Ophelia could not understand what was happening to her.
Just then, the back door opened, and to everyone’s surprise, Rosalina walked inside, Randolph beside her. Rosalina’s eyes fell on Edward and Ophelia, the urgency in her eyes clearly imminent of her need to tell something. Ophelia was certain this was something about her. Had Rosalina somehow found out the truth?
“Edward!” Rosalina exclaimed.
“Lord Syke!” Ophelia’s mother clearly recognized Randolph, shocking Ophelia even more.
“Viscountess Lockwood,’ Randolph smiled, the only one still in control of himself, “Thank goodness I was right. I thought I had lost my mind since meeting Miss Jennings and could not place her.”
“Viscountess?” Edward asked Randolph, turning to look at Ophelia in bewilderment.
“She is a Lady, Edward!” Rosalina said. “Randolph finally remembered how he knew Ophelia, and I had to rush to tell you so your decision would become even more firm!”
Oh, Rosalina.
“This is what you were hiding from me?” Ophelia nodded at Edward’s question.
“I am the daughter of Viscount Lockwood, but my father passed away before Andrew was born, and we lost the title and the inheritance. My uncle became viscount and turned us out, and we had to move to Kent, and our condition got worse. I never tell anyone my real identity because it makes finding work difficult, so I also had to lie to you. I am sorry, Edward.”
“My goodness.”
“I had met the viscountess once, and since Lady Ophelia looks exactly like her mother, I thought I had met her,” Randolph added.
“Lady Ophelia,” Edward whispered, turning to look at her.
“Yes.” Ophelia nodded, finally giving up her lie.
“Even if you were not a Lady, my proposal for marriage would have remained intact as it is now. Please believe me, this is not out of pity but pure love, Ophelia. The love I have for you.”
“Edward,” she whispered, unable to stop crying.
Ophelia could not believe that everything she had ever wanted was right in front of her eyes, and all she needed to do was get a hold of it. She needed to extend her hand and take it.
“Will you marry me?” he asked again, kneeling with Ophelia’s hand in his. “Please?”
“I will.”
She sobbed as Edward stood up, Ophelia’s arms immediately going around his neck as they hugged one another. The moment they touched, she felt as if everything in the world was right again.
She had Edward.
Her Earl.
And she was finally going to be his Lady.
Epilogue
One month later…
Ophelia held Amy in her arms as she stood behind Rosalina at the altar, as her maid of honour while the happy bride – dressed luxuriously in white – said her vows. Edward stood on the other side behind Randolph, his eyes on Ophelia and Amy.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Everyone cheered as Randolph took Rosalina in his arms, kissing her passionately in front of the entire church. Ophelia turned to look at Edward, already staring at her, love shining in his eyes. The past month had been absolutely beautiful for them, and Ophelia had never been more in love. She saw no one but Edward; her heart completely meant for him and him alone.
As Rosalina and Randolph moved ahead, the pair came together again. Edward took Amy from her arms, who looked beautiful in the pink frock Ophelia had dressed the little girl in.
“How are you feeling, my darling?” Edward asked, smiling at her.
