Her face awash with fresh tears, this time of happiness, she urged the marquess to his feet. “I should want nothing more than to be your wife, my lord.”
The grin he bestowed on her was absolutely breathtaking and it took her a moment to recover from the force of it.
“However, I should speak to Lord Everly and Lady Osbourne before anything is decided.”
He rubbed the back of his hand along her cheek. “I want nothing more than to keep you all to myself, but I commend you for your consideration of others. It only tells me that I’ve made the right choice in my future marchioness.”
Warmth washed over Dulcenia’s face at the compliment.
“Do you wish me to accompany you?” he offered.
“No.” She squared her shoulders. “I think it would be best if I did this on my own.”
“Very well.” He sighed heavily as he stepped back from her.
She walked over to the door and turned the lock. She started to leave, but paused, and glanced back at him. He offered her a silent salute and she walked out of the room, her steps lighter than they had been in days.
She immediately headed for the parlor where she felt she would find Lord Everly. Indeed, he was there sitting on the settee. He glanced up at her entrance and smiled warmly. Instantly, a pang of guilt shot through her. Was she really making the right decision in choosing Lord Dalhousie over him?
She walked over to him but remained standing. “My lord, might we have a word in private?”
He inclined his head and got to his feet. “Of course, Miss Hargrove.” He led her into the foyer, and while Dulcenia might have chosen somewhere a bit more secluded to have this chat, he seemed content to remain where they were. “Is something amiss?” he asked.
She clasped her hands before her and twisted her fingers. “I’m not sure of the best way to say this.” She hesitated and realized that she might be acting rashly. Had she really considered all of her options before thinking it wise to throw over Lord Everly? She swallowed nervously. “On second thought, perhaps we could speak in the morning—”
He reached out and caught one of her hands in his. His dark eyes held no censure as he looked at her knowingly. “I think I know what this is about and I’m glad to know that the marquess has finally come to his senses.”
Dulcenia’s mouth went lax. “My lord?”
He chuckled. “Don’t look so surprised. I remember what it was like to be young and in love. I harbor no ill feelings if you choose to decline my suit. In fact, I’m glad I was able to be the link that brought you two together, since it’s clear how you both feel about one another.”
She shifted her gaze away. “Is it so terribly obvious?”
“Mainly for the marquess, but yes, I noticed the way you would follow him around the room with your eyes.” He smiled. “Please, do not feel regret on my behalf. While I was sincere in my regard of you, I can assure you that my heart will not break if you marry another.”
She clutched his hand. “I promise that someday you will find a lady who feels just as strongly about you, my lord.”
“Perhaps.” He shrugged. “If not, then I shall content myself to remain in my current situation.” He released her and offered a scandalous wink. “I do hope I will be invited to the ceremony.”
Epilogue
One month later
London, England
“My dear, you are a vision.”
Dulcenia turned at the sound of Pandora’s voice.
As she spied the beaming bride with her charming blush, Pandora prided herself on another successful match within theton, when there were several who believed it couldn’t be done, and especially not so quickly. However, she was determined to keep her grandmother’s tiara at all costs, even if it meant that she had to lower her standards at times and adopt some rather underhanded means of obtaining success.
But that was neither here nor there.
Today was a day for celebration.
“Lady Osbourne.” Miss Hargrove walked forward and embraced Pandora. When she pulled back, her eyes were sparkling with the happiness she had found with Lord Dalhousie. Any earlier reservations that Pandora had been harboring vanished, for she knew that no matter what, she was doing the right thing. She had a talent for comparing the compatibility of the couples she introduced, and she had yet to be wrong.
“Are you ready? It’s nearly time.”
