by Renee Ryan
“Admittedly, neither can I.” Jackson looked over his shoulder again. “We both know she doesn’t understand what it means to be refused entry into homes where she’d once been a favorite guest.”
Throat tight, Luke watched Otis chase a butterfly, yapping every time he made a leap in the air. “I don’t want Elizabeth to suffer humiliation and exclusion because of her association with me.”
“Nor do I, but, as she told me mere minutes before you arrived, it’s her decision.”
Despite the yawning pit in his gut, Luke felt a smile tug at his lips. That sounded exactly like the Elizabeth he’d come to know and love. He could imagine her scolding Jackson, hands on her hips, her eyes huge and sparkling with outrage on Luke’s behalf. How he loved her.
“The best solution, the only solution, is to let her go to England. But”—Luke drew in a sharp breath—“I can’t bear the idea of her marrying another man. I love her, Jackson. I can’t live without her.”
“Then fight for her.”
Fight for her; the answer was really that simple. And yet, nothing about this situation felt simple. Luke refused to be daunted. He would humble himself before Elizabeth. He would bear his heart. Use whatever argument necessary. A bit of groveling couldn’t hurt, either.
The idea of leaving this house without Elizabeth was incomprehensible. “I can’t—”
“Then you’re a coward.”
“I can’t,” Luke repeated, more forcibly this time, “fight for her if you won’t let me speak with her.”
“Ah, well, then. Problem solved.” Jackson clapped him on the shoulder. “She’s right behind you.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Elizabeth spent three full seconds unable to take a single breath. Then, suddenly, air whooshed out of her lungs, and her breathing came in fast, lung-burning snatches. As if caught in a waking dream, she watched Luke turn to face her.
Something caught deep inside her, a feeling that her life had just begun, this moment, with this man. He loved her. He’d said the words. Not to her, not yet. But he would. She saw the determination in him, in every tense muscle of his big body.
“Elizabeth.” Not quite smiling, Luke walked toward her with that swagger of his, his gaze on her face. No one had ever looked at her like that, as if she were the only woman in the world. A bud of happiness opened in her heart, blossoming with warmth and certainty.
It felt absolutely right that they pledge their love in a spring garden, with the scent of flowers wrapping them in a secret world all their own. They’d shared a similar moment when she’d come upon him the night of Penelope’s engagement party.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Jackson brushed past her, touched her arm with a sweep of his fingertips, then was gone.
Luke stood before her. He appeared rather worse for wear. He was still dressed in evening attire, minus the coat and tie. His clothes were rumpled beyond repair, and his shirtsleeves were rolled up to the elbows. Purple shadows had taken up residence beneath his eyes, and his face was etched with lines of exhaustion. He looked terrible.
He looked magnificent. And he was hers, all hers.
She wanted to reach up and touch his unshaven jaw, the sensation so intense her hands itched. But she resisted. Not yet, she told herself. Talk first, touch later.
Holding his beautiful gaze—the color of amber jewels—Elizabeth waited for him to say the three words that would begin the rest of their lives together.
“I’m a fool.”
Not those three.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, a hitch catching in her throat.
“I have treated you dreadfully.” His face radiated pain. “I turned you away when I needed you most.”
“I understand why you did it.”
“No, don’t make this easy for me.” He let out a long, tortured sigh. “I hurt you, Elizabeth. I hate hurting you. I vow I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, if you’ll let me.”
Sounds of happiness climbed in her throat.
“I love you, Elizabeth. I love your goodness, your kindness, and your beauty. I love your heart and your ability to put others ahead of yourself. I also love your boldness and your desire to take risks. You’re my perfect match.”
Tears clogged in her throat, burned behind her eyes. Luke saw the woman she was beneath the perfectly groomed veneer, and he wanted her, anyway.
“I love you, Luke, with all that I am.”
He took her hand in his. “I want your version of adventure, Elizabeth. I want to teach you how to drive a motorcar and walk in the rain until our clothes are ruined. I don’t care if you wear last season’s gown or a shawl made of scandalous red silk, as long as you let me be a part of your life.”
“You really mean that, Luke? No more squawking about my reputation?”
“Reputation is nothing when compared to love.”
“Oh. Oh, Luke.” Could the man be any more romantic, any more wonderful?
“You taught me the true meaning of love, Elizabeth. You are my Little Bit, and so much more. You are my very heart.” He kissed each of her hands and whispered again, “I love you.”
Her breath caught as he lowered himself to one knee and cupped her hand in his. “Will you let me spend the rest of my life proving I’m worthy of you? Will you be my wife?”
She was crying now, the tears running down her cheeks in rivers of joy.
“I’ve made you cry.” He was instantly on his feet, dragging her into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”
She cried harder, holding on to him with all she had in her. The force of her feelings threatened to overwhelm her. When their children and grandchildren asked about this day, Elizabeth would tell them that Luke’s declaration of love had been the most precious moment of her life.
“Elizabeth, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to convince you I am sincere.”
“I believe you, Luke.” She pulled away and saw the beginnings of despair in his eyes. He didn’t understand why she was crying.
