Epilogue
Six months later
Harriet prepared for her wedding night with breathless anticipation. Joseph had proposed only three months ago, but their marriage couldn’t come quickly enough as far as they both were concerned. The more time they spent together, the more their love for one another deepened.
Joseph had found a lovely townhome for them that wasn’t far from her mother’s house in Mayfair. They’d enjoyed furnishing it together, and it already felt like home.
He took her to visit his parents several times. His father had a stern demeanor, making conversing with him a challenge. His mother was sweet if reserved, especially when her husband was nearby.
Watching Joseph and the hint of sadness that came over him when he was with his parents made her love him all the more.
Henderson had been found dead alongside the road north of London the week following his attempt to blackmail Harriet and her mother. Apparently, he’d been traveling to the monastery he had purchased with the donations he’d received. His saddlebags had been rifled through and nothing left in them.
Joseph’s father had shaken his head at the news but refused to say why he’d been so taken with the man. The monastery had been sold to repay those who’d given him money, though it didn’t sound as if it had been enough for some. Whether any of his ‘true believers’ remained was unclear. None had come forward at any rate. Rumor had it that no one had attended Henderson’s funeral.
Harriet’s mother adored Joseph, and her uncle approved as well, as did Ceylon, the sweet little dog her mother now called her own.
The league members had met Joseph at one time or another and were so happy for Harriet. Though Frances had been reserved initially, she now insisted no one could be happier for them and took partial credit for their union.
Harriet still thought something might be brewing between Frances and Thomas Sinclair, but he had departed for a lengthy visit to America two months prior to visit relatives and had yet to return.
Their wedding that morning had been beautiful with family and friends joining in the celebration. All the members of the literary league had attended, two with their husbands, which made the morning even more special.
Once her maid left, Harriet took one last look in the dressing table mirror. Her hair was bound in a loose braid tied with a white ribbon and rested on her shoulder.
Her nightgown had a plunging neckline that made her feel bare, but the wrapper that went over it covered more of her. Her gaze held on her burn scars in the mirror. While Joseph had already seen them, she still felt self-conscious. Would that feeling ever pass?
She stood and glanced around the room, pleased to see everything was in order. A fire burned cheerfully in the hearth. Two vases of white roses were placed on either side of the room, lending a sweet fragrance to the air.
It was silly to be nervous. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t enjoyed a few interludes of passion in the weeks leading up to their wedding that had gone well beyond kissing. Yet she couldn’t deny that the idea of making love with Joseph made her anxious.
Before she had time to worry further, a knock sounded at the door.
“Enter.” She waited by the fire as Joseph walked into the room, wearing a burgundy robe.
His tender smile as he moved to stand before her then reached for her hands helped to allay her fears.
“I love you.” The simple words and the emotion shining in his eyes made her heart swell, though she would’ve sworn it couldn’t feel any fuller.
She would never grow weary of him telling her that.
“Excellent,” she said with a smile. “Because I love you as well.”
“It feels as if I’ve waited forever for you.” He released her hand to touch her cheek.
“You don’t have to wait any longer.” She stepped closer to lift onto her toes and kiss him.
The kiss was gentle yet passionate and quickly melted away most of her nerves. He seemed to hold back his desire as if not to overwhelm her, his movements slow and careful.