“I have never been more certain of anything in my entire life.” He swallowed hard, ignoring the audience. He had intended to ask permission to court her rather than propose, but given the situation, he was eager to move forward and hoped she agreed. The sooner she was his, the happier he would be.
While he would’ve preferred to have the conversation in private, this would have to do, regardless of who listened.
“I love you, Millicent, with all that I am, and all that I hope to be. You have changed my life for the better, and I promise to spend the rest of my days making you happy. I will do my best to be the man you think I am.”
Those who watched gasped in unison. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mrs. Davies press a hand over her mouth as if both shocked and touched by his speech. He couldn’t blame her as he was a bit shocked as well.
“Winston, I love you, too. So much.” The tremble in Millicent’s voice echoed in his heart. “You are everything I ever hoped for. I would be honored to have you as my husband.”
The guests applauded in response.
Relief made his knees weak, but he managed to stand and lifted her hand to his lips to press a kiss there, sealing his promise. “You’ve made me so happy.”
“Hey, now.” Dunthorpe’s angry tone had them turning to look at him. “What’s all tis about? I’m the one who intends to court her.”
“You’re too late,” Winston advised him, not bothering to hide his smug tone. “You should’ve decided whether you liked her sooner. She’s mine now. Forever and always.”
Dunthorpe muttered something unintelligible, turned on his heel, and staggered into the dark garden.
“This is all quite unexpected,” Mrs. Davies began as she looked at her daughter, whose beaming smile was impossible to ignore. “But delightful.” She turned to Winston. “Welcome to the family, my lord. I’m certain my husband will also be delighted by the news.”
“I will call on him tomorrow morning if that is agreeable.”
“That will be fine.” She reached to embrace Millicent. “Congratulations, dear. I don’t have to ask if you’re happy, for I can see that you are.”
“I am.” Millicent hugged her for a long moment. “Absolutely thrilled.”
Winston took Millicent’s hand and tucked it under his arm. “Shall we return inside? I would like nothing more than to dance with you.” Actually, he would prefer to kiss her, but a dance would have to do until they had a moment alone. It might be selfish of him, but he hoped one would come soon.
They held back as the guests returned inside, led by Mrs. Davies and Millicent’s younger cousin, though he didn’t recall seeing her earlier.
He drew a deep breath, appreciating the absolute joy that filled him as he shared a tender look with Millicent. She’d helped him discover a part of himself that had been buried for too long. Heliked to think his mother and father would be proud of him for finding the joy that had eluded both of them.
More importantly, he was at peace with himself, knowing that with Millicent at his side, he would have a life he’d never dared to dream for himself.
“I believe this is our waltz,” he murmured, then led her to the dance floor and gathered her into his arms, vowing never to let her go.
Epilogue
Two months later...
“Ireceived yoursecretmessage.”
Millie looked up from where she sat reading on a bench in a cozy garden alcove to smile at Winston. “I’m delighted to hear that.”
She’d written another message, much to Alice’s delight, and asked the maid to deliver it to Winston, requesting him to meet her here with the hope of surprising him. She loved doing so, and his obvious pleasure was her reward.
She glanced at the basket he held as she set aside her book. “What do you have there?”
“A surprise of my own. I thought we might enjoy a picnic.”
“How thoughtful. I would love that.” Joy shimmered within her, something to which she was quickly growing accustomed.
They were spending the first week of their wedding trip at his country estate in Lincolnshire before they ventured to the Continent for an additional two weeks of travel.
Winston wanted to meet with the tenants and see to a few details before they ventured abroad. The new steward was working out well and not only supported Winston’s plans but had made a few suggestions that aligned with her husband’s vision.
Their wedding had been a small affair, held at her parish church with family, the league members, and their husbands in attendance. Millie had enjoyed every minute. Winston had gone out of his way to make each day special since his proposal. She felt cherished and loved and hoped he did as well.