“And that’s it. My father was actually the one who made me see that anything’s possible as long as you’re willing to face the consequences. And if marrying you means I might have to give up Society, then so much the better, I say.”
She stared at him. “Are you certain?”
“I’ve never been surer of anything else in my life. Good God, Eloise, you’ve no idea what I went through after I learned you were gone. I’ve suffered every day.”
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t think we could have a proper future together.”
“Neither did I until it occurred to me that the only thing that matters to me is you. I don’t need anything else, but without you, misery will be a guarantee. I’ll never be happy. I’ll never have children because lord knows I’ll never allow another woman to take your place. I’ll never—”
“Yes.”
He went utterly still. “Yes?”
She wound her arms around his neck and rose up onto her toes to press a kiss against his lips. If he didn’t care what other people thought then neither would she. “I love you too, Mr. William Townsbridge, and nothing would delight me more than becoming your wife.”
#
IT WAS LIKE A DREAM– a glorious, wonderful, perfectly orchestrated dream. Only it was so much better because it was real. Eloise stood before him, dressed in a wedding gown, prepared to bind herself to him forever.
William’s heart tripled in size and leapt with joy. He’d watched his parents as he grew up, so he knew love could be obtained between husband and wife. This had later been confirmed when Charles and James had married, but William hadn’t thought he would ever enjoy such depth of emotion with a partner. He wasn’t sure why, but perhaps it was because he hadn’t been ready to do so. Until he’d walked into his parents’ kitchen and met Eloise.
“Now repeat after me,” the vicar said, addressing William. “I, William Patrick Townsbridge, take thee, Eloise Marie Lamont, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”
William did his best not to muck up the words, but he wasn’t sure whether or not he succeeded. He was too mesmerized by Eloise’s crystal clear gaze. She smiled at him with adoration as he spoke, and then it was her turn, and suddenly it was all over and she was finally his.
He pulled her roughly into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her as if they were somewhere alone, as if their families weren’t right there watching their every move.
William didn’t care. Not now when Eloise was finally his. He had every right to kiss her as much as he pleased, and he’d bloody well do so no matter what.
When she’d revealed her family history to him on the ride back to London from Dartford after giving her notice to the Bertrams, he’d been glad no one had told him sooner. Because his not knowing proved he was choosing Eloise for the woman she was regardless of her ancestry. It was clear from the way she spoke that she would never consider herself a part of the aristocracy. But it was equally apparent that she mourned the loss of relations she’d never known, especially on behalf of her mother, who’d suffered such extraordinary loss.
“Family is of the utmost importance to me,” he’d assured her, holding her in his arms while the carriage sped toward Townsbridge House. He valued his own more than words could express. “Yours will always be welcome in our home, Eloise. And we can visit them too, at least once a year, so you can maintain your connection.”
A heated kiss filled with gratitude and love had followed, after which they’d discussed where to settle down. If they moved to the country, they’d attract less attention, but if they settled in London, they would be closer to William’s family, and Eloise would be more able to realize her dream just as William intended. Of course, they would most likely become the center of gossip for a long time to come if they chose that route, but Eloise believed it was best to face an approaching storm head on instead of running away. William was inclined to agree, and besides, he’d already bought the house. It would be a pity to have to sell it so soon.
“I almost wish we could skip the wedding breakfast and go straight home,” William told Eloise once they’d left the church. He’d helped her into the awaiting carriage which was now taking them straight to Townsbridge House.
“I hope you’re joking,” Eloise said. “I prepared all the food, including the cake, myself. Do you have any idea how long it takes to make marzipan roses?”
William chuckled in response to her outrage. “I’m sure it’s not the sort of feast I’d want to miss for any reason.”
The corners of her lips curled upward until she was smiling at him with unabashed mischief. “It’s important to sate each hunger in the right order, William.”
A growl was all he could manage in response to that suggestive comment. God help him, the next few hours would most likely feel like years.
#
ELOISE WASN’T ONE TOgloat, but she was secretly immensely pleased with how well the food had turned out. Compliments were almost unending and she accepted each and every one with a happy, “Thank you,” until every guest had eaten a slice of cake and additional glasses of champagne had been served.
“You were right to be upset when I suggested foregoing this,” William murmured close to her ear. A delicious tickle caressed her neck where his breath brushed her skin. “These marzipan roses are most delicious. I think I’ll have to put in a private order.”
Eloise grinned. “I can make mint sweets as well if you like. They’re probably a bit healthier if your sweet tooth has a constant craving.”
His arm swept around her waist to pull her against him. “By God, I do believe I’m the luckiest man on earth.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder and savored his strength. “And I am the luckiest woman to have a husband who loves her so much he’s prepared to help her open a business.”
“The more cooks like you in the world, the happier mankind will be,” he said. “Are you ready to leave or would you like to stay a while longer?”
