Ralph rubbed his forehead and sighed. ‘Later, when we have both said our sacred vows.’
He returned his gaze to Gwen as she continued to make her way towards them, only to notice William shuffling nervously by his feet.
‘What is it now?’ Ralph asked from the side of his mouth.
‘I need to go. Now.’ William stepped from one foot to the other.
Ralph shook his head in disbelief. He knew it had been a bad idea to allow the boy to be involved in the wedding procession, but he did not have the heart to say no, once William asked with such joyous excitement.
‘Did you not use the piss-pot beforehand?’
‘I did, but I have to go again.’
He met Tom’s bemused gaze as he tried not to laugh out loud himself. ‘I’ll take him, while you wait for your bride.’
‘Do not let him lose that ring, Tom. I need it!’
‘Naturally.’ His friend winked. ‘And do not worry, we shall get back before anyone notices our absence.’
‘See that you do and before he causes any mischief.’
‘I would never do that,’ William said, outraged.
‘Of course not.’
And, thank God, he kept his word, as the marriage ceremony proceeded without any further interruptions. Well, except when Isabel de Clancey’s dog somehow managed to get in the chapel, making William Tallany giggle uncontrollably despite his mother’s chagrin and embarrassment.
None of it mattered in the end and it certainly made this splendid day far more memorable—charming, even. And to top it all, Ralph had finally married the woman who held his heart and completed him.
* * *
Later, when they both sat on the dais watching the fool flanked by their many guests, he leant over to Gwen and whispered into her ear, ‘Happy, my love?’
‘Yes, more than I could ever imagine.’ She beamed at him. ‘And it is all because of you.’
He lifted her hand to his lips and shook his head. ‘It is finally because we are where we should always have been—here in Kinnerton,’ he muttered, his eyes scanning the huge hall before returning to hers. ‘Together.’
‘I never thought it could be possible.’
‘Ah, but life can be full of possibilities if you happen to look for them.’ He winked. ‘Which reminds me. Here, I have something for you.’
He passed her rolls of vellum tied with a ribbon that he beckoned a maid to bring.
‘What is it?’ Her forehead creased in bewilderment as she looked at the rolls and then at him.
‘Best to open them and see.’
Ralph smiled as he watched Gwen’s stunned reaction. She opened the scrolled rolls to find that they were her beautifully crafted parchments of pen and the artwork that she had used to pay for Fortis.
‘I never thought to see these again, Ralph. How in heaven’s name did you manage it?’
‘Have I not told you that I’m pretty good at making conciliatory bargains? Besides, I made Geoffrey de Clun an offer he could not refuse.’
‘I dare not think what that means, but thank you.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘This means more than you can ever know.’
‘Well, I could hardly let those little pieces of yourself that you imbued on these scrolls to be misplaced.’ He shrugged. ‘They belong with the rest of you.’
‘As I belong to you. And you to me?’
‘Always.’ He grinned before he returned her kisses. ‘And for ever, Gwen.’
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9780369711021
The Return of Her Lost Knight
Copyright © 2021 by Maryam Oliver
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ISBN-13: 9780369711045
Copyright © 2021 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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How to Wed a Courtesan
Copyright © 2021 by Madeline Martin
A Cinderella for the Viscount
Copyright © 2021 by Liz Tyner
The Return of Her Lost Knight
Copyright © 2021 by Melissa Oliver
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