Page 88 of An Earl's Christmas Seduction
The rector now came to stand in front of them, clearing his throat, as he opened his prayer book and the congregation fell silent.
“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; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church…” he said, and the marriage service began.
Amelia and Nicholas promised fidelity to one another in sickness and in health, promising to love and cherish one another until death bid them part. Nicholas presented Amelia with a ring, and by that sign, he pledged her his troth. When the rector pronounced the final blessing, Nicholas leaned forward and kissed Amelia, and the congregation rose as one to congratulate them with a round of applause.
“I love you, Amelia,” Nicholas whispered, as their lips parted.
“I love you, too, Nicholas,” she said, and arm in arm, they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
It seemed remarkable to think they were now married, having come so close to losing one another, and now the guests hurried to congratulate them, as the viscount played a thunderous roar on the organ.
“Oh, Amelia, I’m so happy for you; for both of you,” Amelia’s mother exclaimed, throwing her arms around them both and kissing them.
Tears of happiness rolled down her cheeks and others expressed similar sentiments.
“Congratulations, what a beautiful ceremony,” Isobel said, and Harry shook Nicholas warmly by the hand.
“A memorable day,” he said, as Clara and Edmund approached.
“It’s certainly been memorable, brother,” he said.
Nicholas smiled.
“I still find it difficult to think… well, I know I have a brother, and my brother knows he has a brother, too. But as for us both accepting it…” he said, and Edmund laughed.
“But do you know something? I rather think we look alike, don’t you?” he said, and now he stood next to Nicholas, the two of them tilting their heads to one another.
The likenesswasthere, and it seemed to Amelia as though the two brothers would only grow further towards one another’s looks as the years went on.
“I hope we don’t get you confused,” she said, glancing at Clara, who laughed.
“Oh… I’d never want to marry Nicholas. I remember what he was like as a boy,” she said, and all of them laughed.
It was the happiest of companies that made its way across the moorland towards Ashworth House and the Amhurst estate, led by Amelia and Nicholas, who walked arm in arm. There was to be a grand celebration there, and with snow no longer blocking the roads, a file of carriages had brought even more guests to join them.
“I hope ye’ve chosen the music well,” the viscount said, and Nicholas smiled.
“Plenty of waltzes, Lord McNeil. Who willyoudance with?” he asked.
The viscount smiled.
“Oh… I’ve seen some pretty lasses, I assure ye,” he said, and Amelia rolled her eyes.
Inside, the lower rooms of the house had been decorated, and footmen stood ready to receive the guests. Tables had been set up, groaning with refreshments, and a large glass punchbowl took center stage.
The viscount was already busy directing the musicians, and as the guests filed into the house, accompanied by those who had arrived by carriage, the celebrations began. There was dancing, singing, and much merry making as Amelia and Nicholas celebrated the happy occasion of their wedding.
“We should lead the dancing,” Nicholas said, when later in the afternoon, another waltz was called for.
“Or we could let your brother and Clara lead. Don’t they look happy together? And Isobel and Harry, too. Won’t it be wonderful when they’re married, too,” Amelia said, watching as the two couples took to the floor to lead the next dance.
Nicholas put his arm around Amelia, and the two of them stepped back, even as the viscount called for the rest of the guests to join the dancing.
“Ye should all be dancin.’ Tis’ only right on a nuptial day,” he called out.
Amelia smiled.
“We’re blessed with our friends,” she said, and Nicholas laughed.
