He was met with admiring glances and approving looks as he strode downstairs a short while later.
He and his children took the first carriage to St. Matthew’s Church.
He was ready and waiting at the altar when Eden arrived. She was escorted by his mother and her parents, who were not fighting with each other for once. No doubt, his mother had threatened them with death if they ruined this day forEden. Having plotted for years to match him with Eden, the determined dowager duchess was not going to let anything or anyone interfere with this happy day.
Connor could have told her not to worry, for nothing was going to keep him from exchanging vows with Eden.
His children ran up to her with cheers and squeals of glee. Eden had a big smile and a hug for each of them. Priscilla was beaming.
His heart tightened while he watched his little girl. She had been in such need of a mother’s care, and Eden had provided it to her these past few years. Just as Eden used to come crying to his mother, Priscilla would run into Eden’s arms whenever she was sad and crying.
His boys looked quite handsome, he noted with pride.
As for Eden, she looked spectacular in a gown of cream silk and a simple circlet of flowers in her hair, which was done up in soft waves.
The church was soon packed to the rafters with house party guests, villagers, and Eden’s entire domestic staff, who all gasped in admiration when she walked down the aisle, a majestic faerie queen draped in a circle of light as the sun filtered through the stained-glass windows and seemed to follow her the entire way to his side.
He took her hand, breathing a quiet sigh of relief when her mother and his, as well as his children, took seats in the Lynton family pew to his right while her father took a seat in the Darrow family pew to his left. “You’re not wearing your spectacles,” he whispered.
“Your mother hid them from me,” she whispered back, laughing softly. “Apparently, she did not want your new wife to march down the aisle looking like an owl.”
The vicar, who was also noticeably relieved the Darrows were on their best behavior, cleared his throat to gain their attention and proceeded with the ceremony.
Although it was not commonly done, Connor held Eden’s hand throughout the ceremony and continued to hold it through their exchange of vows. He heard the joy in her words as she said, “I do.”
He felt a contentment such as he had never experienced before when his turn came, and he repeated, “I do.”
Cheers rang out the moment the vicar pronounced them husband and wife.
Ah, yes.Those were his little heathens hopping out of their seats and reveling like pagans in the aisles.
Connor led Eden out of the church and into the splendid sunshine. They remained in front of the church to accept well wishes from all in attendance. Everyone would now return to Lynton Grange for the wedding breakfast that was to include a feast, entertainments, and drinks flowing until all hours.
Everyone wished them well—even Persephone, who hadn’t taken long to put a tether on the Marquess of Rathburne’s son, Damien. The amiable dolt scurried forward on her command, offered congratulations on her command, and gave his arm to escort Persephone to the Lothmere’s waiting carriage—also on her command.
He appeared happy as a lark.
Yes, Persephone was perfect for that good-natured clot who did not have much going on between his ears.
Lord and Lady Lothmere approached them next to offer their good wishes. Lady Lothmere appeared quite sad as she said, “We would have welcomed you into our family, dear Eden. But I think you are exactly where you are meant to be. I only hope my son finds another such as you to love.”
Eden gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I also wish this same happiness for him.”
Sir Nero approached them next, appearing quite disgruntled as he stepped forward to offer his congratulations.
Eden noticed, too. “He will have to find someone else’s bottom to pinch now that I am your duchess and he fears you will cut off his hand if he dares try it again.”
Connor frowned. “I’ll do much worse if he ever dares.”
Eden gave his hand a light squeeze. “Completely unnecessary. Merely a fierce stare from you will do. See? Perfect. Just as you are staring at me now.”
He laughed. “I am staring at you with love. It isn’t at all the same thing.”
She stared back with her big hazel eyes shimmering.
The memory of that fishpond rescue came back to him. Her eyes. Those very same eyes that had touched his soul all those years ago.
Yes, he should have known they were bound together in that moment.
