Page 53 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
“It truly is,” he agreed.
She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him, wondering how she got so lucky to deserve such a man as her husband, as her partner, as her everything. She closed her eyes, inhaling his scent, reminding herself that sometimes, it was better not to question fate. It knew exactly what it was doing, as it rewarded those who were worthy of being truly happy.
Chapter 25
Arthur and James departed from the meeting with the Crown, the weight of the past and the promise of the future heavy on their minds. James had successfully reclaimed his title and the privileges that came with it, a vital step in reestablishing his place in society.
As they walked through the bustling streets of London, the brothers engaged in deep conversation. They spoke about their experiences, the challenges they had faced, and the unbreakable bond that had carried them through it all.
“So, how does it feel to be back?” Arthur asked as they were heading towards their carriage. “I mean, really back, with everyone knowing you are here.”
James smiled, his face still bandaged, but less so than before. It was as if he was willing to show more of himself to the world now, emboldened by the love Margot had for him.
“I feel like I am reacquainting myself with the world again,” James admitted. “The world that I left behind. At some point, home had become a memory, but now, it’s so much more again. It is real, it is tangible, it is welcoming. My family and friends enveloped me in warmth and camaraderie, celebrating my return, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“Mother was happier than anyone,” Arthur reminded him.
“Ah yes, Mother,” James’ eyes sparkled at the mention of their mother.
Arthur couldn’t imagine what that must have felt like for his brother, to be away for so long, to have his own father not recognize him, only to return on his own and find his way back.
“And Father?” Arthur wondered.
James shook his head. “I don’t think I am ready to see him yet.”
“I can understand that.” Arthur nodded.
James continued. “Sometimes, I think that if only he recognized me like you did, I would have been home sooner. I would have been married to Margot already, and you wouldn’t have mourned me for so long.”
Arthur stopped, placing his hand reassuringly on his brother’s shoulder. “I think things turned out the way they were supposed to turn out. But I understand that you don’t want to see Father.”
“I will, one day, but not now,” he was adamant. “Besides, I have more pressing matters to attend to.” This, he said with a smile.
“Like what?” Arthur wondered. He believed that with the Crown being involved in getting James’ titles back to him, most of the documentation had been taken care of.
“Marrying Margot.” James beamed. “I am off to secure a special marriage license that will allow us to get married without delay. I cannot wait any longer, Arthur, and neither can she.”
Arthur chuckled. “And you shouldn’t wait any longer, either of you.”
Arthur could see that his brother’s heart was brimming with love and anticipation. The joy in James’ eyes was unmistakable.
“She never stopped loving you,” Arthur spoke with awe. “Not even for a single moment. I think she sensed that you were out there somewhere, trying to find your way back to us, back to her.”
“Yes,” James agreed. “That is why I can’t bear the thought of wasting another moment, seeing that we’ve already wasted so much time. The prospect of a life together with the woman I love fills me with a renewed sense of purpose. I never thought I would have that again, Arthur. But I do. My purpose is to love her, to keep her safe and protected, loved and cherished, and that is what I plan on doing for the rest of our lives.”
They continue their walk towards the carriage, exchanging a few more words. As they reached their destination, they stopped.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you there?” Arthur asked.
“No.” James smiled, inhaling deeply. “It is a wonderful day, and I want to walk.
“All right then.” James and his brother shook their hands, bidding each other goodbye.
About half an hour later, Arthur entered his apartment at The Albany, a sense of accomplishment and relief washing over him. He had helped his brother regain his title, arranged for James and Margot’s upcoming wedding, and exposed all the dark secrets that threatened to destroy both their families. Now, with everything settling into place, he felt a rare moment of contentment.
However, his contentment turned to surprise when he found Catherine there, seated at a small writing desk, penning her latest chapter. Her presence brought a smile to his face, and he couldn’t help but be taken by her dedication to her writing.
With a soft chuckle, he approached her, the warmth of their newfound understanding evident in his eyes. “You certainly have a way of making a surprise entrance,” he remarked, his tone affectionate.
