Bromleigh grinned. “You’ve figured it out, haven’t you?”
“Figured what out?”
“Margaret’s condition. I spotted it immediately, since this is what Cherish has been going through. Was that Reggie just catching on?”
Rob chuckled. “Yes. A happy day all around.”
But Bromleigh frowned. “How will Fiona take the news?”
“She knows already,” Rob said, letting out a heavy breath. “Margaret confided in her when she first arrived at your house party.”
“Oh, blast. Then she’s been aching this entire time?”
“She’s happy for her friends, genuinely delighted. You know she hasn’t a malicious bone in her body. She would never resent their good fortune.”
Bromleigh nodded. “Still, it has to be hard on her.”
“It is,” Rob said quietly. “But she’ll have me now, and I hope that will be enough for her.”
“It will. I’m glad she’s marrying you.” Bromleigh gave him a friendly clap on the back. “You’ve always understood her betterthan anyone else. And love goes a long way toward healing wounds, doesn’t it? This is what she deserves, a true love match.”
All conversation ceased once the ladies came downstairs.
Fiona looked stunning in a gown of blue silk that flattered her youthful figure. Her hair was drawn back in soft waves and fashioned in an intricate chignon at the nape of her neck. The simple style seemed to enhance the graceful beauty of her face.
She wore no diamonds or other sparkling gemstones, only the lapis lazuli necklace and ring Rob purchased for her on their day in Brighton. She must have chosen this particular gown because it was the exact color of that ancient stone and held significance for both of them.
He still had the chunk of stone he’d purchased as an afterthought. It was buried amid his undergarments in his bureau drawer.
He had no idea what he would do with it. Perhaps it was enough to be in his possession, quietly bringing him good fortune wherever it was needed.
Their gazes locked.
Her smile stole his breath away.
She was happy.
And she loved him.
Within the hour, they were at the church and standing with the vicar before the altar.
Rob’s heart pounded harder as the time drew near for their exchange of vows.
He had never felt more content or at peace as when Fiona said, “I do,” and he said the same in turn.
“I now declare you to be husband and wife under the eyes of Our Lord and in his house,” the vicar intoned.
Cheers resounded and belfry bells pealed as they marched out of the church.
Everyone now climbed into their carriages to ride back to Northam Hall for the wedding breakfast.
Fiona’s entire staff had been invited to attend the ceremony and the breakfast that immediately followed. There was not a dry eye among them, for they truly adored her and wished her every happiness.
“We’ll be returning to Shoreham Manor this evening,” Fiona told her housekeeper within earshot of her staff of maids, who tried to be discreet as they ogled Rob and giggled.
Blessed saints.Were they still mooning over the sight of him shirtless?
All he cared about was Fiona finding him worthy to ogle, and he hoped she would never tire of his presence in her bed.