Lifting her hand to his jaw, reveling in the feel of the rough stubble beneath her palm, she said, “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, Luke. Yes. I will marry you.”
She was back in his arms before she finished saying the words. Luke crushed his mouth to hers.
They stayed there, holding one another tight, kissing, then pulling away, kissing again, whispering words of love, making promises, saying the equivalent of wedding vows.
In the circle of Luke’s arms, Elizabeth felt warm and cared for and safe. Eventually, he set her away from him.
She frowned. “I wasn’t finished kissing you.”
“Don’t tempt me, Little Bit.” He gave her a mock scowl, and she realized how much she cherished the nickname. “I think there’s been enough scandal for one day.”
“Perhaps, but maybe there’s room for a little harmless rebellion?”
He laughed, the sound washing over her, drying her tears.
Eyes full of love, he reached for her again.
This time, when he took her in his arms, he held her gently, tenderly. Elizabeth caught her breath and let it out in a sigh. For a moment, a lifetime of a moment, she simply held on to him and let the rest of her doubts slip away.
“I’m sorry, Elizabeth, I shouldn’t have sent you away last night.”
“I know, Luke, but now that I’ve had time to ponder the situation, I believe it was for the best.”
“It was a mistake, one I won’t ever repeat.”
Head resting on his shoulder, she told him about her mother’s return to New York. “She was waiting for me at St. James House when I arrived home last night.”
“That had to have been a difficult conversation.” He set her away from him again and stared into her eyes. “I should have been there with you.”
“You were rather preoccupied.” Cupping his cheek, she told him the rest. “I found it in my heart to forgive my mother.”
“I’m glad. I would lik
e to say, maybe, one day, I’ll find it in mine to forgive my father.”
He was suffering, and Elizabeth knew exactly what to say to him, the same words he’d given her in a garden much like this one. “The wound is fresh, Luke. Give it time.”
“I don’t deserve you.” How gently he gathered her into his arms. Elizabeth thought she might cry again. “But I’m not letting you go. I want a lifetime of adventure with you. We’ll start by working our way down your list.”
“Actually, I have a new list.”
“You’ve made another?” Chuckling, he pressed his lips to her hair. “Dare I ask?”
Holding back a laugh of her own, she stepped out of his arms, reached inside her sleeve, and drew out the list she’d tucked beneath the pleated cuff. “I believe you’ll like this one.”
She handed him the single sheet of paper. “Go ahead,” she urged. “Take a look.”
He lowered his head, snapped it back up again. “There are only three items here.”
“I’m aware.” She gave him what she hoped was her most encouraging smile. “Why don’t you read them aloud?”
“Number one, live a life without regret. That seems rather”—he lifted his head—“ambiguous.”
“Not to me. Several people have given me sound advice.” All with her best interest in mind, she knew, and she adored them for that. “My father and grandfather suggested I start over in a new country. Hester inspired me to be bold and take risks. Sally warned me to guard my heart, while you helped me to consider the consequences of my actions.”
“You are loved by many.”
“This is true.” Her blessings were so much richer and more enduring than the house she lived in or the clothes she wore. “You were all right and yet also wrong. Mistakes are inevitable. It’s what we do with our failures that matters most. Do we let them define us and live with regret the rest of our lives? Or do we atone for our past, forgive ourselves, and move on a bit wiser?”
Luke’s eyes softened with love, so much love. “You are a very smart woman.”
Adoring the feel of his eyes on her, she pointed to the paper in his hand. “Read the second item on my list.”
“Love without reservation.”
“I believe that one’s self-explanatory, as is the third and final item.”
“Grow old with the man I love.” He lifted his head, grinning.
“In case you have any doubts, Lucian Griffin”—she smiled broadly—“the man in question is you.”
His expression held a hint of wonder. “I am completely, utterly unworthy of you, but I’m too greedy to let you go. I’ll strive every day to make you happy. All I ask is a normal amount of patience when I disappoint you.”
“I’ll ask the same in return.”
“We’re going to have a good life together, Elizabeth St. James, one exciting, slightly scandalous adventure after another.” He pulled her close. “There will be trials along the way, and the road won’t always be smooth, but I’ll catch you when you fall and love you until my dying day.”
“We’ll be together, Luke. And that’s enough for me.”
They agreed to a simple wedding ceremony in the gardens of St. James House. The bride’s parents, having left for Florida two weeks prior, were not in attendance. The groom was better represented, at least by the females of his family and one future brother-in-law; his father chose to remain at home.
The only other guests were Caroline and Jackson Montgomery, Aunt Tilly, the entire Burrows family, the incomparable Hattie Montgomery, and, of course, Luke’s new business partner, Richard St. James.
Too excited to sleep, Elizabeth rose early and dressed with care the morning of her wedding.
Determined to impress her groom, she wore a deceptively simple white gown of tiered lace trimmed with a million pearls, a thin scarlet ribbon along the neckline, and petite bows at the sleeves. The same white pearls and bold red ribbons were woven into her hair.
Confident she looked her best, Elizabeth reached up and anchored a final pin in her upswept curls and stepped back to study her reflection.
