by Abby Ayles
“It is. We have had good wine, dined well, and been entertained, but it would not be complete without this.”
Her brows furrowed. “What?”
He went on one knee then, bringing out a small box as he did.
Judith gasped, as did almost everyone else in the room. In the box was a sparkling golden ring set with a large, glittering sapphire. It was so beautiful—and so familiar.
“Grandmother’s engagement ring.”
Stephen nodded. “Your mother and father gave it to me. I have no family heirloom of mine as they all were buried with Abigail. When I first asked you to marry me, it was done without a ring. I told your parents of my plan to do it properly this time, and I was given this.”
He paused to bring it out of the box.
“Judith, you know how happy you make me. I want to be this happy for the rest of my life, but I hope to make you even happier. You said your answer will always be yes. Well, I am asking again. Do me this honor, the greatest honor. Marry me.”
“Oh, Stephen! Yes … every day, forever, yes!”
He grinned, that kind that always pulled at her heart strings. Then, he slipped the ring on to her finger. It was a perfect fit.
“I love you,” she said as he rose to his feet, taking her into his arms.
“I love you too, Judith. With all my heart.”
Hers trembled as those words washed over her. It was the first time they were saying it to each other.
Without warning, he pulled her in for a chaste kiss. Their audience immediately went wild with laughter and applause.
It was beyond special. It was perfect.
Chapter 37
Five weeks of preparations later, Judith stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.
It was finally the day of the wedding and she had plenty of emotions warring inside of her.
She was elated, beyond words. She was also afraid; afraid that she could be making the wrong decision marrying Stephen. Her mother had said it was merely cold feet, as the fear had begun to set in two weeks before.
Aunty Tia claimed it was perfectly normal for every bride to feel that way in the days leading to their wedding and especially on the wedding day.
Judith was not certain she was comfortable with the feeling.
She knew she loved Stephen, she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. He cared for her deeply and she for him. They were meant to be together, and they would be happy, together.
Why would she have cause to fear that this would turn out to be a mistake, after all?
Beyond being afraid, she was jittery and nervous.
She had decided to have the wedding in Charleveaux, in the fields with beautiful flowers everywhere and sunlight shining down upon them.
Outside, people awaited, those who had come to wish her well, family and friends alike. What if she fell on her face, or forgot the words to her vows?
She drew in a deep, long breath and exhaled. Just then, Amy appeared by her side.
“Having those wearisome thoughts again, are you?”
“I can’t help it, Amy. Am I certain this is what I want to do? What about my adventure?”
Amy chuckled as she began to make sure everything about Judith was perfect once again. “I hear marriage is a great adventure of its own. You shouldn’t worry so much, my lady. The duke loves you.”
“I know he does. I just never imagined myself with a man like him.”
She had always believed she would marry a gentleman who was of a similar age, no more than three years older. He would be blonde, with bright eyes, and the kind of smile that would make ladies swoon.
He would also be bright and charming and would know all the right words to woo a lady with.
Stephen was none of that, but she had fallen in love with him regardless.
“Yes … you always wanted a rake.”
“No, I did not.”
This time, Amy giggled. “My lady, I’ll have you know that the charming young gentlemen with honey-laced tongues and bright eyes are often the men who are no good for you. We both know it was love at first sight with the duke. I remember that night, you could not stop staring.”
Judith grew warm as her face turned red. “I was simply curious.”
“After all this time, you still call it curiosity. You fool no one, My lady, certainly not me. We both know you want this with all your heart, so I pray thee, do not let the worry ruin your happiness. You have someone special to share life with. Sometimes, I envy you. I shall be so lonely when you leave.”
Judith immediately felt bad, even though she knew it was not Amy’s intention. She had been so caught up in her lowly thoughts, she had not remembered to count her blessing.
“Oh, Amy, don’t be like that. I would take you with me, but I believe it is time to let you live your own life. You shall find someone soon enough, you will see. I will miss you so very much.”
She turned to would wrap her arms around her dear friend, and they remained in the embrace, savoring the special moment.
“Thank you, Judith. I will never forget you. You must write often.”
Judith laughed as they finally pulled apart. “I will. You’re my only friend. Who else will I tell my tales to?” she asked.
