Page 104 of The Duke's Vice

“I love you, Mouse.”

EPILOGUE

“What an absolutely beautiful day!” Charlotte whisked into the room with flair and joy.

“Well you’re in much better spirits than my last wedding.” Beatrice laughed as her mother hugged her.

“Of course I am. If experience has taught me anything is that my girls need more than one walk down the aisle to make it stick.” She stopped and looked Beatrice in the eyes. “This is the last time, correct? There are no other men?”

Beatrice laughed out loud. “No, Mama. I promise you, there are no other men.”

“Mmm-hmm, I heard that before. From all of my girls, actually.” She eyed her other two daughters who were giggling in the corner.

“I swear, it’s a wonder I’m still here. My poor heart can’t take much more.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Mama, you’re not going anywhere, you’ll outlive us all.”

Eleanor laughed as she joined Beatrice and her mother. “Beatrice is right, Mama. No matter what stress you pretend we’ve caused you, it falls short of your dramatics every time.” She softened her words with a kiss on her mother’s cheek.

“Oh, you girls.” Charlotte giggled. “What will I do now? All my little chicks left the roost.”

Sarah stood and took Beatrice and Eleanor’s hands. It was the last time she would be standing with them as only their younger sister. After today, she would join them in the ranks of happily married women.

Beatrice looked to each of her sisters and her mother with gratitude and respect. “Thank you, all, again, for everything. I didn’t plan on any of this happening and you all welcomed the change with patience and support. This wedding wouldn’t have happened without your help these past few weeks.”

Her sisters and mother all murmured words of encouragement and love.

“Much to Mama’s dismay, Sarah and I know what it’s like to have to plan a second wedding.” Eleanor offered.

Sarah winked at Eleanor. “Us Morsey girls like to keep everyone guessing.”

Charlotte furrowed her brow. “Yes, well, next time one of you wants to keep others on their toes let me in on it. I’ve had to throw two weddings for each of my daughters. I’m surprised we have any money in the coffers!” Charlotte said as she waved her fan in front of her face.

“Oh, hush, Mama. Charles said we were perfectly capable of holding such events. Trust me, he would tell me otherwise.” Sarah said with a giggle.

Beatrice looked out the window. It was a warm fall day and the sun was high in the sky. “I think it’s time. Most everyone is here, correct?”

Eleanor stuck her head out into the vestibule and looked into the nave. “Looks like it. And, more importantly, His Grace is at the alter, looking quite eager if I might add.”

Beatrice blushed at the thought of Ezra standing there waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat and she had a sudden urge to ignore ritual and run to him this instant.

“Come now, we’ll go to our seats and leave you to have a moment to yourself.” Eleanor gathered Sarah and Charlotte and ushered them out.

As Beatrice turned she caught her reflection in the window. How funny it was that just a few weeks ago she saw her reflection in the same window and didn’t recognize herself.

Now, standing there, about to marry a man who loved her, she was positively radiating. She couldn’t contain her smile, it was a constant in the weeks leading up to this day. She swished her dress back and forth and relished in the light material that moved with her.

Nothing was stiff or for show. Beatrice had a say in every detail of this wedding, she wanted it to be a reflection of her and Ezra.

The flowers were quaint and the chapel was full of friends and family. She kept the dinner menu the same because, well, Sarah’s cook is the best after all. Why mess with a good thing?

With one final look she stepped into the vestibule and directly into Amos.

“Amos! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to walk into you.” Beatrice took a step back and noticed a small woman standing next to him.

Amos lifted his one hand to make sure Beatrice was stable. He held a small box in his other hand. “No, please don’t apologize. It is all my fault. We are running late and I barged in here, not paying attention to my surroundings. I am so sorry.”

Beatrice waved off his apology. The three of them continued to stand, awkwardly as it dawned on them that not more than threeweeks ago, it was Amos Beatrice was walking down the aisle towards.

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