A smiling Sally joined her in the mirror. “You’re nearly ready.”
“I thought I was ready.”
“Not yet.” The maid bustled around her, pulling at invisible threads and brushing away nonexistent wrinkles. She worked furiously, much like a bee attacked a particularly large, fragrant flower.
At last, Sally stepped back and gave one solid nod. “Now,” she declared, “you’re ready.”
Elizabeth stifled a grin. She would miss the young woman but knew Sophie Cappelletti could use the additional support and guidance as she navigated New York society.
To everyone’s shock—Sophie’s most of all—the mavens had rallied around the girl. Elizabeth suspected this was in large part due to Genevieve Burrows’s influence. Simon’s mother had proven as good as her son and was wielding her significant power among her friends to gain acceptance for Sophie in the most respectable homes across the city.
“Will you let Grandfather know it’s time to begin the ceremony?”
“Of course.” Before she left, Sally took Elizabeth’s hands and squeezed. “I wish you the best of luck with Mr. Griffin.”
“Thank you, my friend. And I wish you the same in your new position. I will miss you.”
When she was alone once again, Elizabeth strolled to the window that overlooked the gardens below. The cool morning air seeped past the window casing and whispered across her face. Taking a moment to settle her nerves, she dragged in a slow breath and took in God’s splendor.
The sun shone in a bright, cloudless sky. Not a single puff of white or dingy gray marred the pristine blue. Pity, Elizabeth thought; she would have enjoyed a light rain.
Nevertheless, she squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for her future with Luke. Lord, may we not only be good to each other but good for each other. May we be better together than apart, and may You always be in the center of our marriage, guiding our every step.
She turned and glanced around her room. She’d grown from child to woman within these walls. She’d made her list at the writing desk, wishing for more, grasping for more, eventually discovering the woman of substance that had always been inside her.
Hester’s shawl caught her eye. Elizabeth hesitated, then, with unsteady fingers, picked up the remaining piece of ruined silk, nothing more than a tiny frayed scrap now. Tucking the fragment in the keepsake box, Elizabeth promised herself she would honor Hester’s influence with wise choices, not only amid the adventures she and Luke shared but also in serving people in need.
The door to the adjoining room swung open and hit the wall with a soft thud. Elizabeth jumped away from the desk and, heart in her throat, spun around. Her momentary shock turned to pleasure as she caught sight of her cousin entering the room.
“Oh, Elizabeth.” Caroline’s words came out in a rush of pleasure. “It’s quite possible you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. I predict Luke will fall in a dead faint the moment he lays eyes on you.”
Elizabeth laughed at that ridiculous image. A single breath later, she was pulled into her cousin’s arms.
Careful not to crush her dress, Caroline kept the embrace loose. “I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I’m so pleased you’re marrying Luke. You are going to be very happy together.”
“You’re just relieved I’m not moving to England.”
“There is that.” Caroline released her hold, her expression serious. “But I would have endured a lifetime of separation if it had been what you truly wanted.”
“I’m exactly where I want to be, with family and friends of my choosing.” For what must have been the twentieth time since she’d risen from bed, her eyes filled. “I’m afraid I’m desperately emotional today. I keep having to brush away tears.”
“Of course you’re emotional.” Caroline handed her a pretty embroidered handkerchief. “You’re marrying the man you love.”
Dabbing at her eyes,
Elizabeth borrowed her cousin’s words. “There is that.”
They shared a laugh.
“I’ve come to tell you the minister has arrived. The guests are all assembled in the garden. We just need”—Caroline stretched out her hand—“the bride.”
They made their way down the marble staircase. At the terrace doors, Caroline unlinked their hands. “This is where I leave you.”
Swallowing, Elizabeth nodded.
With a quick smile and a backward glance over her shoulder, Caroline made her way into the garden. Stomach twisting into a dozen knots, Elizabeth peeked around the corner after her.
Penelope winked at her. Elizabeth winked back, and, just like that, her nervousness melted away. She was among friends and family. People who loved her. People she loved in return.
Feeling confident, Elizabeth moved into the center of the doorway and met her grandfather’s gaze. His tenderness and quiet acceptance silenced her remaining apprehension. “You are making the right decision, my dear.”
He need say nothing more. But, being the patriarch of the family and taking his role seriously, he did. “Luke is one of the finest young men I know. He will make you a good, solid husband, Elizabeth.” Her grandfather’s startling green eyes swam with watery emotion. “I could not have parted with you for any other man, not even one with a title.”
“I’m so glad you approve, Grandfather.”
He kissed her cheek. “Ready to get married?”
“Yes. Oh, yes.” She settled her hand in the crook of his arm.
Without another word, he guided her down into the garden. The buzz of bees hard at work mingled with the musical notes of birdsong and leaves rustling in the breeze. Those sounds, as well as the scent of jasmine and roses, would forever remind Elizabeth of her wedding day.
She remained perfectly dry-eyed until she turned her attention to her groom.
Their gazes locked, and all other distractions vanished. In the span of a single heartbeat, a thousand words passed between them.
