Part 23 (2/2)

”Charlotte looks well,” he whispered, and Lydia looked across the expanse of steps, to where her brother and his wife stood, also holding hands. Behind them, a mobcapped nanny held the heir to the dukedom, born only a month earlier. Today was to be both a wedding and a christening, although young Rafael Fitzgerald Daughtry seemed unimpressed as he slept in the nanny's arms.

Her Aunt Emmaline's daughter had been left behind at Ashurst Hall, as she'd been awake half the night, cutting another tooth, the now d.u.c.h.ess of Warrington had informed them, just before she yawned behind her hand, then looked sternly at her husband as he'd put forth the notion that his wife might wish a small nap after the ceremony. The way he'd made the suggestion had Tanner chuckling quietly, and both Emmaline and Lydia had rolled their eyes...proving that some traits ran in families.

”Lucas looks terrified,” Lydia commented as she looked toward her soon to be brother-in-law, and both she and Tanner smiled as they watched the bridegroom reach up and run a finger beneath his neckcloth, as if it had suddenly become too tight.

”I can't believe he let her dress him all in white,” Tanner whispered. ”Thank you yet again, darling, for not putting me through such hoops.”

”You're very welcome. But he does look quite handsome, if somewhat uncomfortable for a man of his consequence. He really must love my sister very much.”

”I gladly would have done the same for you, had you asked. And may I say again, thank G.o.d you didn't. I'd also have enjoyed hearing Justin's opinion on all of this grandeur, but part of the price he paid to return to England was to be at Prinney's beck and call if he was needed.”

”I still don't understand why the Prince Regent would need him,” Lydia said as a murmur began to rise among the crowd of villagers lining both sides of the gra.s.sy walk leading to the church.

”Justin is a man of many talents, none of which he'd most likely want you to know about, darling. Oh, good Lord, here she comes.”

Still holding tight to Tanner's hand, Lydia leaned forward, to better see her sister as she approached.

First came the little girls, a dozen sweet, cherubic creatures dressed all in white, long pink streamers in their hair. They danced about prettily, tossing pink rose petals in front of them as they approached-all but one obviously shy little beauty who held tightly to her basket with both hands, refusing to be parted from her petals.

That's it, sweetheart, Lydia applauded the child silently, you hold onto what is yours. Hold on tight.

And then Nicole appeared, riding sidesaddle atop her beloved Juliet, the mare sporting a white satin blanket and white satin ribbons braided into her mane and tail. Juliet held her head high as if proud of her appearance, and seemed to prance, her forelegs lifted high, set down delicately.

Nicole, too, was dressed all in white, her glorious coal black curls hanging loose down past her shoulders, a garland of pink roses cunningly wrapping about her head, low on her lightly freckled forehead. A veil attached to the back of the flowery ring and floated in the breeze that seemed to have agreed to appear as if on cue.

Lydia watched as a thoroughly bemused Marquess of Basingstoke came down the steps and walked over to a.s.sist Nicole from the saddle. She was close enough to see that her sister's marvelous violet eyes were awash in tears, and to hear her whispered I love you.

She felt Tanner's arms sliding around her waist as he gently pulled her back against him, bending his head to place a kiss on the side of her neck.

The world was beautiful. With no shadows, no regrets, but only wonderful memories. Life was good, and to be lived every day, because every day spent with those you loved was more precious than any diamond.

And, maybe, after the ceremony, she and Tanner would find time to escape for a small nap...

ISBN: 978-1-4268-5610-5.

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KASEY MICHAELS.

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Don't miss an exclusive Daughtry eBook prequel How to Woo a Spinster.

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