Page 95 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

Guests from all corners of the ton were in attendance and the atmosphere was vibrant, bustling with laughter, music, and the soft murmur of excited conversation.

It was unlike anything Gemma had ever experienced, the kind of spectacle she had once thought impossible for her. Yet here she was; the center of it all, poised to marry Frederick. Her love, her protector, and the man who had shown her what real happiness was.

As the guests mingled, Gemma caught sight of Elizabeth standing by the large window overlooking the garden. She was deep in conversation with the Dowager Duchess, who was laughing softly at something Elizabeth had said. The two women seemed to be getting along wonderfully, their personalities complementing each other beautifully.

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in to share something, and the Dowager’s quick wit and humor drew more laughter from her. They were a delightful pair, and Gemma felt a sense of relief and happiness knowing that her sister was starting to feel more at home in her new life.

“Gemma, come join us!” Elizabeth called out with a grin.

Gemma smiled and walked towards them, but as she did, she caught sight of Andrew standing by the refreshment table. He was deep in conversation with a few men, but his eyes flickered over to Elizabeth and her grandmother-in-law, when he caught sight of the young lady with the bright smile.

There was something in Andrew’s gaze—something that suggested more than just a friendly interest. Gemma raised an eyebrow, amused, but didn’t say anything as she approached.

Elizabeth also noticed, and without hesitation, she made her way toward him, her curiosity piqued. There was an instant spark between the two of them, and Gemma couldn’t help but smile as she watched their flirtation unfold. Elizabeth had always been a bit shy around men, but Andrew’s easygoing manner seemed to bring out a confidence in her.

“You two are practically glowing,” Vivian teased Gemma. “I am also glad to see Elizabeth so happy.”

“She deserves it,” Gemma said, her voice warm. “She has been through so much, and I am thrilled that she has begun a new chapter in her life. Perhaps Andrew will be part of it.”

The Dowager raised her eyebrows. “Andrew? That could be interesting. He has always been a bit of a flirt.”

Gemma laughed. “I think Elizabeth can handle him. She is certainly no wallflower.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Peter had found his way to Frederick. He clasped his old friend on the shoulder with a solemn smile.

“I must say, Frederick, your sister would be so proud of you,” Peter said, his voice thick with emotion. “Helen always wanted you to find happiness, and I think she would be delighted to see that in you now.”

Frederick gave him a small, bittersweet smile, his eyes softening. “I know she would, Peter. It is still hard, though, to think of her, to know she cannot be here to see this. But I will carry her memory with me always, especially today.”

Peter nodded in understanding, a silent agreement passing between them. They had both suffered losses, and though they could not bring Helen back, they could honor her legacy by livingtheir lives to the full. For Frederick, that meant embracing the love and joy he had now found with Gemma.

Turning his attention to Gemma, Peter smiled warmly. “I must say, madam, you are even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Helen would have adored you.”

Gemma’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you, Peter. I have heard so much about her from Frederick, and I am sorry for your loss, too. It seems we have all had to face grief in different ways.”

Peter nodded. “We have, but I know she would have wanted us to find happiness. And I believe she would have been overjoyed to see what you and Frederick have found in each other.”

As the ceremony began, Gemma felt a surge of emotion wash over her. She was standing before the altar, holding Frederick’s hand, surrounded by the people she loved most.

The officiant’s voice rang out clearly. “Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?”

Gemma glanced up at Frederick, seeing the depth of his emotion in his eyes.

“I will,” she said softly.

When it was Frederick’s turn, his gaze never wavered from hers.

“I, Frederick, take thee, Gemma, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death us do part.”

Gemma’s voice was steady, though her heart felt like it might burst with emotion as she repeated the vows.

“I, Gemma, take thee, Frederick, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part.”

The officiant smiled warmly. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he prompted.

Frederick’s hand was sure as he slipped the ring onto her finger, murmuring the words of the ancient promise.

The chapel felt alive with a sacred energy, and as the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, the room erupted into applause. Frederick leaned down to kiss Gemma, sealing their union with a gentle yet fervent kiss, one filled with all the love he held for her in his heart.

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