Joan took the larger ring with trembling hands and slipped it onto Laurence’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. With all my worldly goods, I thee endow. This is my solemn vow.”
The vicar raised his hands over them in blessing. “By the power vested in me by the Church and the Crown, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He smiled broadly. “You may kiss your bride, Your Grace.”
Laurence pulled Joan close with one arm around her waist and one hand cradling her face, and he kissed her with such tender passion that the entire congregation erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
Joan melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck, kissing him back with all the love and joy and relief flooding through her.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless and flushed and grinning like fools, the cathedral was in chaos. People were cheering and clapping and calling out congratulations.The children threw more flower petals into the air. The organ launched into a triumphant recessional.
Laurence and Joan turned to face their guests as husband and wife, and the cheering grew even louder.
Hand in hand, they walked back down the aisle together. Joan caught glimpses of tear-stained faces on both sides, Victoria openly sobbing into Octavia’s shoulder, Damian wiping his eyes and trying to look composed, Timothy beaming proudly, the children jumping up and down with excitement.
They emerged from the cathedral into brilliant sunshine. More villagers had gathered outside, and they threw rice and flower petals as the newlyweds appeared. Someone had decorated the carriage with even more flowers and white ribbons that streamed behind it like banners.
The celebration at the Duke’s mansion was spectacular. The ballroom had been transformed into a wonderland of flowers and candles. Tables groaned under the weight of elaborate dishes. Music filled the air.
Joan was surrounded by well-wishers when three small figures pushed through the crowd.
“Miss Sinclair!” Imogen gasped, then corrected herself. “I mean, Duchess! You look so beautiful!”
Percival and Edmund nodded vigorously, each pressing small wrapped packages into Joan’s hands, gifts they’d clearly made themselves with painstaking care.
“Thank you, darlings,” Joan said, fighting back tears yet again. “These are wonderful.”
Timothy approached next, his own gift in hand, a beautifully carved wooden box. “I’m so proud of you, Miss, that is, Your Grace. Watching you find happiness… well, it does an old heart good.”
“Thank you, Timothy. For everything. You’ve been such a support.”
A woman approached timidly, wringing her hands. Joan didn’t recognize her at first.
“Begging your pardon, Your Grace,” Timothy said quietly. “This is Mrs. Alderton. She wanted to speak with you.”
Recognition dawned. This was the woman who had falsely accused Percival of theft, the incident that had first inspired Joan to start the school.
Mrs. Alderton dropped into a low curtsy. “Your Grace, I came to apologize. For what I did to young Percival, for the wicked lies I told. I was desperate and cruel, and I’ve regretted it every day since.”
She held out a simple wrapped package. “My son attends your school now. He’s learning to read, something I never dreamed possible for him. You’ve changed our lives. I’ve changed, Your Grace. I swear it. I’ll never victimize another child as long as I draw breath.”
Joan studied the woman’s face and saw genuine remorse there. She accepted the gift with a nod.
“As long as you keep that vow, all is forgiven. Every child deserves education and kindness.”
Mrs. Alderton’s eyes filled with grateful tears. She curtsied again and hurried away.
Timothy smiled at Joan. “You don’t understand how many lives you’ve changed. Not just the children, but entire families.”
Before Joan could respond, she felt warm hands settle around her waist. She leaned back instinctively into Laurence’s solid chest. Timothy smiled and he left quietly.
Hugo appeared with Damian, both men grinning. Behind them came Octavia and Victoria, chatting and giggling together like old friends.
Hugo chuckled as he observed Laurence’s possessive hold on Joan. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ashcroft this demonstratively affectionate in public. It’s rather alarming.”
“Indeed,” Damian agreed with mock concern. “I’ve never witnessed the Duke smile this much. It’s quite unsettling.”
Laurence was murmuring something in Joan’s ear that made her laugh. Octavia leaned toward Victoria and whispered, “It’s truly uncanny to see him like this.”
Victoria nodded, her own smile wide. “I’ve never seen my sister so happy either.”
