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His brow furrowed. “I am afraid to ask.”

“Did you not like the intimacy and lack of pomp of Clara and William’s wedding?”

He nodded, and his lips curved.

* * *

Twelfth Night at Haven Estate

The house was alit with candles, and there were many more people than Vivian had expected. When she and Penelope entered, Vivian gasped at the beautiful décor in the parlor.

“It’s exactly as I wished it,” she exclaimed. “Do you not think it perfect?”

Penelope gave her a curious look, then nodded. “It is.”

Everyone important in her life was there. Alexander, her family, the Torringtons, Lady Yarnsby, and the Barrows, who’d arrived the night before.

Music wafted through the house as Vivian made her way to find her mother. Just as she passed a mirror, she paused at noticing her own bright expression. Mary had styled her hair with the top brought up and pinned, and the back of her hair flowed down past her shoulders in carefully formed curls. She wore a green gown with soft white ruffles down the sides of the skirt. The round neckline was modest but flattering.

“You look radiant,” her mother exclaimed at seeing her. “I knew that gown would be flattering, but my darling, you are stunning.”

“I must speak to you,” Vivian said, pulling her into a room that turned out to be a library. “Mother, I plan to...”

There was a light knock at the door, and Duchess Torrington peered in. “Lord and Lady Barrow have a surprise for us.”

Everyone gathered in the parlor. Penelope leaned into Vivian’s ear. “Where is Alexander?”

She’d been so intent on finding her mother, she’d not noticed he was missing. “I don’t know. I’m sure he will be here shortly.”

Lord Barrow cleared his throat and looked to Lady Barrow, who beamed. “I am so pleased that those closest to us will help welcome our son home.”

At Gideon Barrow’s entering, Clara, Penelope, and Vivian rushed to him. They’d grown up knowing each other and hated every long year he’d been gone after being sent away.

He’d left a young, easygoing man and returned a handsome, somewhat brooding man. His gaze was familiar, but it was hard to recognize the Gideon she’d known. His jaw was harder, his cheekbones sharper.

“Has he always had such long eyelashes?” Penelope whispered. “My goodness, he has changed.”

Vivian chuckled. “Having second thoughts about marrying Tommy?”

“Of course not,” Penelope snapped, making her laugh.

After everyone took turns speaking to Gideon, he promised to tell them about his adventures the next day. “This night, after all, is about celebrating the holiday,” he told them.

“I have a surprise as well,” William said, getting everyone’s attention.

Vivian frowned. If everyone was going to have surprises, hers would end up being a disappointment, if she got to share it at all. By the way things were going, dinner would be served at any moment, and there would not be a chance for her surprise.

“Vivian.” Clara took her arm. “Come with me. Hurry.”

Her stomach sunk. Where was Alexander? Perhaps he’d changed his mind and would not marry her after all. “What is it? Tell me without hesitation. It’s bad, isn’t it?”

“Don’t be silly. This was your idea.” Clara tugged her. “Please move faster.”

When they walked past an arched doorway, they entered a dome-covered courtyard. In the center was an elevated arbor. It was there Alexander stood with a clergyman.

He hurried down the steps, put his hands at her waist, and lifted her for a kiss. “Surprise, my love.”

“I can’t cry,” Vivian exclaimed. “It will ruin everything.” She managed a wobbly smile.