And not only Lord Northwood. In Augustus Shackleford’s opinion, which he enthusiastically shared with Percy over a few celebratory glasses of brandy, the Viscount’s ability to carry off a good cock and bull story made Gabriel Atwood a perfect addition to the family.
There had been a brief hiccup in his burgeoning relationship with Hope when Gabriel deemed it only honourable to inform everyone involved in the whole smoky business that Henry’s revelations had revealed him to be the Admiral’s by blow. However, he was told in no uncertain terms by both the Duke of Blackmore and the Earl of Ravenstone to remove the poker from his arse and get on with it.
Roan of course had relished enlightening the Viscount of his own less than respectable upbringing and finally Reverend Shackleford had cheerfully informed Gabriel that as long as he cared for Hope, was in possession of plenty of blunt, and a good pair of ear plugs, then her father had no objections.
Epilogue
Entirely unused to being the centre of attention, Hope stood uncomfortably silent while her younger sisters argued over whether the addition of a sprig of honesty would add anything to her ensemble.
Patience was of the opinion that the whole affair was an entire waste of a day, citing the fact that she’d already been forced to endure three of her sibling’s weddings and asking why Hope couldn’t simply have eloped to Gretna Green like Ada Leigh and John Gaynor in the village.
Chastity was of the opinion that the addition of any more flowers would not actually render Hope any less homely and instead result in her looking like she had a garden on her head, while Charity pointed out that the inclusion of honesty was a trifle hypocritical given that in her view Hope had most definitely fabricated an entire Canterbury tale when recounting the details of her unexpected courtship with Lord Northwood to her sisters.
Prudence said they made her look as if she’d just been dug up.
The arrival of Grace and Temperance, both now happily enceinte, put an end to the quarrel as the Duchess was holding the most beautiful garland of gladiolus flowers, while Temperance smilingly carried a matching bouquet.
‘They represent hope and strength,’ Grace said, placing the crown on her sister’s auburn tresses, ‘and goodness knows you’ve shown more than enough of both recently.’
The delicate blue was a perfect foil to Hope’s red gold hair and for a few seconds her sisters were speechless, until Prudence announced that they were a definite improvement as the bride no longer looked as though she’d been dead for a week, merely a couple of days.
Before anyone got chance respond to this exaggerated observation, Faith arrived, flustered and agitated before leaning dramatically against the door.
‘What’s wrong?’ asked Hope anxiously, half expecting the groom to have backed out at the last minute.
‘Nothing at all,’ responded Faith with forced gaiety. ‘What could possibly be wrong?’
Not trusting her sister’s denial for one second, Hope handed her bouquet to Patience and put her hands on her hips. ‘What’s father done now?’ she demanded.
Grace and Temperance exchanged frowns. Whatever calamity had transpired, they certainly had no knowledge of it and Hope’s heart gave an uncomfortable lurch.
‘Is it Gabriel?’ she asked. ‘Has he cried off?’
‘Of course not,’ answered Faith indignantly. ‘What on earth made you think such a thing?’
‘Tell me what’s happened,’ Hope commanded.
‘Very well,’ Faith relented. ‘Just… well…pleasedon’t shout when I tell you.’
Hope felt sick as she stared at her twin, eventually giving a small nod.
Faith sighed, then taking a deep breath, she whispered, ‘The Queen is here.’
‘What do you mean the Queen is here?’ yelled Hope. ‘Which queen?’
‘What do you mean which queen?’ returned Faith frantically flapping her hands at her sister to lower her voice. ‘There’s only one deuced queen - Queen Charlotte.’
‘Why is she here?’ cut in Grace, her calmness effectively cutting off the rising hysteria.
‘Apparently because Gabriel’s uncle was such a hero,’ Faith stammered. ‘She wants to pay her respects to the families of those sons of England who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice in the war against old Boney.’
‘His demise can hardly be blamed on Napoleon Bonaparte,’ scoffed Temperance.
‘How did Napoleon kill Gabriel’s uncle?’ queried Chastity frowning.
‘I heard father talking to Percy about him having aFrench box,’piped up Prudence.
‘Prudence’ chided both Grace and Temperance at the same time.
