The Viscount's Veiled Lady (Whitby Weddings 3)

‘You know, we could wait inside.’ Lance stood tapping his foot beside him. ‘Considering that it’s November and the Yorkshire climate is really best enjoyed in summer, if at all.’

‘I’ll go in once I see her carriage.’

‘Afraid that she’ll change her mind?’

‘Yes! Do you blame me after everything we’ve been through? I won’t be happy until the service is over.’

‘You really are a hopeless romantic, aren’t you?’

‘You know what I mean.’

‘I do. Believe it or not, Violet actually had some reservations about marrying me.’

‘You don’t say.’

‘She even ran out on our first wedding.’

‘You’re reminding me of that now?’

‘But Frances will be here.’

‘How can you be so sure?’

‘Because if there’s one subject I know about it’s women and Frances loves you, for some bizarre, misguided reason of her own.’ He grinned as Arthur shot him a venomous look. ‘And because I can see her parents’ carriage at the end of the street. Now, I believe that’s our cue to go inside. Your days of freedom are over, big Brother.’

‘That’s where you’re wrong.’ Arthur drew in a long breath and then released it again slowly. ‘They’re only just beginning.’

* * *

Despite their initial intention to have a small and intimate family ceremony, followed by a small and intimate family gathering, there were at least a hundred people gathered inside the ballroom at Amberton Castle that evening. The Felstones were there, of course, along with Ianthe’s Aunt Sophoria, bedecked in more white lace than the bride, as well as Violet’s family from York, Mr Thorpe from the jet workshop, the Doctors Bennett and Muggridge, Mr Horsham, the jeweller, and a wide selection of long-lost and newly rediscovered friends.

‘Happy?’

Frances laughed as Arthur lifted his wine glass and clinked it against hers. ‘Everyone keeps asking me that. Wouldn’t it be funny if I said no?’

‘Not to me.’ He gave her one of his old stern looks. ‘It would be a pretty poor start.’

‘In that case, it’s been a wonderful day and I’m very happy. What about you?’

He swallowed the last of his wine and then put the glass down, wrapping his arms around her instead. She looked—she was—beautiful, inside and out. The moment when she’d said ‘I do’ he’d felt as though his heart was full to bursting. The future could never be certain, but what he was certain about was his decision. ‘I can honestly say I’m happier than I’ve been for the last fifteen years.’

‘Oh.’ Her face fell. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. It was a compliment.’

‘But to have been unhappy for so long...’

‘Ah, but I intend to make up for it now. In fact, I intend to be quite ridiculously happy from now on. You’ll hardly recognise me.’

‘Oh, dear.’ She feigned a look of mock horror. ‘I might not have thought this marriage through. I’m not sure how I feel about living with a ridiculously happy man. It sounds somewhat alarming.’

‘I’ll try not to get carried away.’ He leaned closer, skimming a series of small kisses along the side of her cheek. ‘Speaking of carrying things away, how much longer do we have to stay?’

She blinked in surprise. ‘You want to leave our own wedding celebration?’

‘Yes. Immediately, if possible.’ His lips continued their progress along her jaw to her earlobe. ‘Not that I haven’t enjoyed it, but I intend to be happier still today. I’ve been having visions of you in the bath for the past month and I’m about at the end of my tether.’

‘Is that so?’