Her stomach flip-flopped. She didn’t want to delay, not now achieving her greatest desire was so close. “Father, I have dreamed of this day, but never believed it would happen. I thought my love was unrequited. Sebastian has convinced me that it isn’t and that he has loved me for much longer. But please tell me if you think I’m making a mistake and I will ask Sebastian for a delay until you are also convinced.” She worried her lip waiting for his answer.
“I would not ask that of you, Violet. You are a woman of sound mind and understanding. I have watched both of you gazing at each other with longing when you thought the other was not looking, and you have known each other for the last ten years. Before the service Sebastian sought my approval of his proposal of marriage and assured me of his sincerity. You have my blessing.”
Sebastian joined them in the vestry in time to hear her father’s comment. He took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes. “I can assure you that is the truth, Violet.”
Her heart warmed at his words. “Then there is no reason for us to delay our wedding.”
Sebastian brushed her lips with his. “I want only to make you happy for the rest of your life.”
“And I you,” she whispered.
“Then let’s get this ceremony started. We have a church full of witnesses, waiting to see us married before they go home to their Christmas dinner.”
In answer, Violet’s father waved them towards the altar rail.
At the sight of the couple returning, the congregation hushed. Within moments the familiar words of the ceremony began. Violet’s hand shook in Sebastian’s warm one as their vows were made. She was finally marrying the love of her life. He slid a gold band onto Violet’s finger and the deed was done. They were husband and wife.
Violet’s heart swelled with so much love and joy that surely it must burst from her chest. She studied Sebastian—for the first time able to rest her eyes on him in public without fear that her feelings towards him would be read by another. There would be no need to keep secret her love for him ever again. For the rest of their lives she could gaze upon him whenever she chose.
They signed their names in the parish register. As they turned to the congregation, a wave of applause greeted them. Tears welled in her eyes. Violet almost skipped down the aisle on Sebastian’s arm.
Outside, villagers arranged themselves on either side of the path to the lychgate. In lieu of rose petals, they threw sprigs of holly pulled from their buttonholes and bonnets. Their enthusiasm warmed Violet’s heart and she turned to Sebastian with a cheek-stretching smile, to find him grinning back at her. Excitement hadn’t gripped her like this since...forever.
She could not have envisaged a more perfect ceremony. Only in her dreams had she ever imagined that she would marry Sebastian. Today was the most momentous day of her life.
***
Sebastian exited the church with Violet on his arm, a grin on his face, and his heart feeling twice its normal size.
The debutants and their families were nowhere in sight. His father, standing beside the only remaining carriage, firmly closed its door extinguishing his wife’s demand that he stop the wedding. Her mouth opened and her eyes widened. She leaned forward to reach for the door handle.
“Walk on, John Coachman,” Lord Whitton ordered before the Countess could open the door again. The carriage rocked into motion taking the countess in the direction of Whitton Grange.
Sebastian was used to his father treating his mother with distant politeness, but to dismiss her in such a way—never.
The Earl strode towards Sebastian and Violet. His face held a look of resignation, but when he reached them, he shook Sebastian’s hand. “Congratulations, son.” He turned to Violet. “Welcome to our family, Violet. I hope you will be happy in your marriage.”
Sebastian’s mouth fell open. What a turnaround! What had caused such a dramatic about face, in such a short time, of his father’s long-held point of view about the type of woman Sebastian should marry? He shook his head in astonishment.
Violet slid her glasses higher. “As do I, my lord. Thank you.”
“At least you are starting off in the manner that is most likely to be successful.” His father paused and scrutinized them as they stood arm in arm. “At least, I’m assuming it’s a love match on both sides?”
“Of course!” Sebastian answered.
The Earl turned to Violet, an eyebrow cocked.
“I can assure you, your lordship, I would not contemplate marrying Sebastian if it was not so,” Violet said, her tone decisive.
“Good, good.” He beamed at them until something caught his eye, instantly distracting him.
Sebastian turned to see that Mrs Sperling had stepped from the church and paused to speak with Reverend Hambleton. The Earl’s gaze was riveted to her. Sebastian watched his father, surprised at his open admiration of the former governess.
She approached them, a bemused look on her face.
Sebastian tipped his hat to her.
“Congratulations.” Mrs Sperling’s voice was warm with sincerity.
