Alice immediately spun, then went to embrace her little sister. “How are you feeling, Elly?”
“I’m here, aren’t I? Thus, I’ve had noticeably worse mornings. As I was saying, what do you mean when the moon is out?”
Plucking the invitation from her reticule, she handed it to her sister, “Lord Brampton is celebrating his graduation in a very spectacular way. We’re invited to Vauxhall for the celebration.”
“The pleasure gardens?” Penelope’s voice rose octaves as she took the invitation. “Gadz. I have never been there.”
“Neither have I, but we know the whispers,” Alice replied while rifling through her wardrobe, looking for a suitable walking dress. “I know you are set on going, so I will attend with you.”
Coming around to perch on the edge of Alice’s bed, Penelope asked, “Even with His Grace attending? Wouldn’t it—wouldn’t it be a bit…”
“Awkward? Yes, I suppose it will,” Alice heaved out a dark blue walking dress embroidered with a pattern of flowering vines along the hem. She had an ivory one, yet felt this was more appropriate. “But what we might have once had is over. We are all adults here. Surely, we can get along for one night.”
“Do you think His Grace will try to convince you to marry him still?” Penelope asked. “Considering what Aunt is threatening you with, wouldn’t a cordial marriage with a man you do care for be better than a marriage with a man you do not know and will possibly give you more pain? If they do succeed in finding a willing match for you that is to say.”
Stalled, Alice found herself considering the situation; would she take Edward up on his offer, just to save herself from a worse fate? Was that fair to him and was that morally righteous of her?
The answer is no, to both situations.
Besides, it was coming on two months since they had last seen each other, let alone spoken. There was no certainty the offer still stood—no assurance he even thought of her at all.
That notion sent a strange, unwelcome ache curling in her chest. But she pushed it aside for now, those divulgences were strictly reserved for her nights.
“We’ll see,” she replied evasively, forcing a brittle smile. “I’d prefer if Aunt and Eliza do not catch wind of this, however. I am not entirely certain they will countenance my leaving, and frankly… nor do I want them with us on the night.”
“Not a word shall leave my lips,” Penelope bounced on her seat. “Now, let’s find my dress!”
While awaiting Benedict's arrival, Edward reached into the inner pocket of his coat and withdrew a small box, its surface wrapped in rich velvet. With a flick of his thumb, the lid sprang open to reveal a ring nestled within. The delicate white-gold setting cradled a teardrop-shaped diamond, not too dissimilar to the necklace he had gifted Alice earlier. Every facet seemed to capture and refract the light, a testament to the jewel’s singular beauty—exquisite, rare, and utterly captivating, much like the woman for whom it was destined.
If she accepts, my plans will all change tonight.
Snapping the box shut, he slipped it back as Benedict opened the door to the carriage and stepped inside, settling into the seat opposite while casting his hat away. “Apologies for the delay. I couldn’t seem to locate the cufflinks you gifted me last year.”
“I am surprised,” Edward murmured, staring out of the window. “Of all the places you want to celebrate, you chose the most disreputable place in London. Are you planning on showing the woman you love all the secret nooks you have frequented over the years?”
“Good god no,” Benedict shuddered as he wrapped on the roof. “I’ve found new ones.”
Rolling his eyes, Edward replied, “I could have taken you to Whites, you know. A final brotherly celebration before I leave.”
“I do,” his brother nodded. “But where is the fun in that? There is no dancing, no mysterious walks to wander down, and certainly no fireworks. After all, the fireworks are the perfect metaphor for my incandescent brilliance.”
“If I roll my eyes any harder, they are liable to be stuck at the back of my head.”
“You are leaving England on the morrow, no? What youshouldbe doing is finding Miss Alice, dropping to your knees and groveling for forgiveness,” Benedict pronounced.
Shifting his legs, Edward gazed at the buildings passing by through the window. “Please don’t you start this too.”
“I won’t, but I hope it ends well.”
EPILOGUE
“There they are,” Alice murmured, inclining her head toward the two figures waiting at the gate beneath the glow of blazing lamps and silvery moonlight.
At a distance, Edward appeared clad entirely in black, his tall, imposing figure blending into the night. Beside him, Benedict cut a dashing contrast in his tan jacket and brown trousers. As they drew closer, however, the subtle sheen of Edward’s waistcoat caught the light—a shade of blue so deep it nearly vanished into the ebony fabric of his coat.
“Miss Penelope,” Benedict greeted warmly, offering a bow as he approached. “You grow more radiant with each passing day.”
She canted her head while Benedict kissed her cheek; turning her gaze away, Alice curtsied, “Your Grace.”
