“Christ, I love being inside you,” he said with fervor.
“You belong here,” she said tremulously. “You always have.”
His voice vibrated with the force of his emotions. “You’re my home, Lottie.”
“And you are mine, Jack.”
“I love you.”
They said the last together. It echoed the vows they’d exchanged earlier. They lost themselves in their joining, their bodies surging toward the ecstasy that their hearts had already found.
A few weeks later, Charlie watched on with pride as Jack prepared to receive his knighthood.
The investiture ceremony was taking place in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace. Against the regal backdrop of crimson and gilt, the recipients of the honor knelt one by one before Her Majesty the Queen, whose plush throne was shaded by a lavish gold-fringedbaldacchino. His Royal Highness Prince Albert stood to her right. As the Grand Master of the Order of the Bath, he pinned the insignia on the ceremonial coats of the newly made knights, and both he and the monarch offered words of congratulations.
Then it was Jack’s turn. Although he was receiving the honor as a civilian—his past as a spymaster and the attack by the First Flame had to be kept secret—he had the bearing of a warrior. Prior to kneeling before Her Majesty, he turned his head and met Charlie’s eyes. The wink he gave her during this solemn occasion was nearly scandalous.
Charlie hid a grin. Her husband had always lived by his own rules. It was one of the reasons they were a perfect match. Jack got down on one knee, his hair gleaming like armor beneath the chandeliers, and was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Afterward, there was a reception, and Charlie and Jack were joined by Livy, Pippa, Fiona, Glory, and their spouses. Everyone wore formal court dress—extravagant white frocks for the ladies, dark coats and breeches for the gentlemen—and looked as proper as could be.
This might be, Charlie thought with amusement,our finest disguise.
“Congratulations, old boy,” Hadleigh said.
“Well done,” Chen agreed.
“How does it feel to be Sir Granger?” Cullen asked.
“The same as when I was a plain mister,” Jack replied.
The men guffawed.
“I noticed the prince murmured something to you during the ceremony.” Livy aimed a curious glance at Jack. “Is it something you feel free to share?”
“His Royal Highness thanked me. For protecting those most dear to him: his wife and children.”
Jack slid an arm around Charlie’s waist, and she leaned into his solid strength.
Hawksmoor cleared his throat. “If you are interested, sir, my team has an opening.”
“No, thank you.”
Jack meant it. Charlie knew this because they’d spent hours discussing what he wanted to do with his future. She feared he was giving up espionage for her, but he had assured her otherwise.
“I want to make maps,” he’d said firmly. “I want to explore new lands and chart the progress of existing places. Most of all, I want to help people find their way home.”
With her full support, Jack had accepted a cartography commission in Greece. The visit was going to double as a wedding trip, and Charlie couldn’t wait for her first vacation in years. After many interviews, she had hired a partner whom she was confident would keep her society running smoothly whilst she was away.
A hush came over the crowd, which parted like the Red Sea at the approach of the royal couple. Their group bowed and curtsied, and the Angels and their husbands made space for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to have a private moment with Jack and Charlie. Whilst His Royal Highness conversed with Jack, Her Majesty addressed Charlie.
“Lady Granger, we understand that your husband is not the only one we must thank today.”
Charlie met the monarch’s clear blue eyes. The queen was a petite woman with glossy chestnut curls and porcelain skin. Her serene decorum made it easy to see why she was a symbol of propriety and domesticity.
Charlie wondered how much the monarch knew about her society’s involvement at the Crystal Palace. According to Hawksmoor, the Angels had been omitted from the official reports to protect their reputations. And, perhaps, to spare the royal sensibilities.
“I endeavor to be a support to my husband, Your Majesty,” Charlie said demurely.
