"Make sure you find time to say good day to James," Victoria said. "He'll want to see you."
"Yes, of course," her father agreed. "In fact, I see him now, over by the door to the ballroom—we'll go and greet him. And then, perhaps, some dancing?"
"That sounds perfect," Lady Belvedere said warmly. "We'll see you again before long, Victoria. Enjoy your day!"
Victoria watched them go, thrilled at their presence and at the sight of her father having such a good time. It was hard to imagine that anything could have made her happier.
Well—perhaps she could think of one thing.
It was five minutes later that James came to join her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Victoria," he said warmly. "How are you enjoying the party?"
"Oh, it's lovely," she assured him. "I'm having the most wonderful time. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Very much. The turnout is wonderful."
"Do you think all of these people came just to get a look at me?"
"Probably," James teased, but he was laughing. "No, you're not nearly such an object of curiosity as you once were, Victoria. Now that Lord Harbury has been arrested for his crimes, everyone knows you didn't murder your husband. They're not here for gossip—at least, not for that particular item of gossip. They're here to celebrate our wedding, nothing more."
"I think you're probably right," Victoria agreed.
"Does it disappoint you to be out of the spotlight in that way?"
"You must be kidding. I'vedreamedof the day people would stop speaking about me the way they once did."
"Have you? You always gave the impression that you didn't really care about it," James said. "You acted as if what people had to say didn't matter to you at all."
"I had to act like that," Victoria said. "I had to live as though their words didn't matter, because I couldn't afford to let myself care about it. Not if I was going to be calm and happy. But it mattered. Of course it did. I wasn't a murderer, and I alwayshated that people believed me capable of such a thing. That's a painful thing to live with."
"Then I'm even more glad we found the true culprit," James said. "I was horrified when I realized it was him, but since it clears your name, it's unquestionably a good thing."
"I agree," Victoria said. "I'm grateful to you for figuring it out. Although that's only one of many reasons I feel gratitude toward you, of course."
James smiled. "Come," he said. "William would like to wish you well."
He steered them over to the ballroom, keeping his arm firmly around her shoulders. Victoria reveled in the feeling of being cared for. Nothing had ever meant so much to her in all her life as the knowledge that James wanted to make sure she knew she was loved. He had been so careful, over and over from the day of his proposal, to ensure that that fact was understood, and it made Victoria feel deeply loved.
William waited for them beside the fireplace in the ballroom, and he smiled as they made their approach. "Your Graces," he said formally, though they had been on a first name basis for weeks now. "How good to see you both looking so well and happy on this joyful occasion."
"Thank you," Victoria said with a smile. "We're glad you were able to be here."
"Ah, Victoria!" Cressida now joined the group with her husband in tow. "You look so beautiful today. And I've never seen you look this happy! What a remarkable day this is."
Victoria hugged her sister, and then hugged Matthew as well. "I'm not sure if you've met my husband's good friend, the Duke of Redmayne," she said. "And, William, this is my sister, Cressida, the Marchioness of Feverton, and her husband?—"
"Oh, I know the Marquess of Feverton," William interjected. "He and I have done business together on many an occasion." He extended a hand to Matthew. "It's a pleasure to see you again, sir."
"Indeed," Matthew agreed. "In fact, I have another business venture the two of us might discuss at your convenience, if you would be interested in such a thing."
"Oh, yes, very much so," William said. "Perhaps we'll make arrangements to meet sometime in the next week? I would hate to distract from today's blessed events with matters of business."
"I agree entirely," Matthew said with a smile. "But if you'll permit me, I will fetch some drinks for the two of us." He looked around the group. "Would anyone else like something to drink?"
"I think I'd prefer to dance, if my new bride will indulge me in that," James said.
Victoria beamed. "It would be entirely my pleasure," she assured him.
As the others went to fetch their drinks, Victoria allowed James to lead her onto the dance floor. He wrapped an arm around her as the musicians began to play.
