Page 95 of The Baron Takes a Bet
“We know what she wants,” Mr. Armstrong said, shaking his head. He seemed confused that everyone wasn’t more pleased. “Miss Smyth was very clear. You both said to procure the annulment at all costs,” he said, turning to Gavin. “That is what you said.”
“Yes,” Gavin conceded. “I did say that.”
Holly’s eyes shifted upwards as she glanced at Gavin. She appeared guilty but of what he did not know. All he knew was that he didn’t want her to leave him.
“I suppose… We should…” She tried to get the words out, but they refused to come.
Taking a step forward, Gavin reached for her hands.
“No,” he stated firmly.
“No?”
“No.” His grip tightened on her hands. “Holly, I want very much to remain your husband, for as long as I live, if you’ll have me.”
Her head snapped up.
“But… but you said an annulment was the only fair thing to do.”
“I did, when I thought it was what you wanted, but if it isn’t, well…” He paused. “I wouldn’t mind living an unfair life. Would you?”
Tears shone in Holly’s eyes as she shook her head.
“No. No, I wouldn’t mind that at all,” she said as he helped her to her feet.
He pulled her into his arms, and though they were surrounded by people, Gavin couldn’t help but hold her closely as he kissed the top of her head.
“Um, excuse me,” Mr. Armstrong said, leaning forward after an awkward moment. “Are you telling me that neither of you wants an annulment?”
Gavin turned to the lawyer and shook his head.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Armstrong, but no,” he said, facing Holly again. “No, we are quite content to be married.”
“Oh dear,” Mr. Armstrong said. “But I’ve already gone through the proper channels and everything. It’s done.”
“Well, if that’s the case,” Gavin said, gazing into Holly’s blue eyes, “will you do us the favor of procuring a wedding license?”
The lawyer appeared frazzled for a moment and then exasperated. Gavin was sure he was unhappy with the turn of events, but Gavin couldn’t find enough of a reason to be sorry. Holly was his wife, and she would remain so.
Forever.
Epilogue
Holly and Clarawere huddled together in the corner of the Trembley family’s parlor, waiting for the guest of honor to appear. The earl’s youngest brother, Alfred, was set to arrive any moment, and rumor had it he was bringing a fiancée from America, along with a future sister-in-law.
“I cannot believe Derek has agreed to this,” Clara said quietly as they moved amongst the small party that would welcome Alfred home. “Derek has always kept a tight leash on his brothers’ propriety, despite their vices. To allow Alfred to propose marriage to someone the family hasn’t even met yet is quite a testament to Derek’s own development.”
“I think Derek is eager to have his brothers settled down. Or at least that’s what Gavin says,” Holly said as they were joined by Katrina and Violet. “He says the earl has been quieter these days.”
“The weight of the earldom lays heavily on him, or so Fredrick thinks,” Violet said, with pity in her voice. “It seems as though he’s eager to become his father.”
“But wasn’t the previous earl rather dull?” Clara asked. “I mean, that’s not to say I’ve heard bad things about him. I never got to meet the old earl. But I’ve heard that he was a very quiet, proper sort of man. Derek is proper enough, but he’s certainly not dull.”
“Perhaps not, but maybe he wishes to settle down soon, too, as his brothers have,” Violet said, peering over the crowd. Holly watched as her fiancé, Fredrick, caught her gaze and winked at her. She smirked. “I believe it would do the earl good. He should find someone to marry. It’s a very pleasant experience.”
Clara smirked.
“Says the unwedded one.”
