Page 51 of A Masked Lady for Mr. Kenworthy
“It is,” he said. “I did not tell you beforehand because I knew you would try to talk me out of it.”
“Damn right, I would have,” Rupert said, shaking his head in disbelief. “Only I would not have tried. I would have succeeded.”
Thomas sighed, sitting down at his desk. He gestured for Rupert to sit across from him, which he did, though reluctantly.
“I was grieved to have to make the decision, Rupert,” he said. “But I am to be married soon. And you know as well as I do, we agents endanger the people we care about, so long as we do this kind of work. And I could not bear the thought of endangering Faye again. Losing her because of this job would be a heartbreak I could not endure.”
When he had finished his speech, Thomas looked up at Rupert, surprised to find his former partner’s face had softened. After a long, silent moment, he nodded slowly.
“I do know it,” he said, “and, as much as it grieves me, as you say, I do understand your decision.” He paused to clear his throat, and Thomas realized instantly that Rupert was becoming emotional. “It’s just that I will miss having you as my partner. It will be strange enough that you will not be living here anymore.”
Thomas rose and walked over to his friend, opening his arms for an embrace.
“We may not be partners anymore,” he said, “but we shall remain friends for as long as we live. That I can promise you.”
Rupert also stood, accepting Thomas’s affectionate gesture, clapping Thomas firmly on the back.
“Oh, with that, you will have no choice whatsoever,” he said. “I can assure you that I will show up at your new home unannounced, and I will barge in without your consent or invitation.”
Thomas laughed, squeezing his friend firmly.
“I very much look forward to it,” he said.
***
The next day, Thomas was filled with an energy he had only known once previously in his life. He looked at himself in the mirror, studying his wedding suit, smiling brightly at his reflection. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw Ruth standing behind him, but, of course, when he turned around, there was no one there. He turned back to his reflection, giving the space where he was sure he had seen his late wife a small, warm smile.
“Thank you, Ruth,” he said. “You arranged this miracle, and I am eternally grateful.”
From somewhere in his mind, Thomas was sure he heard a voice that was not his own.
Be happy and be well darling,it said,I love you.
Thomas blew his late wife’s imaginary reflection a kiss. Then, he straightened the jacket of his wedding suit and hurried from his bedchambers and down to the prepared carriage, where Rupert was already waiting for him.
The wedding took place in a lovely church in leafy west London. Thomas waited next to Rupert as Faye’s and his closest friends and relatives filed into the sanctuary and filled the pews. His heart stopped when he saw his beloved Faye walking up the aisle. As he took her hands and faced the vicar, his heart burst with pride and with the excitement of reciting his vows for the second and, he knew, the final time in his life. And, when he kissed her for the very first time as his wife, he felt as though he was floating on clouds.
The wedding breakfast hosted by Selina at Salisdene Manor was magnificent. She had spared no expense, and the feast was the grandest Thomas had ever seen. Every decadent and savory food available within theton’sfavorite shops and markets were available, and she had even decorated her ballroom with wreaths of white, pink, and red flowers.
“They are for peace, love, and passion,” Selina said from behind the newlywed couple as they filled their plates.
Thomas turned to see her opening her arms, not just to him, but to his new wife, as well. The couple walked into her arms, careful not to spill their food on her beautiful green dress.
“Thank you, Selina,” Faye said, kissing the countess on the cheek.
Thomas bowed, kissing Lady Salisdene’s hand and smiling fondly.
“Yes, Selina,” he said, filled with emotion, “you are too kind to do us such a wonderful honor.”
Selina shook her head gently, putting her hand up to silence the young couple.
“It is a pleasure beyond words, my darlings,” she said. “I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me to be able to do this for you and to have witnessed such a beautiful, happy union.”
Thomas reached out and took Faye’s hand. His wife was smiling lovingly up at him.
“I have never been happier, to be sure,” he said, giving Faye a sweet kiss on the cheek.
“Nor have I,” said a voice from behind the countess. Selina stepped aside, smiling affectionately as Lady Welborn stepped toward the couple. Her smile was bright, and tears of joy streamed down her cheeks.
