Page 88 of Her Wolf of a Duke

“In all honesty, they have done it to themselves. It is a shame, however, that Father will not be there to walk you down the aisle. I at least had that, even if it is the only faintly good memory I have of him.”

“His absence will give me room for many fond memories indeed. Besides, Levi will be taking Father’s place, and that is far better. You must thank him when you see him, by the way.”

“After you have done so twice each time you have seen him? I do not believe that is necessary.”

Sarah giggled, adjusting her gown one final time before nodding with confidence at her reflection.

“Everything is perfect,” she smiled. “I am ready to be a wife!’

Emma could see, as they traveled to the church, that Sarah wanted the journey to be done with so that she could be married. Emma tried to soothe her, and to tell her to enjoy the moment rather than rush through, but she knew how she had felt on her own wedding day. She had also wanted it to be the end, though for a completely different reason to her sister.

Then again, she had dreamed on a few occasions that they were marrying once again, and she could enjoy it this time. Then, she remembered all that had happened since her wedding, and all that they had achieved, and she changed her mind. Everything had happened as it had for a reason, and it had been worth it in the end.

“I cannot wait to put all of this behind me,” Sarah smiled, turning to Emma with excitement. “All of the trials will be done with, and I can be a wife and mother. It will be so simple at last.”

Emma laughed gently, adjusting her veil.

“Your life will not be easier as a wife, and certainly not as a mother, but the important thing to remember is that, when trouble does come your way, you will not be facing it alone. You will have your husband, and he will help you through everything.”

Sarah nodded, taking one last look at herself in the mirror before turning to the door.

“I believe it is time to go,” she said softly, and Emma could at last sense the nerves in her voice.

They left for the church, and Emma watched as her sister fussed over every aspect of her gown, and though she was trying to smooth the fabric she was creating creases in it. Emma gently took her hands and lifted them from her skirts, placing them gently back down again.

“Perhaps I may be feeling some nerves,” she confessed. “I have dreamed of this day all of my life, and after all that you have done for me I wanted it to be perfect. I owe you that much, at least.”

“Are you marrying a man that you love?”

“Yes, more than anything in the world.”

“Good, then I am content. That is all that I have ever wanted for you, Sarah, and if you have found love then I cannot ask for more. I am simply pleased that you will have happiness, no matter what happens in the future.”

They arrived, and Emma left to take her seat. She met Levi outside, who caught her arm and kissed her, seeming to revel in the blush that crept across her cheeks.

“Levi!” she gasped. “What if someone were to see?”

“Should our affection for one another cause upset, that gives me all the more reason to show it. They ought to know by now that I love my wife.”

Emma laughed, leaving quickly to take her seat. Rosendale arrived, his excitement of equal measure to that of his bride. As Sarah entered, on Levi’s arm with a smile a mile wide, Emma felt herself breathe a sigh of relief. At last, all of the turmoil of their match would be done with. The scandal might remain, but it wouldn’t be too detrimental to their marriage. Levi had madeit well known that Sarah was to be recognized as his sister, and any sister of a duke was to be treated with respect. All that to say, there would be whispers, but they would hardly ever reach Sarah and that was what mattered.

The ceremony passed quickly, Emma thought, and it was clear that Sarah had rushed her way through it in spite of the warning she received. She seemed almost lost, as though she hadn't been aware that it had even begun. Emma couldn't help but smile at her; her sister who never seemed to learn but always came away unscathed.

The celebration afterward was what Levi had been most looking forward to. He had watched Sarah rehearse her prepared speech over and over, though it was not customary for a bride to speak at a wedding she had been determined to do just that. Rosendale had prepared one in turn, and when everyone was seated for breakfast he remained standing, commanding attention.

“I would like to thank you all for being here today,” he began. “My wife and I have been waiting for this day for longer than many know. I met her during an outing with a good friend of mine, and from the moment I saw her I knew she would be my bride. My wife, however, was not as certain.”

The guests laughed brightly at that, Sarah flushing scarlet.

“You see,” he continued, “she had a particular desire to be in love with her husband, and as we had only just met she refused any advances I made, no matter how amiable. Fortunately for me, she came to like me well enough in the end to marry me. Thoughnot entirely certain of what I did to deserve that, I must admit that I am very grateful indeed. Sarah, I love you, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

There was applause at his speech, and when he sat down Sarah room her turn.

“I would first like to explain myself in regard to what my doting husband has said. As a little girl–”

She froze. She had always been timid, and she seemed to notice that people were watching her and it made her pause. She looked to Emma, who nodded for her to continue. She steadied herself, and then continued,

“As a little girl, it was my sister that always told me the importance of love, and that a life without it was not a life worth having. I was fortunate to have her for a sister, and I now have even more fortune in that I have a husband that would do anything to make me happy. I may have had to make him wait, but I couldn't be happier to have done so, as now I know for certain that he is the perfect gentleman, and the perfect husband.”

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