Page 57 of The Marquis, the Minx, and the Mistletoe
"Of course," she confirmed. "Of course we are. And from us, it will only grow larger. By this time tomorrow, I daresay you will have already added a wife."
He smiled, somehow a little bashful about the attention, now that the proposal was done. "I am so pleased that she said yes," he confided. "I might never have married if she hadn't."
"Take care of her," Ruthie told him as Tatiana approached, smiling and rosy cheeked, still holding her wooden box.
"I will," he promised, accepting a quick kiss to his cheek as space was made for Tia to return to her seat.
"What was your gift?" Tia asked curiously, looking from Sheldon to the dowager.
"Oh, he's had many," she replied confidently. "For the star, however, there is a bag of gem candy, waiting for you in the carriage."
Sheldon laughed at that, which made the dowager smile as she rejoined the crowd.
Tia didn't speak right away, instead setting her box to the side and leaning her head on his shoulder. "I am eager to depart," she said to him. "I cannot wait to be your wife."
"Mm, then we shall be off soon," he said, winding an arm around her. "Do you wish to pen an answer to your family before we go?"
"Oh." She smiled, giving a happy little sigh. "I'll write them later. You are my family now."
* * *
Father,
I have decided to marry a man of my own choosing. It is too late to request I do otherwise. Please direct further correspondence to the Hawk Hill Estates in Southern Scotland.
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,
Tatiana Bywater, Marchioness of Moorvale
Epilogue
December 1st - One Year Later
It wasimpossible to say who slept the latest these days. As it had gotten colder in Moorvale, even Echo had become more sluggish, yawning all day and snoring all night as their windows were coated with frost.
The halls of this very old place seemed new again, hung with garland and holly and yes—of course, mistletoe. And this morning felt magical to both Tia and Sheldon, though neither could say exactly why.
"Are you fretting again?" Tia asked her husband on a yawn, still nestled into the crook of his body.
"No!" he said immediately, his voice echoing from the strength of the protestation, which only confirmed that he indeed was fretting most severely.
It made her smile. She rolled herself over to face him, cupping his cheek and turning it to where he met her eyes. The winter sunlight was already peeking through the curtains and Tia imagined that it was still snowing, as it had been for the last several days.
"The rooms are readied," she reminded him, "the kitchens are stocked, and the hall looks beautiful and festive. It is going to be wonderful. I promise you."
He mumbled agreement, though she could still see the lines of worry on his handsome face.
"What is the absolute worst thing that could happen, hm?" she asked, stroking the hair from his brow. "Reggie dives into the Yule Log, perhaps? Or maybe Lady Somers is so offended by our attempts at holiday décor that she spurns our acquaintance forever?"
He gave a reluctant smile, his eyes drifting to the side to meet hers. "Gideon accidentally laughs aloud?" he suggested, making her giggle. "Gloriana asks for that red dress back."
"Oh, she won't," Tia said confidently. "I have told her how fond you are of it."
"You never did!" he said with a blush. "I fear you tell her entirely too much."
"Yes, I likely do," Tia said with a shrug. "Come along, they'll arrive soon. I swear I can already smell the cinnamon wafting up from the kitchens."
"That’s wishful thinking," he told her, watching her back as she slid into her dressing gown, pulling her long sheet of hair free and turning to pursue the wardrobe. "Unless you’ve suddenly grown a dog’s nose.”
