The rest of it would eventually fall into place.
The marriage license was good for thirty days. If she needed longer, he would simply obtain another one. Her father intended to assuage her concerns, but it might take her a little time to absorb his sudden change of heart. He had obviously done a thorough job of convincing Viola that she would be betraying his wishes if she did not marry George.
Ah, the complications of love.
Once assured by the doctor that Vicar Ruskin’s condition was stable, he and Viola went upstairs to share a meal with him in his bedchamber.
They ate quietly, engaging mostly in small talk. But Alexander saw the vicar tiring and did not want to put off their discussion any longer. “Viola, I have something to ask you.”
Her spoon clattered into her bowl. “No.”
“Dearest,” her father said. “You do not even know what his lordship is going to say.”
“I have a strong suspicion, and I do not want to hear it.”
“Enough, child. I will not have you giving up your dream because you think I will disapprove. All I ever wanted was for you to be safe and happy.”
She nodded. “With George.”
“No, it has never been about him. I wanted to see you settled with a good man who would love you and make a good life for you when I was no longer around. My lord, I think it is time you showed her what you were doing for much of yesterday.”
Alexander withdrew the license from his pocket. “Viola, your father and I have been talking these past few days. We both think it is a good idea.”
“What is? What are you holding in your hand?”
Her father emitted a sigh of exasperation. “A marriage license, obtained with my hearty consent and approval. Lord Ardley came to speak to me yesterday. I do not think any man will treat you better. He loves you. Is it not obvious? Why are you now frowning at us?”
Viola appeared stunned. “But, Papa. I–”
“Don’t ‘but, Papa’ me. I know what I am talking about. I have been a vicar long enough to recognize love when I see it. I blame myself for not realizing his lordship felt the same about you. This changes everything, Viola. He loves you and you love him. Do not be afraid to admit your feelings. My greatest regret will not be in dying, for we all must reach an end someday, and I have had a full and rewarding life. But I will never forgive myself if you deprive yourself of happiness because of something I’ve foolishly led you to believe.”
“Papa…”
“You deserve every happiness, my beautiful child. I shall never rest easy knowing I have been the obstacle to it. Forget George, poor fellow. All I ever wanted was for you to find a good man to love. Open your eyes, Viola. He is there beside you.”
She gazed at Alexander for the longest time, her expression softening as her father’s words sank in. “I suppose you expect me to say it to you now?”
He laughed softly and tossed her a cautious smile. “Only if this is how you truly feel. I hope it is.”
“Dear heaven, how can you think it is otherwise? Have I not made a complete idiot of myself over you?” She leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. “I love you with all my heart. Never a moment’s doubt. Just overwhelmed with fear. Panic. Worry. But never a doubt of my feelings for you.”
“That is a relief. For a while there, I thought George Haworth might win out.”
Her father groaned. “The poor blighter. He never stood a chance.”
Viola nodded. “My heart has always been yours, my lord. I could never marry another man.”
“Nor will any other woman claim my heart. I love you, Viola. I will tell you so every day of our lives together.”
She threw herself into his arms and hugged him fiercely. “Don’t ever wake me from this dream.”
“Wouldn’t think of it, love.”
The vicar rang the small bell he kept beside his plate to ring for assistance. “Mrs. Bligh, come in here quick!”
Their housekeeper lumbered in, her expression one of alarm. “Vicar Ruskin, what is it?”
“Sit down and join us. We are about to toast my daughter and Lord Ardley. They are getting married.”
