Page 59 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
From across the room, Elizabeth shot her a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief and understanding. Clara felt her cheeks flush with warmth, fully aware that Elizabeth had pieced together the puzzle of Clara's and Julian's newfound closeness.
As the evening wore on, amidst the laughter and spirited exchanges, it became clear to Clara that she wasn't just partaking in a fun game in a grand drawing room. No, this evening was the prologue to the greatest story of her life, a journey she would embark on hand in hand with Julian. And it was an evening she would cherish, deep within the recesses of her heart, forever.
Epilogue
The icy frost painted patterns on the outside of the windows of Berrington Estate. Yet inside, warmth and jubilation permeated the air. Clara hadn't imagined, a mere week ago, that her heart could undergo such a transformation. Where once dread had existed, joy now prevailed, and Clara felt she could scarcely contain it.
As the wedding preparations began, Clara's mother and sister went with her to London, their laughter filling the crisp winter air. The vibrant array of fabrics and decorations they came across made the anticipation even more palpable.
"Oh, Clara, this ivory silk would show off your eyes so perfectly," Amelia said, holding up a rich piece of cloth.
Clara touched the fabric, her fingers brushing against the smooth texture.
"It's beautiful," she said softly, already envisioning herself in a gown of such material.
The countess smiled at her daughters, surveying the fabric alongside them.
"It is beautiful, to be sure,” she said.
As they moved on to selecting accessories, a pair of delicate pearl earrings caught Clara's eye. They shimmered ethereally, mirroring the hope and dreams she had for her life ahead with Julian.
Amelia gently poked Clara.
"Are those for catching the marquess’s eye even more than you already have?" she asked, grinning.
Clara giggled, nodding as she blushed deeply.
"Indeed,” she said. “One can never be too careful."
Amelia laughed, her head tilting back in her merriment.
“Oh, Sister, Lord Silverstone could not possibly be more smitten with you than he already is,” she said.
Clara sighed happily and nodded.
“I believe that you are right,” she said.
Through all the hustle and bustle, Elizabeth was a godsend. Julian's sister took charge of the wedding breakfast with the dedication that only an older sister could offer. The breakfast itself would be hosted by the countess at Berrington Estate, but with Lady Berrington so preoccupied with helping Clara with the wedding shopping, Elizabeth’s help had been invaluable.
"I'm just ensuring my brother doesn't escape at the last minute," Elizabeth said jokingly, three nights before the wedding as they poured over seating arrangements.
Clara laughed, the sound echoing through the room.
"And I am ever thankful for your vigilant watch over him," she said.
Elizabeth’s eyes grew serious but filled with delight and love.
“You have certainly brought back the Julian I’ve known all my life,” she said. “I am so grateful that you came into our lives. I know that he is, too. I have never seen him so happy.”
Clara blushed, smiling humbly at her future sister-in-law.
“I feel as though I am the fortunate one,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier or more in love.”
Elizabeth reached out and squeezed her hand.
“I know that the two of you will be immensely happy together,” she said.
Three days later, As Christmastide concluded, the village chapel buzzed with anticipation. The flickering candlelight and fragrant pine walls formed the backdrop for a love story that was, in that very moment, being solidified.
