Page 51 of Mail-Order Viscountess

She would usually deny it—being nervous was a weakness.

But something about Rose’s gentle tone, the understanding in her eyes, made the truth slip out.

“Terrified.”

Rose’s hands stilled for a moment, and her gaze met Kate’s. “May I pray for you?”

Her insides clenched. There were a dozen reasons to refuse—old reflexes, old wounds, the sour memory of her stepmother’s polished prayers spoken for an audience.

But Rose’s eyes weren’t sharp or expectant. They held a kindness Margaret McKinney’s never had.

Kate managed a nod. “If you wish.”

Rose didn’t make a show of it. She didn’t even take Kate’s hands. She just bowed her head slightly, like she was speaking to someone close enough to hear a whisper.

“Father, thank You for bringing Kate and Clara safely here. Thank You for the way You’ve carried Kate through all these challenges. Please give her peace this morning. Give her courage for what comes next, and let her know she isn’t alone. Bless Thomas and Kate’s marriage, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The word amen followed by Clara in a hiccupy voice.

Kate didn’t say it. She couldn’t. But something in her chest eased anyway.

Then Rose lifted her head and smiled, as though such a prayer was typical in any conversation. “Being terrified on your wedding day is perfectly normal. I was shaking so badly on my wedding day, James had to hold both my hands through the vows to keep me steady.”

Clara chuckled. “Really?”

“Really.” Rose stepped back to examine her work, then nodded in satisfaction. “Marriage is a leap of faith, even when you’ve known someone for years. When it happens quickly like this...” She met Kate’s gaze in the mirror. “It’s natural to be afraid.”

“But Thomas is a good man.” Mandie settled onto the edge of the bed. “He drives his brothers half-mad sometimes with his restlessness, but his heart is true. He’ll honor his vows to you.”

Kate’s fingers tightened around the bouquet. “I know.”

And she did know it, somewhere deep in her bones. Thomas Balfour might be reckless and charming and a smooth talker, but he was honorable. He wouldn’t lie to her or make promises he didn’t plan to keep.

That wasn’t what terrified her.

What terrified her was the way her chest tightened when she thought about standing beside him. The way her pulse jumped when their eyes met across a room. The way something in her had shifted in that cave, cracked open despite every wall she’d built to keep herself safe.

She’d spent her whole life learning not to want things. Not to trust promises that could be broken. And now she was about to bind herself to a man who made her want despite every lesson she’d learned.

A knock sounded at the door—firmer this time. Mrs. Wang’s voice carried through the wood. “Time to come down. Everyone is waiting.”

Kate’s stomach dropped. This was it. The moment when everything changed.

Rose reached for her hand and squeezed. “Remember—you’re not alone.”

The words settled deep in Kate’s chest, both foreign and achingly welcome. She drew a steadying breath, lifted her chin, and nodded. “Let’s go.”

Clara stepped to her side, looping their arms together as Rose opened the door.

Mrs. Wang’s beaming smile met them in the hallway. “You are beautiful bride, child.” Her eyes glistened as she scanned all the way down Kate’s dress. “Come. Your young man waits.”

She followed the woman down the hallway, then down the staircase.

The great room stretched out below, transformed from the comfortable space it had been just that morning. Someone had hung garlands of evergreen boughs along the rough-hewn mantel above the massive stone fireplace where a fire crackled and popped, filling the room with warmth. The rugs had been pushed aside to clear a space before the hearth, and simple wooden benches had been arranged to face it.

And there, standing in the midst of his brothers, was Thomas.

Her heart nearly stopped.