Then the Groom will put the Ring
“Let us pray.”
Abigail inclined her head as the vicar spoke a blessing over them both.
“Eternal God, send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, where this ring given and received is a token and pledge. May they ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Pressing her lips together, Abigail looked up as the vicar smiled gently, perhaps aware of just how much her heart longed for him to say these final words.
“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”
Lord Crestwood rose, taking Abigail with him as they turned to face the assembled congregation.
“As both the Earl of Crestwood and Abigail Townsend have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together.”
Abigail wanted to throw herself into his arms but there were still lines to write and documents to be signed. She did all of this in something of a daze, hardly able to believe that she was his bride and looking up into Lord Crestwood’s eyes at almost every moment, just to make certain that it was true.
“Come, my dear.”
It was done. Her hand still tight in his, Abigail turned again to face the gathered congregation of friends and family. Everyone was smiling, her mother was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief and smiling beatifically. Charlotte and Isabella were standing to one side, ready to follow out after them and, looking up to Lord Crestwood, Abigail found herself lost in his eyes.
“My darling wife,” Lord Crestwood murmured, pressing her hand tightly. “We shall walk down this aisle and then I must be alone with you – even for only a few minutes.”
Those words sent a joyous trembling to her soul and they walked down the aisle together as husband and wife, her heart singing with the sheer joy of it all. Cheers and cries from well-wishers surrounded her, flower petals and rice thrown over them and many a blessing given. Abigail laughed and smiled and wanted to weep from happiness, looking up into Lord Crestwood’s face and thinking to herself that she had never seen him smiling as happily as he was at this moment.
“You will have to all excuse me for a moment,” Lord Crestwood declared, as though he had seen her thoughts. “I must take my bride for a short walk around the churchyard and then we will return to you all.”
This brought with it some laughter and knowing looks and, blushing from head to foot, Abigail ducked her head but let Lord Crestwood lead her away from the crowd, satisfied to be, at last, solely in his company.
“My darling.” Lord Crestwood took both of her hands in his now that they were both hidden from the view of the other assembled guests. “We are wed at last! Is that not wonderful?”
“It is.” She squeezed his hands lightly, having no desire even to blink for fear of missing a single moment of being in his company. “I can hardly believe that we are man and wife!”
Lord Crestwood lifted one of her hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to it. “I do not think I have ever been happier than when I put that ring on your finger. It was as though heaven itself had opened in the sky and sent light down upon us both. It is a wonder that I did not collapse where I stood such was the sense of gratitude and happiness within my heart.”
“I am glad you did not for I do not think I would have the strength to catch you!” Abigail laughed, as he laughed along with her. “But in truth, Crestwood, I am truly overjoyed at being your wife.”
“And a Countess, no less,” he murmured, as heat rose in her cheeks. “I could ask for no-one better, my dear. I think you are the most wonderful, the most beautiful and the most incredible lady – not only in England but in all the world!”
She smiled and then, pulling her hands from his, stepped into his embrace, putting her hands around his neck and letting her head rest on his shoulder for a moment. Lord Crestwood held her tightly, his strong arms around her waist, the steady beat of his heart a comfort. Letting out a contented breath, she looked up at him and Lord Crestwood immediately bent his head so he might kiss her. She leaned into him all the more, her heart full as his lips met hers in loving kiss, knowing that she was safe, that she was loved and that she was protected, standing here in the arms of her new husband, the supposed Beast of Crestwood… who was beast no more.
THE END
