Page 41 of The Duke's Gamble
Lady Florentina blinked rapidly as Samuel swallowed thickly, waiting for her answer. What would she do? What would she say to him? The silence seemed to drag on, causing tension to rake up and down his spine until, finally, Lady Florentina let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as a smile lit her face.
Whatever does this mean?Samuel did not know what to think, the hope in his chest beginning to fade. Was she joyous over the ending of her connection to him? Glad now of her freedom?
Or did it come from something else entirely?
“And it is in this that you have proven yourself to me, Dartmoor.” The smile still gracing her lips, Lady Florentina leaned close to him again, a lightness in her expression that had not been there before. “You prove yourself to me by offering me freedom without exception, with being willing to step back from me and release the house at the very same time. You want nothing for yourself, you care only for me and for my family.”
“I—I do not want anything but your happiness,” Samuel said, aware he was repeating himself but still a little stunned by her reaction. “What are you saying, Florentina? I do not quite understand.”
Her smile grew. “I am saying that we shall be more than happy together, Dartmoor. I am saying that yes, Ishallstill marry you because I believe now, wholeheartedly, that you are a gentleman who is eager to change from the very core of his being. And because of that, I can absolutely trust that your heart is just as you have proclaimed.”
Samuel let out a whoosh of breath, his breathing now ragged as he took her hands in his. He could not speak, could not even think of what to say as he looked back into her eyes and saw the joy shining there.
“I will still marry you, Dartmoor,” she said softly, lifting one hand to press against his cheek, tenderness in her gaze now. “Not because I must, not because of some foolish agreement between us but because Iwantto. Because it is in my heart to do so, because I cannot step away from the affection—the love—for you that is there also. Yes, I will marry you and yes, I will be glad to stand up beside you and make my vows to become your wife. I believe all that you have said, I believe that every word of your apology is real and that you will do all that you can to build the trust between us.”
“I shall,” Samuel swore, fervently. “I shall, Florentina, I swear it.”
“Then kiss me,” she whispered, her eyes melding to his, “and then let us go and make the announcement to thetonthat we are soon to be wed.”
His heart swelled with overwhelming joy, and, cupping her face gently in his hands, Samuel leaned in, sealing his promise with a kiss that spoke of all the love and devotion he had harbored for her, with a depth he had never known.
Epilogue
Florentina smiled up at the Duke as the wedding ceremony began. This was the happiest moment of her life, knowing that she was now to stand and take her place as the Duke’s wife. The church was filled with her family and her friends, as well as those from within thetonwho, given their standing in society and their connection to the Duke, had received an obligatory invitation. The only sorrow in her heart was that her brother hadstillnot shown his face in London but, aside from that, Florentina felt nothing but joy.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy matrimony. It is not to be taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”
The Duke looked down at her and smiled as a few quiet moments passed. Florentina did not fear the silence, for she knew there was no one to protest. Lady Dinah had not been seen in London since the night of the Duke’s ball, and as far as Florentina knew, Lord Finneston had also left for Bath, so their wedding, she was certain, would be quite without incident.
“Very good.” The vicar then looked at Florentina directly before turning his gaze to the Duke. “I charge you both, that if either of you know any reason why you may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, you must now confess it.”
There came another short pause, but Florentina only continued to smile, waiting for the ceremony to continue. All shewanted to do was make her promise and then step out of the church, her hand on the Duke’s arm as his wife. Finally, the vicar smiled.
“Then, shall we begin?” He looked at the Duke of Dartmoor, his smile flickering as the seriousness of the moment fell upon both Florentina and those present. “Will you, Samuel, Duke of Dartmoor, have this woman as your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep only unto her, so long as you both shall live?”
There was not even a flicker of hesitation. “I will.”
Would that it be my turn to make such a promise.
For whatever reason, the vicar then paused again, only to finally permit his gaze to fall upon Florentina. “And you, Lady Florentina? Will you have this man as your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
Florentina lifted her chin a little. “I will.” She looked at the Duke as she spoke rather than the vicar, wanting him to know that it was tohimthat she spoke these words. The Duke nodded, his eyes shining as he looked back at her, clearly just as eager as she to make his vows to completion.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
Before any words could be spoken, before Lord Huntsford—Florentina’s uncle—could say that he had done so, the sound of a door opening and closing behind them made Florentina jump.
“I do!”
She turned bodily, only to see her brother rushing to the front of the church as murmurs of astonishment filled thechurch. Florentina’s heart leapt, her eyes wide as her brother came to stand beside her, his chest heaving.
“I received your letter, Florentina,” he said, breathing heavily now. “I thought I would be too late, but I am here—and I am sorry.”
Florentina blinked back her tears of happiness, taking his hand in her own. “You are here now. Just when I need you.”
Her brother shook his head. “You needed me much sooner than this, Florentina, I am aware of that.” Looking to the Duke, he gave him a nod. “There is much I need to say, many apologies I need to make. But for the moment, I am here to give you away.” He squeezed Florentina’s hand. “I am overjoyed to know that you have found a gentleman to care for you, Florentina. You deserve happiness.”
“And I swear I shall give it,” the Duke murmured as Florentina, sniffing, looked back at the vicar who was frowning in confusion.