Before Amy would answer, the doors to her chambers opened, and her mother entered with Aunt Tia.
“All is set,” Aunt Tia announced. “Everyone is ready and waiting for the bride.”
Her mother came to stand in front of her. Tears formed in her eyes as she took her in.
“I have never seen you look so beautiful. I cannot believe I am about to let you go forever.”
Judith began to struggle with tears of her own.
“I shall always be your daughter, mother.”
“That you will. Come here and embrace me. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she replied softly as they hugged.
Aunt Tia came next. “You have made me so proud, so proud. Thank you for being brave. I wish you every happiness and so much love.”
They too embraced.
By the time they were done, the lot of them were drying tears from their eyes.
“Look at us. Like little children,” Aunt Tia jested. They all ended up laughing.
Soon after, Judith was standing between her father and brother, at the edge of the aisle.
Edward had insisted he would walk her down the aisle too.
“This will always be your home, Judith. Feel free to return at any time, for whatever reason,” her father said.
“There is still time to run away. I have a carriage waiting,” Edward jested.
Her father gave him a sharp look, and he simply shrugged, his cheeks big from grinning.
Judith shook her head at him, even as the love she bore for him swelled.
“I appreciate the offer, brother. Keep the carriage. It just might come in handy,” she said, jesting as well.
Just then, the procession began, and the congregation rose to watch her walk down the aisle.
Her father’s voice was solemn when he spoke again. “It is time.”
Judith nodded.
“Ready?” Edward asked.
She nodded again. “I am.”
They began to move then. As they drew closer, her eyes found Stephen.
There he was, in his formal wedding attire, looking more handsome than ever.
He stared at her as though she was the only person he could see. As though she was his world.
It became clear then that she had been worried for nothing. She would never regret her decision.
Never.
Every day of her life from there on, she would look back at that moment and be filled with gladness and gratitude that she had continued to take steps, towards him, towards the rest of her life.
As they reached him, her father and brother whispered in her ears,
“I love you.”
They both pressed kisses to the sides of her temple. Ever so tenderly, they han
ded her to Stephen, and went to take their seats.
When she stood facing him, all the love in her heart soared, overflowing.
There was calm. There was assurance. There was peace.
“Dearly beloved,” the priest began.
Everything happened in a wonderful dream. They said their vows, swore solemn promises, and were finally pronounced man and wife.
“You may kiss the bride.”
He did. He kissed her like he never had before, and she kissed him just as passionately in return.
Drinking, dining, and dancing followed.
So many people had come on behalf of her family. Some of Stephen’s past acquaintances were present, as well, and of course, some staff from Dunham.
They went around, saying hello to everyone who had chosen to honor their special day, but there was a particular family on Judith’s mind and eventually, they found them.
The Girauds.
As Judith had promised, she had visited them a few times since her return to London. She had given her sincere apology and had been offered their forgiveness.
She had been pleased to see they were living well and lacked nothing. Inviting them to her wedding had not only seemed like the right thing to do, but she also wanted to have them present.
“Mrs. Giraud. You came!’’ she chimed.
Mrs. Giraud nodded, smiling. “You asked me to, came to deliver the invitation yourself, for that matter. How could I not?”
“Thank you. You have no inkling how much it gladdens me to have you here on our special day.”
“I feel honored that you thought of me.”
“It is you who honor me, Mrs. Giraud. The heavens bless you.”
Mrs. Giraud was quick to respond. “The heavens bless you too…” she smiled at Stephen. “And yours.”
Judith saw the sadness in her eyes and immediately felt gloomy.
“I wish Mr. Giraud was here,” she said solemnly.
“I also, but you mustn’t blame yourself any longer, Your Grace. I will always miss him, but this sorrow is not for you to bear. I told you this before, I forgive you. Beyond that, I will give you this gift. I release you. From your guilt and your blame. In truth, my husband made his decision. Yes, you might have insisted and offered to pay him more, but he could still have declined. He didn’t and I understand why he didn’t. He wanted a better life for his family, for us.”
