“We are in love,” Peter finished.
Lavinia’s heart swelled at his words, and before she could stop herself, she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him in a sudden embrace.
She felt his surprise at first, but then he relaxed, his arms encircling her, pulling her close. For a moment, the world around them faded away, and it was just the two of them in that crowded ballroom, lost in the safety of each other’s arms.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she whispered against his chest, her voice barely audible.
Peter stroked her hair gently. “You’ll never have to find out.”
The moment stretched between them, but they were soon interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Lavinia quickly pulled back, her cheeks flushing when she saw Lord Windham still standing there, looking at them.
“I must apologize.” She giggled. “I suppose I got carried away just now.”
“No need for apologies, Miss Fitzroy,” Lord Windham replied. He smiled at her, then nodded at Peter. “I only hope that someday I will find someone who loves me the way the two of you love each other.”
“It is the most incredible feeling,” Peter murmured, his grip tightened on Lavinia’s waist.
She smiled serenely. “This feeling, this love, you must be willing to wait for it, Lord Windham. You must not rush into anything or try to seek it out.”
Lord Windham gave a wry chuckle. “Oh, I have learned my lesson, Miss Fitzroy. And I will not make the same mistake twice.”
Lavinia closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips as she reveled in the moment. Her mind was filled with visions of a life with Peter by her side—a life filled with love, passion, and the promise of forever.
EPILOGUE
The day Lavinia had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived.
Standing before the grand mirror in her bedchamber, she barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Draped in an elegant silver gown, her dark curls framed by a delicate lace veil, she looked every bit the bride she had always hoped to be. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she smoothed a hand over the soft silk, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.
A quiet knock sounded at the door, and she turned just as her mother entered the room.
Warmth lit her mother’s face, and she rushed forward and greeted her with genuine affection.
“You look beautiful, my dear,” the Baroness said, her voice soft and lilting. “Just like I did on my wedding day.”
Lavinia’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Thank you, Mama,” she replied, turning back to her reflection in the mirror.
Her thoughts drifted to Peter, her soon-to-be husband. She could hardly believe this day had come. The months of longing, the uncertainty, and the misunderstandings between them had finally led to this—this perfect moment.
Her mind flashed back to when Peter had proposed, standing in her family’s drawing room, his face etched with determination and vulnerability. That day, he had bared his heart to her and her parents, and she had realized that the love she had always wanted was standing right in front of her. From that moment on, they had been inseparable, their bond only growing stronger with time.
And now they would be bound together for the rest of their lives.
Her mother approached her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Your father is waiting to walk you down the aisle,” she said softly, her smile widening. “He’s very proud of you for holding true to your convictions and waiting for love—reallove.”
Lavinia nodded, a lump forming in her throat as her mother left the room. She took one last deep breath, letting the excitement and nervousness settle into something peaceful.
The walk to the chapel felt like a dream. Her father was waiting for her at the grand entrance. He was dressed in a navy suit with gleaming gold buttons, and a jovial smile played on his lips. Heoffered his arm, and she took it, squeezing his hand in silent gratitude.
The chapel was filled with familiar faces—family, friends, and peers. But the only person Lavinia could focus on was Peter, who was standing at the altar, waiting for her. His gaze was fixed on her as she entered the chapel, his eyes filled with love and awe.
He looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, and the sight of him standing there, ready to take her as his wife, sent warmth through her.
Each step toward him felt like a promise, one she had made to herself and to him long ago. The world seemed to fade away as she drew closer, her heart pounding in her chest.
Finally, she stopped before him, and her father stepped aside to place her hand in his.
