hugh noted she had chosen to wear white, a trend set by Queen Victoria. It was very au courant. He smiled. With her dark coloring, she certainly put the dear queen to shame. The Emile Pingat gown was a masterpiece of satin and taffeta. Adorned with beading and fabric roses, it even outshone the magnificent interior of St. Paul’s. She wore a veil. It had been pulled forward to cover her face and trailed behind her for several feet. He couldn’t believe how quickly she had changed his life, bringing joy and comfort where there had been merely forebearance.
When she reached a point at the foot of the steps, Edith rose and helped her move back her veil, and then remained as a witness.
Hugh offered Victoria his hand, and she took it.
“Are you ready, my love?” he asked.
“Beyond ready.” She smiled broadly, and his heart sang.
Suddenly the baby began to cry and several of the younger children scrambled after Edith. Soon they stood as a little herd before the priest. Hugh and Victoria, Henry and Edith, and all nine of their children with their assorted nursemaids. And her father and Emily.
Victoria laughed. “I think we had best make it quick.”
Hugh laughed as well. Somehow this remarkable woman was the reason for so much of the happiness that now encompassed his life. And he was beyond grateful to her.
“Thank you,” he said without explanation.
She replied with a magnificent smile, “You’re welcome.”
About the Author
Joan Avery was an award-winning writer/producer at a major national advertising agency for over fifteen years before she “retired” to raise a family and write. Joan has been blessed with a daughter, two sons, and two stepsons. She and her husband now have five grandchildren. Although she has lived in the Detroit area her entire life, she has traveled extensively for both work and leisure. She and her husband, an attorney, have visited many fascinating parts of the world. Joan feels her travels enrich her writing. THE WORTH BROTHER’S TRILOGY takes place in three of her favorite places.
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