She paused as her voice broke. “It’s a pity that his dream has come true, but he is not here to see it. Your Grace, very few men would do all that you and your family have done for mine. You could have lied, covering the truth of what really happened, but you did not. You have also taken responsibility for us, and you have become a friend. We are ever grateful. So please, live full and free, without guilt or remorse. Promise me.”
Judith cried for the umpteenth time that day. It was such an emotional one.
“I will,” she swore. “I will.”
Mrs. Giraud smiled. “Good. I shall do the same.”
It was such a powerful moment for Judith, and she tucked the memory away, along with all others she wished to never forget.
They greeted a few more guests and, when they were done, Stephen led her to the dance floor.
Arms wrapped around each other, they began their first dance as man and wife.
“It’s a perfect day,” he whispered in her ears.
“It is,” she agreed.
“Remember what you told me at the stream that evening?”
“What?”
“You said to only feel joy from there on. No more pain or sadness, only joy and love. Do you remember?”
How could she not? “Yes.”
“Then let us, my love. Let us do that.”
Judith bobbed her head, understanding his meaning.
“We shall. Forever.”
They remained that way, her head against his chest, his arms around their waist, dancing into the night.
They did not need to be in Dunham. Right there, with each other, was home.
Epilogue
Two months Later
“If you keep stealing glances, you’re never going to finish reading that book.”
Stephen lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “We have time. I’ll finish it someday.”
“I’m not going away either, you could always steal glances some other time,” Judith replied.
He shook his head. “You do not know how impossible that is to do when you are sitting right there in front of me. You distract me, my wonderful wife.”
They were in the library. Going there three times, every week had become one of their rituals. Reading together was just one more activity they thoroughly enjoyed.
“Only because you wish to be distracted, dear husband,” she countered, smiling sweetly.
“I cannot deny that. You are so beautiful. I know it has been sometime, but I still cannot quite believe you are mine.”
It was the truth. He woke up feeling wonderful every day. If anyone had ever told him after he had lost Abigail that he would ever feel such happiness again, he never would have paid them heed.
“As I said, we’ have time. Enough to accept that we are and always will be happy together. I am yours, my love.”
She cupped his chin then, and he took that hand in his, kissing her inner wrist.
“And I am yours.”
He held her eyes as he said those words, and a delicious tremor ran down his spine when her eyes began to twinkle mischievously.
“Let us make a wager.”
“A wager? You wish to gamble, dear wife?”
“Call it what you may,” she said sweetly. “Only hear what I am proposing.”
“Very well, you have my attention.”
“Whoever finishes reading the book first, may request whatever they wish from the other person. This request must be granted, no matter what it is.”
“Is this a ploy to get me to stop looking at my own wife? I will have you know that I can both steal glances and finish reading the book before you.”
She scrunched her face. “The husband doth protest too much, methinks. Do you agree? If you do not, I take it you accept defeat by surrendering.”
Stephen shook his head as a smile stole across his face. This was one of the many reasons he loved her. How she always managed to have her way.
“You are never going to let me win, are you?”
“I play fair. There are no rules.”
“I see. The winner may ask for anything?”
She nodded. “Anything.”
“And it must be done by the…”
She nodded again. “Yes. So, what do you say?” she held out her hand and he took it, shaking it.
“I agree.”
As soon as he said those words, he immediately wished he had not. The glint in her eye had grown even more mischievous and it was clear this was a lost battle.
Nevertheless, he would put up a noble fight. That was what made it thrilling anyway, was it not?
He continued to look at her as she went back to reading. He could not help it.
Two months ago, she had crossed the threshold into his home, their home, as his wife.
Life had been filled with bliss since then. Everyone was happy. The whole of Dunham rejoiced.
The staff clearly loved their new duchess. They had welcomed her with love, and they heeded her every word as though it was a commandment.
She led their household as though she had been born to do so. Easily, with warmth and respect.
He had given himself the task of helping her settle in. He had been reluctant to have her share the same chamber he had shared with Abigail, so he had made another large chamber available for them. it was theirs to make new memories in. Beautiful memories.
He had not suffered a fit since that evening by the tree. He continued to take his tea every day, grateful that Leah had found them.
More and more, he was beginning to truly believe he would live a long, healthy life, after all. The thought
of this thrilled him, not because he loved his life, but because he loved Judith.