"Happier than you can imagine," Theodore said, smiling genuinely now. "Imagine brother, what you would have robbed me of if you had not allowed for this to happen."
"I suppose I was a bit difficult," Oliver shrugged his shoulders, and passed Alethea a knowing smile.
"Indeed, that is one way to put it," Theodore shook his head and then turned to Alethea. "He spent weeks pretending he did not mind. All the while giving me speeches about responsibilityand duty and the honor of the family name. In fact, I was rather intimidated the first time he summoned me to his study to tell me that he has decided to give me his blessing."
"Must we recount this now?" Oliver shot his brother a look.
"Yes," Theodore said, beaming. "Because now you must admit you were wrong."
Oliver sighed, but Alethea saw the fondness in his gaze.
"I was wrong," he said, plainly.
Theodore threw his head back and laughed so loudly that several nearby guests turned to look.
"Well," Joyce said, her smile softening, "I suppose it is only fair to say you were also right in having your reservations. I, for one, do not hold it against you."
She was addressing Oliver now.
"You are kind to me," Oliver nodded. Over the last few months, his relationship with Alethea's sisters had grown, particularly with Joyce whom he now regarded as a good match for Theodore.
"You make my brother better," Oliver said to her.
"And he does the same for me," Joyce said without hesitation.
Theodore cleared his throat, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
"I refuse to become sentimental in public," he declared. "Really, Joyce. We should greet some other people. I only stopped so I could tease my dear brother."
"Too late," Alethea teased, and he rolled his eyes but did not argue.
Joyce slipped her hand into his, and they drifted back towards the other guests.
Alethea turned back to Oliver.
"A match well made," she admitted.
"Agreed," Oliver said.
The party was still in full bloom. But Alethea decided that she had enough of the crowds. In earnest, she craved a moment alone with her husband.
Of course, this was usually true for her. Not a single hour passed when she did not crave his presence, sometimes when he was still there by her side.
She understood now thatlovereally was meant to be. In fact, understood would be putting it rather plainly. She lived through the reality of it every single day and it only seemed to get better.
Alethea slipped her hand into Oliver's and nodded toward the grand staircase.
"Shall we steal away for a moment?" she asked softly.
"Already?" His eyes warmed as he bent his head closer.
"I believe we have earned it."
He did not argue. Instead, he guided her through the crowd, pausing just long enough to murmur polite farewells to the guests they passed. Alethea caught Felicity's eye across the room and saw her sister's mouth curve in a knowing smile. They reached the corridor, passing by the nursery.
"Shall we look in on her?" Oliver asked.
"Yes, please. She was most upset that she could not attend the festivities," Alethea commented.
