Page 105 of The Duke's Vice

“I must say, I am surprised you came, but ever so grateful. I haven’t properly apologized for the way things ended between us.”

Amos looked over towards the woman who was standing next to him. She gave him a slight nod of encouragement.

“Again, there is no need to apologize, Beatrice. In all honesty, I can say I am quite happy for you. I know what it’s like to not be with the one who holds your heart. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy and you are a dear friend of mine. I would hate to know that I had tethered you to a life of just companionship when you could have had so much more.”

Tears welled in the corners of Beatrice’s eyes. “What a beautiful thing to say, Amos. Thank you.”

Amos looked down to the box in his hand. “I’m actually glad I am able to see you. I wanted to give this to you as a wedding present of sorts.”

Beatrice quirked an eye brow at the box he was holding out to her.

“Amos, really, you didn’t need to do this.”

Amos looked to the woman who smiled at him. “I feel you would appreciate it. Please, we want you to have it”

Beatrice couldn’t contain her smile as she pulled out the small bowl she admired from his parlor. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“Oh, Amos! It’s your bowl from your travels to Japan. Are you sure?”

Amos brought out a handkerchief and offered it to Beatrice. “I insist. It’s a reminder that we are all broken in some ways, but it’s the people that hold us together that makes life more beautiful.”

She reached out and embraced him. “You are too kind. I do hope we can continue our friendship. It has become to mean so much to me.”

Amos stepped out of the embrace. “I feel the same way. I would love nothing more than to continue our friendship.”

Beatrice smiled, then looked to the woman expectantly.

“Oh!” Amos exclaimed. “Where are my manners? Lady Beatrice? This is Lady Catharine. My fiancé.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened at the woman’s title. “Fiancé? How wonderful!”

Lady Catherine dipped her head. “Thank you. We are very happy.”

Beatrice suddenly remembered. “Wait. My mother said the two of you were seen together before she interjected. I hope I wasn’t the cause of delay for your engagement?” Her eyes searched Amos’s. “If I knew you had other arrangements I would have insisted nothing would have been agreed upon.”

Lady Catherine shook her head. “You mustn’t worry about that, Lady Beatrice.” She looked up to Amos who now gave her a supportive nod.

“You know of Amos’s interests. Well, we have an understanding as well. I am in a similar predicament as Amos.” Lady Catherine lifted her eye brow in hopes of pushing her meaning.

Beatrice understood immediately and smiled. “I see. I’m glad you found each other. I’m sure you will be great companions. And, if Amos likes you, then I have no doubt we will become fast friends as well.”

Lady Catherine smiled. “I would like that as well, Your Grace.”

Amos laughed. “Well, she would need to make it down the aisle for her to be ‘Your Grace’ and for that to happen we need to take our seats so she can do just that.”

Beatrice smiled and accepted hugs from both Amos and Lady Catherine.

“Be well, Amos, and thank you, again.” She whispered as she hugged Amos.

“Be well, Your Grace.” Amos said before he gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek and joined Lady Catherine to find a seat.

Beatrice took a deep breath and looked down the aisle. How different it all felt walking towards her dream. Her steps were light and resolute. Her heart was steady and sure.

Ezra stood at the alter, his eyes focused on her every movement. She felt a pull towards him. If it wasn’t for the shuffling of feet in the pews, and the shifting of people in their seats trying to get a good view of the ceremony, she would have forgotten everyone else was there.

In her mind, it was only her and Ezra. It was all she needed.

When she reached the alter he extended his hand and like a magnet, Beatrice’s hand flew into his.

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