Page 79 of A Governess' Unbridled Passion
Thank you, one and all, for the love and care you show my family. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded, but for now, I ask you to take a glass of the champagne being handed out and raise a toast to my wife-to-be, Alice.”
Everyone called out Alice’s name and congratulated her as they raised their glasses in a toast.
Alice, on her part, had never looked so happy. That was enough to make Phillip happy, knowing she would be a part of his life forever.
Epilogue
Three months later …
“Are you sure I do not look overdressed in a ball gown? I mean …” Alice tried.
“Nonsense, Miss Alice. You look divine, and this is not just any ball gown, it is the dress you wore when you first danced with the duke,” Clara reminded her. “Besides, we have toned it down a little by making it less extravagant.”
“I appreciate your help, truly I do, Clara,” Alice said with conviction. “I am so very nervous, that is why I dither.”
“The carriage is here, Miss Alice,” an excited Betsy called out. “And Miss Beatrice is ready in her bridesmaid’s dress. She is such a pretty sight for sure.”
“Then gather the children and let us take the carriage to the church,” Alice instructed, her voice quivering with nerves.
* * *
Walking down the aisle of the church with the adorable Lady Beatrice behind her, and William by her side to give her away, Alice had never felt so tense. The stone church was usually cold and damp, but today Alice felt hot and bothered. It wasn’t every day that a duke married his governess, and plenty would disapprove.
But the moment she set eyes upon her beloved, standing with his friend Mr Eli in front of the altar, all her worries melted away. They both looked most handsome in their long tails and tall hats. But Phillip, of course, was bewitching with his thick, dark hair all neat and tidy. Alice felt a shiver of delight, knowing the handsome man smiling back at her was soon to be her husband.
One side of the church was full of their friends and a few servants shuffling about in the pews. The other side though did not hold many, and she was to meet with Phillip’s direct family members at the house later.
She purposely didn’t look at the stern faces of his relatives because she wouldn’t allow their opinions of her to ruin her wedding day. Later, she would attempt to win them over, but in the church, she cared only about one man, her future husband.
It surprised her when they repeated their vows; Phillip’s voice wavered with nerves. When he put the ring on her finger, his hands were shaking too. Here was a man as confident as a duke, who had travelled the world and was still nervous on his wedding day. Alice loved him for it because it showed that he took their joining seriously.
As they signed the register, all Alice could think was that she would spend the rest of her life with the wonderful man by her side. She could feel his warmth, and his strength of character would get them through the malicious gossip that would no doubt follow. Alice had no care over what the nobility thought of this wedding because her husband told her that it would not come between their love for one another.
Phillip rode back with her and the children, and there was laughter in their carriage all the way home. Life felt good with the children happy and a handsome man who was now her husband.
When they arrived home, they went straight to the dining room. Gathering around the table, in a formal fashion, were Phillip’s family members. Alice braced herself for the breakfast feast spent with people she did not know.
To her relief, his family was welcoming, and their conversation light and pleasant. They adored the children, which was important to Alice, so she decided she liked them all.
An hour later, Phillip took her aside, asking if she wanted to spend some time at the servants’ breakfast feast downstairs. Jumping at the opportunity, they sneaked away, taking the servants’ staircase to the kitchens. Walking through the kitchen corridor in her wedding gown gave her a peculiar feeling, but she brushed it aside.
Arriving in the servants’ small dining room, she felt at ease. A sea of familiar faces smiled back at her as everyone stood up from their chairs to applaud.
“It is a great honour to have the Duke and Duchess of Haroth in our dining room,” William said, greeting them.
“You should be upstairs, William,” Alice queried, looking puzzled at why the butler was downstairs. “After all, you gave me away.”
“Aye, there will be many odd things for you to get used to, Miss Alice … erm … I mean, Duchess,” William replied as others giggled. “Your place is upstairs now, but mine is still among my friends down here.”
Alice knew there was much truth in the butler’s words. It wasn’t for her to dictate where people belonged. William was right; there were going to be many changes for her to adjust to. Still, she would never forget who her true friends were and everything they had done for her.
It was Phillip who broke her thoughts as he called out for everyone’s attention to make a speech.
“Every one of us in this room knows and understands the changes that Haroth Hall has undergone in the last few years,” he began. Alice noted how serious he looked, no doubt thinking of his brother and maybe even Lady Davina. “But one thing that remains the same is the loyalty of the servants, the true caretakers of this hall, along with the Tilbury family. We may hold different roles, but we are as one, all here to ensure the success of the Haroth Estate.”
Alice watched on as everyone nodded in agreement. They were a caring lot, and Phillip was quite right; they were loyal. It gave her an overwhelming sense of pride to be a part of the Haroth Estate.
“Oh, and thank you, one and all, for making sure that my bride and I had our first dance together at the ball,” Phillip added, causing cheers to ring out this time. “You are a crafty lot, and I look forward to working with you to keep the halls of the Haroth Estate running smoothly.
