Page 58 of A Lady's Propitious Match
EPILOGUE
A week later…
Christopher stood before the mirror, his heart dancing with joy as he prepared for the most significant day of his life — his wedding day. A day he never thought he would get to see, especially with this woman he was lucky enough to marry. The room was bathed in soft morning light, casting a warm glow on the carefully chosen attire for today.
Dressed in his finest suit, a tailored ensemble that spoke of timeless elegance, Christopher marveled at the day which lay ahead. The deep navy fabric embraced him, a perfect complement to the momentous occasion. The frock coat, adorned with subtle details, hugged his form with a tailored grace that mirrored the anticipation swelling within him.
A crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the frock coat, its immaculate simplicity accentuating the profound significance of the day. The tie, a rich shade of burgundy, added a touch of sophistication, a subtle nod to the depth of emotions that colored the canvas of his heart.
Christopher’s hands deftly secured the cufflinks, each click a melody of preparation for the harmonious union that awaited him. He cast a final glance in the mirror, a smile playing on his lips, a symphony of happiness echoed in his eyes.
As he adjusted the boutonniere — a delicate arrangement of blooms that mirrored the vibrant hues of the love he felt — Christopher took a moment to savor the magnitude of the day. The soft fragrance of the flowers, mingling with the anticipation in the air, created a sensory tapestry that would forever be woven in to the fabric of his memories.
A knock at the door surprised him. Who had his butler let in to the home unannounced?
“Mother?” he gasped as he prized open the door to his bedchambers. “Graham? What are you doing here? I was not expecting you to attend today?”
His mother, with kind eyes and a hesitant smile, was the first to speak out. She took a deep breath, her words carrying a sincerity born of introspection.
“Christopher, I have come here not to meddle but to mend. Over time, I have realised the errors of my ways, how I pushed too hard and failed to see you as your own person. I failed to listen to your desires, and even tried to tell you that you were not good enough for an earl’s daughter, for which I feel terrible. I was wrong. No titles can stand in the way of true love, which I can now see you have. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused, and I hope we can find a way to rebuild what was broken.”
Her words hung in the air, a fragile bridge linking their past with the potential for a better future. Christopher nodded, grateful for the acknowledgement and hopeful for a new beginning.
He could stay angry at his mother forever, or he could invite his family into his new life where he had found everything that he was looking for.
Graham, standing a few paces behind, approached with a reserved demeanor. His gaze met Christopher’s, conveying an intensity that hinted at the gravity of his confession. As he spoke, his voice held a steady tone, laced with remorse.
“Christopher,” he began, “I owe you an apology as well. I have carried the burden of a secret for far too long, a secret that has strained our relationship more than I realised.”
“What are you talking about?”
Graham hung his head low, shame ricocheting right through him. “I have always led you to believe that I blame you for Father’s death, but that is not exactly the truth. I have only said as much to try and assuage my own guilt.”
“You have guilt?”
Christopher darted his eyes between his brother and his mother, but neither of them were giving anything away.
“I knew that he was struggling. A mix of undisclosed health issues,” Graham confessed, “but Dad, he stubbornly resistedseeking medical help. I should have fought him on this. I should have insisted. But I never thought that he would end up dead.”
Christopher’s mind whirred, the pieces of a puzzle falling into place. The burden he had carried for years, the guilt and self blame for his father’s untimely demise, began to lift. The weight on his shoulders, which he had carried like an invisible anchor, slowly dissipated.
Graham’s honesty, though overdue, served as a soothing balm for wounds Christopher had not known how to heal. The room seemed to hold its breath, suspended in the gravity of the moment.
The mix of emotions within Christopher was palpable — a tumultuous sea gradually finding its calm. He met Graham’s eyes, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The unspoken understanding bridged the gap that had divided them for so long.
“You could not have made our father do anything,” Christopher offered Graham kindly. “However much you tried. You know how that man was. So determined that he was always in the right, no matter what.”
A tentative smile played on Christopher’s lips as he absorbed the weight of his family’s apologies. The air seemed lighter, and the tension that had long held their interactions captive began to dissipate. His mother’s sincere words and Graham’s heartfelt confession had laid the ground work for a new beginning.
“Thank you,” Christopher said, his voice carrying a sincerity that mirrored the authenticity of the moment. “I appreciate your honesty, and I am grateful for the chance to start afresh. I believe that this is something we all need.”
“We would love to come to your wedding, if you will have us,” his mother stated with hope dancing in her eyes. “We want to get to know your bride, to invite her into the family with us.”
Christopher beamed from ear to ear. “I would absolutely love that. Please, come with me now. I am sure you will love Clara, she is the best person I have ever met in my life, and by the end of the day, she will be my wife…”
Something he could not wait for.
***
