The two men exchanged a glance Eudora did not quite understand before Lord Delaney ushered her back outside to the yard.
“Keep walking,” he urged her quietly as the stable lad tipped his hat to them.
They kept a brisk pace until they reached the house. Once inside the entrance hall, the baron finally paused and turned to face Eudora, his expression worried.
“Forgive me,” he blurted, “I acted out of instinct.”
“I don’t believe I could love you more than I do in this very second,” Eudora replied, most sincerely.
Lord Delaney looked so terribly wrong-footed by her words that—despite the gravity of the moment—it caused Eudora to giggle.
“It’s true,” she continued, once calmer, “And if you are still willing, my lord, I would very much like to become your wife.”
“You would?” Robert sought instant clarification, not quite believing her.
“I would,” she repeated firmly.
To assuage his doubt, she stepped forward, intending to kiss his cheek, but Robert moved first. He swept her into his strong arms, enveloping her completely, and captured her lips in a deep, searing kiss.
“You have made me the happiest man in the world,” he whispered as they finally broke apart.
“And you have made me—” Eudora began, but a loud shriek of joy filled the cavernous hall before she could finish her sentence.
“Oh, what a happy sight!” Mrs Mifford cried as she tripped down the stairs, followed by her husband at a slower pace. Behind him came her sisters and their husbands, each exclaiming with happiness.
Within seconds, Eudora and Robert were surrounded by well-wishers who congratulated them, shook Robert’s hand, and hugged Eudora.
It was an overwhelming whirl of chaos and joy. And, as Eudora held tight to Robert’s hand, she realised there was nowhere else she’d rather be than here—holding Robert’s hand and surrounded by love the love of her family.
EPILOGUE
THE WEDDING BREAKFASThad lasted for three hours and had included one minor fire, two verbal squabbles, and many teary embraces.
Eudora sat in the drawing room of Northcott Hall, her new husband on one side and a plate of French fancies on the other, debating which was the greater temptation. Rob had, annoyingly, caught her looking at both with equal fondness.
Her sisters were scattered around the room, each accompanied by their dashing husbands. Eudora stole another glance at Rob from beneath her eyelashes, very glad indeed that she had joined her sisters in matrimonial bliss.
Cousin Charlotte, meanwhile, was seated beside an older gentleman and speaking with cheerful oblivion to his obvious disinterest in her words.
“As I’m no longer needed to assist Jane during her confinement,” she explained, “Uncle suggested I stay on as a companion to my aunt instead. Isn’t that lovely? I won’t have to leave Plumpton after all!”
Mrs Mifford, who had heard every word from across the room, scowled at her husband who had obviously not consulted her before offering his invitation.
Eudora watched the chaos with a vague sense of fond despair. If she were sentimental—which she wasn’t, except perhaps in instances involving lost stockings—she might have cried at the thought of leaving all this behind.
Rob’s family were present too, his mother and his sisters. Upon first meeting them Eudora had understood the overwhelm others experienced when being presented to the Mifford clan. There was nothing brighter, gayer, and more overwhelming than a gaggle of sisters all clustered in the same room.
The youngest of the Delaney girls, Amy, had sidled up beside Eudora just after the wedding and said the nicest words that she had heard, since Rob had repeated his vows.
“I’m happy to have another older sister,” she’d gushed, before pulling Eudora into a warm embrace.
“I’m happy to have you as a younger sister,” Eudora had whispered back. “I promise I shall not pull rank or steal your best stockings.”
She had never been anyone’s older sister, it was rather thrilling to think that Rob had made her one. And, thanks to Mary, Jane, and Emily, Eudora was certain that she knew just what—and what not—to do, to ensure Amy’s continued warm regard.
A voice at her ear startled her from her reverie.
“Would you like to make your escape?”
Rob nodded with amusement toward her parents, who were beginning to bicker loudly.
He did not need to ask her twice.
“Yes,” she said. “Before they put on an impromptu fireworks display.”
Rob held out his hand and Eudora took it in her own. Together, they slipped out through the drawing room doors, leaving the chaos of Plumpton behind—for now, at least.
After all, she thought, there was bound to be another murder sooner or later.
