Page 80 of My Blind Duke
He reached out a hand, his fingers brushing against hers. “Please, Prudence. Do not leave. Give me a chance. Give us a chance. Melanie is right. We could be a family. A real family. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to give you the life you deserve, a life filled with happiness and… and love if you will allow it.”
Prudence looked at him, her green eyes filled with a mixture of surprise, emotion, and a dawning hope. She saw the vulnerability in his expression, the genuine remorse in his voice. And in that moment, the last vestiges of her resolve to leave Pemberly crumbled.
“W-What are you asking of me?” she asked, small and insecure.
“Marry me, Prudence. Become my wife. And Melanie’s mother. Our family would not be complete without you.”
A soft smile touched her lips, a smile that reached her eyes and banished the shadows that had lingered there.
“Oh, William,” she whispered, her hand closing around his. “I thought… I thought you would never…”
He did not let her finish. He pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace, relief, and joy flooding through him. Their lips met in a tender kiss, a promise of a future filled with love, forgiveness, and the quiet happiness they had both unknowingly been searching for.
Melanie, watching them with a radiant smile, threw her arms around both of them, her small voice filled with pure joy. “We are a family!”
Epilogue
“My goodness, darling. You look absolutely divine.”
Prudence stared at her reflection, stunned by how true her mother’s words were.
The morning of her wedding had dawned with a gentle light filtering through the curtains of her dressing room at Pemberly. It felt surreal, a dream woven from the threads of hardship and unexpected love. Just weeks ago, she had been facing imprisonment, her future uncertain and bleak. Now, she was preparing to marry the man who had unknowingly captured her heart, the man who had stood by her when faced with damning accusations.
Her wedding gown was simple yet elegant, a soft ivory silk that flowed gracefully around her. She had chosen it deliberately, wanting the focus to be on the occasion itself, on the commitment she was about to make, rather than elaborate embellishments. Anna meticulously arranged the delicate lace veil that framed her face, her touch gentle and reassuring.
“Lady Jaxon is absolutely right, Your Grace,” Anna nodded in agreement. “I do not believe I have ever seen a more beautiful bride.”
Their compliments warmed her heart and granted her confidence in what was to come, reigniting the flames of excitement burning in her veins.
Oh, how she could not wait to be William’s wife.
A soft knock on the door announced the arrival of her sister. Marina entered, her eyes shining with happiness, a warm smile gracing her lips. Aaron followed close behind, his presence a comforting anchor. Their mother, Johanna, urged them to step closer and admire her handiwork putting Prudence’s attire together, her usual air of brisk efficiency softened by a genuine joy for her daughter.
“You seem as though you are all set. How do you feel?” Marina asked, holding her hands.
Prudence inhaled, searching her heart and noting with a smile how excited it felt.
“Eager. I can hardly wait to marry him.”
Marina grinned, looking proud. “I see no reason to keep you apart from him any longer, then.”
As she descended the stairs, her heart fluttered with a nervous anticipation. She could hear the low murmur of voices in the drawing room, where the small ceremony was to take place. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room, and her gaze immediately found William.
He stood near the fireplace, his tall figure looking impossibly handsome in a tailored dark coat. The familiar tension that often lined his face was absent, replaced by an expression of serene happiness. Even without his sight, there was a light in his blue eyes, a warmth that seemed to radiate outwards and envelop her. Melanie was by his side, holding a bouquet as she smiled with barely contained excitement at the sight of Prudence.
William turned his head slightly as he sensed her presence, a soft smile gracing his lips.
“Prudence,” he murmured, his voice filled with a tenderness that made her heart swell. “I may not see you, my love, but I can feel how breathtaking you look.”
His words, spoken with such heartfelt sincerity, brought a flush to her cheeks and a warmth that spread through her entire being.
“And you look as dashing as always,” she told him gently, heart swelling as he brushed the tips of his fingers against hers.
It was a small ceremony, attended only by those who meant the world to them. Aside from Prudence’s family members, the Marquess of Montclair attended on behalf of William, his usual sardonic wit replaced by a sincere smile.
When it was time for their vows, Prudence’s voice trembled slightly as she pledged her love and unwavering support to William. His response was equally heartfelt, his voice resonating with a deep sincerity that touched her soul.
“Prudence,” he said, his grip on her hand tightening, “You have brought light back into my world, a joy I never thought I wouldexperience again. I promise to cherish you, to honor you, and to love you for all the days of my life.”
