Page 65 of The Marquess and the Wallflower
“I realize it is hardly orthodox to ask your blessing with Emily present, but I wished her to be here,” Aaron said quickly. “I also know I have not coveted myself in glory these last couple of days, but I will do anything to prove myself worthy of her, my Lord, and to have your approval.”
He wishes to marry me?Emily stared at him in wonder, not missing the eagerness and the passion with which he spoke.Is this possible?
She could have been Elizabeth in her book, feeling that rush of love as the Captain appeared outside of the tavern. Aaron had come for her after all, and he was indeed the man she had always thought him to be, the man she had fallen in love with.
“Well, Emily?” Archibald said with a small smile as he turned to face her. “I prefer to let my own children make their decisions in these matters. I’ll only give my blessing if she says yes.”
Aaron turned toward her, his eyes lighting up with hope as he clung onto her hand.
“Marry me, Emily? Please?” There was something so soft and pleading in his tone that she was reminded of the night in Brighton when he had confessed what he felt for her.
The last few days may have been turbulent, but because of it, she had come to see the true strength of what he felt for her. He wanted her for life at his side, and that gave her confidence in the fact she had fallen in love with the right man, more than anything else.
“Emily?” he asked, his tone nervous indeed, until she smiled. That smile seemed to set all his worries at bay as he entwined his fingers with hers.
“Yes.”
Epilogue
Two Months Later
“What do you think?”
Emily was nervous. She still had not looked into the mirror, not yet. She was too busy fiddling with her hands and looking down at the pristine white gown.
“Oh, my Lady, you look truly stunning, please do not be afraid to look.” Helena’s words were a comfort, making her smile a little.
“Is that what the problem is?” Julia asked, placing her hands on her hips and standing in front of Emily, drawing her gaze. “Look soon, or I will be forced to drag the mirror round here so you can see yourself.”
“I’m looking,” Emily assured her. “Just give me a minute.”
These days, Emily was happy to look at herself in the mirror more. It was all to do with the sweet things Aaron whispered to her. The fact he thought she was beautiful had changed much for her, made her feel comfortable at last within herself, but sometimes it was difficult to shed her old ways, and every now and then she felt those same nerves. Now was one of those moments.
Of all the days, today, I wish to look well.
Breathing deeply, she turned round at last to greet her reflection. The person that looked back to her startled her so much she nearly dropped the bouquet.
“For heaven’s sake, do not drop that!” Grace’s voice appeared, revealing she was making her way into the room. “I spent hours overseeing that every red rose was placed perfectly in the bouquet.”
“Apologies,” Emily said hurriedly as she held the bouquet up again. A mixture of red and white roses, it was the perfect selection to compliment her gown.
The white dress hugged her figure, showing off every curve. The deep neckline and short sleeves revealed her neck and her arms a little more, elegantly. Each hem was patterned with soft white lace, perfectly embroidered to resemble more roses.
Emily’s auburn hair had been gathered into a pristine chignon with just a few teasing curls to frame her cheeks.
“Well, I do not look too bad,” Emily muttered, scarcely able to stop her smile.
“Too bad?” Grace laughed. “To look like you on my wedding day, I will need a wish granted from some fairy. Now, come on! Our father is waiting impatiently at the bottom of our stairs.”
“Let me guess, he is pacing back and forth and staring at his pocket watch that many times he’s in danger of dropping it?” Emily asked.
“Quite so.”
“So, are you ready?” Julia asked, beckoning Emily toward the door.
“I’m ready,” she said with glee, walking quickly out the door. Ever since Aaron had asked her to marry him, she had pictured this day, now that it was here, it scarcely seemed real.
She knew she was making her way toward the chapel on the Duke of Parson’s estate, one laden with flowers for the occasion. It would be beautiful, but as much as she was looking forward to the ceremony, she was looking forward to the time after it. She longed for the celebration and the wedding breakfast, for time alone with Aaron, where they would no longer need a chaperone, and all that the future had to bring.
