Annie passed her bouquet to Louisa and stepped to Julian’s side, gazing up at him. Julian regarded her for a moment, anticipating. Then he lifted her veil and found himself gazing into the eyes that had captivated him from the first moment they’d met. “You are exquisite, Miss Fairfax,” he murmured, breathing in her soft, floral scent. “Absolutely exquisite.” Annie inhaled, bit her lip, and closed her eyes briefly, as if savoring the happiness so evident in her smile.
“Dearly beloved,” the vicar announced, and the ceremony began. Naturally, memories of that dreadful day in May threatened to overshadow Annie’s happiness, but she pushed them aside. Though tragic, the events of that day had set her on a different path. A wonderful path, full of promise. This was where she was meant to be, beside the man she truly loved. Vows were exchanged without interruption, the ring given and received, and the union officially pronounced. Their subsequent kiss was the final, sweet attestation.
“My wife,” Julian murmured, as their lips parted.
“My husband,” Annie replied, her face alight with joy.
Julian, who couldn’t stop smiling, escorted Annie to the dining hall where a spectacular Wedding Breakfast had been laid out. There followed a verbal shower of compliments and acknowledgments as guests wandered in.
“Congratulations you two,” Josiah said, squeezing Julian’s shoulder as he wandered past. “Lovely service. Excellent spread as well. Please excuse me, I’m starving.”
Julian laughed. “Only here for the food, Joe?”
“You know it,” he replied and winked at Annie.
“Welcome to the family, Annie.” Louisa leaned in and kissed Annie’s cheek. “You look beautiful. Your dress is magnificent.”
And so it continued. A while later, with Annie chatting to the twins and everyone mingling nicely, Julian sought out his father.
“So far so good, Papa,” he said. “No sign of trouble.”
Aldous gave him a sideways glance. “You’ve only been married for five minutes, Julian. If you want my advice, it’s best to agree with everything she says. That’s always been my philosophy.”
Laughing, Julian shook his head. “That is not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant.” Aldous took a sip of what looked like port. “And may it continue, but the day isn’t over yet.”
An echo from a familiar voice found its way into Julian’s ear.
“So far so good,” Taggart said, repeating Julian’s words as he approached. “Which disappoints me, if I’m to be honest. Worth coming for the food, though.”
“I agree.” Lloyd patted his stomach. “Ain’t never seen a spread like it.”
Aldous’ mouth twitched as he took another sip.
“Yes, I’m relieved, Inspector.” Julian’s nonchalant gaze wandered over the room. “Though I also share your disappointment. Nothing I’d like more than to see the fellow caught and dealt with.”
“The day’s not over yet, gentlemen,” Aldous said. “Don’t let your guard down.”
“Quite right.” Julian’s gaze halted, his attention drawn to Annie and the footman who’d approached her. The man, silver salver balanced on his hand, said something to her, and she immediately looked about, searching, Julian knew, for him.
A prickle of unease crept across Julian’s nape. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, Papa, it appears we might have a problem. Wait here, please.”
Annie, who had been chatting to Hattie and Janet, locked eyes with his as he approached. Panicked eyes, and unspoken words which were written plainly on her face.He’s here.
“What is this?” Julian asked of the footman.
“Um, a message for the lady, sir,” the footman replied, looking somewhat confused.
“Who delivered it?”
“I don’t know, sir. Mr. Barnes bid me deliver it.”
Frowning, Julian picked up the folded paper. Of cheap quality, it was addressed simply to “Annie”.
“Ask Mr. Barnes to join me, please.”
“Certainly sir.” The man nodded and sped off.
