Ashford had risen again, not merely restored, but revived. And in the heart of it all stood Georgiana—laughing with Sophia beneath a flowering pear tree, her cheeks flushed, her hair falling loose from the intricate twist she’d started the day with. The golden light from the lanterns caught the silk of her gown, making her glow like candlelight.
She caught his gaze, and without a word, began to move toward him.
He met her halfway, took her hand, and together they stepped away from the revelry. Beyond the lanterns and the tables and the joyous din of celebration, the orchard grew quiet. The music softened, shifting to a gentle air—something old and wistful, meant for waltzing beneath the stars.
They found each other’s arms easily.
Georgiana rested her cheek against his shoulder, and James closed his eyes for a moment, breathing her in. She smelled of the rosewater he had come to know so well.
“You look very pleased, Lord Ashford,” she murmured.
“I married you, which makes me very pleased indeed.”
Her laugh was soft, secret. “I still can’t quite believe it.”
He tilted his head and considered. “Yes, it feels like a very good dream. But it’s all real. And I am the luckiest man alive.”
She leaned back just far enough to meet his gaze. “I am the lucky one.”
They swayed together as the notes drifted through the orchard. Behind them, the murmur and music of celebration continued—the scrape of chairs, bursts of laughter, the calling of the country dance. But here in the hush beneath the trees, it was just the two of them, no longer haunted by ruins or regrets.
He kissed her softly and whispered, “Shall we go inside?”
“Soon,” she said. “One more dance. I want to savor this moment.”
So they stayed, wrapped in twilight and music, as the stars came out and the trees rustled gently overhead. In the distance, the celebration continued, their friends and neighbors and staff united in joy, dancing and feasting under the lanterns until the candles burned low.
Tomorrow would bring responsibilities and letters and tenants and plans.
But tonight, there was only joy.
*
The door closedsoftly behind them, and suddenly they were alone in James’s chambers—now, truly, their chambers. At least as far as the night was concerned.
Candles flickered softly across the room, casting dancing shadows on the oak-paneled walls. The bed had been turned down, revealing crisp white linens scattered with rose petals. A small fire crackled in the hearth, warming the space and filling it with the scent of applewood. On the side table sat a bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses, alongside a single white rose in a silver vase.
Georgiana stepped farther into the room, a smile spreading across her face. “James, how lovely.”
He moved behind her, his hands settling gently on her upper arms. “I wanted everything to be perfect for you. For us.”
“It’s beautiful,” she said, turning in his arms with bright eyes. Herhands came up to rest against his chest, and he could feel the excitement thrumming through her. “But you know what would make it perfect?”
“What?” His voice was already roughening.
“If you stopped being quite so much of a gentleman.” She rose up on her toes, her lips brushing his ear. “I’ve been wanting you for months, James Ashford. Burning for you. And now you’re finally mine.”
The bold declaration sent heat racing through his veins. “Georgie, my God. You may give me a heart attack.”
“I know what I want. And it is you.” Her hands moved to his cravat with sure fingers. “All of you. Desperately.” She pulled back to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkling with determination and desire.
He caught her hands, bringing them to his lips. “Here I am. All of me. And I am fairly desperate myself.”
She smiled with newfound mischief. “Though I confess, I have no idea how to get out of this gown without Mrs. Ellsworth’s help.”
He laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Allow me.”
Her boldness seemed to free something in both of them. She helped him with his waistcoat, her touch growing more confident with each button, each layer, removed. When his hands found the fastenings of her gown, she didn’t shy away but watched his face with fascination.
