Page 82 of The Scholar's Key
EPILOGUE
Percy stood in the doorway of what was going to be their country home, watching Noah as he sat, bent over the desk in front of him. Books were piled high on each side of the desk, and he looked up only to dip his quill pen into the inkwell in front of him, before he began to write once more.
She smiled, crossing her arms as she watched him, so deep in concentration, her heart near to bursting in love and pride. At home, when he focused on anything in his life, he put his entire soul into it and became unstoppable.
He stilled, looking up, placing his pen down carefully when he saw her.
“Percy,” he said, pushing back his chair and walking over to her. He dove his hands into her hair, lifting it back away from her face before he leaned down and kissed her.
“When did you return home?”
“Just a few minutes ago,” she said with a smile. “We had a great deal of fun now that Madeline is home.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said, resting his forehead against hers.
“Noah?”
“Yes?”
“Are you ready?”
“For… oh goodness.”
Percy began to laugh as Noah’s face turned from tranquil to shocked to horrified.
“I must prepare myself.”
“Not to worry. I guessed you had likely become rather involved in your books, so I came to remind you with a few hours to spare. The men will be here to collect you soon.”
“Should we be together right now?”
“Likely not unchaperoned,” she agreed. “But does it really matter? It shall be a wonderful day, with only the people who matter the most in the world around us.”
He placed a quick kiss on her lips before wrapping his arm around her waist and walking her out of the room. “All that is important are the promises we will make to one another.”
“Agreed,” Percy said, smiling up at him.
“Where is everyone else?”
“Most are preparing themselves for the festivities tonight and the wedding tomorrow morning, I believe.”
Their country home was not nearly as large as the one Eric would call home, but it was perfect for them, and contained just enough bedrooms that they were able to host those who meant the most to them.
“Are your cousins coming?”
“My aunt is attending alone,” she said. “Apparently, Elizabeth is far too busy preparing for a wedding of her own.”
“Oh, yes, with Lord Stephen, that’s right,” Noah said with a chuckle. “Well, that all worked out for the best.”
“It most certainly did,” she said earnestly, leaning toward him to give him a kiss.
“I shall see you soon,” he said, leaving her at the chamber she was calling her own for just one more night.
“See you soon,” she whispered, placing a quick kiss on his lips.
The night passed with both dizzying speed and also seemed to drag on as Percy couldn’t help but both anticipate and dread the event to come the next morning. She could not wait for what followed, but she had always so despised the formality and contrived ceremony. She supposed she would just have to get through it, knowing what awaited her on the other side.
They had decided to be married at the small chapel near their country home, both of them wishing they could do this with just the two of them but knowing that their closest of friends and family would choose to be a part of their day.
