Epilogue
June 1817
Ashford took in the groups of people present that afternoon as he and Mary strolled through Hyde Park.There was no need today to stay perched above the crowds on his phaeton.The betrothal announcement had already run in all the newspapers.Gone were their days of trying to put on a show for everyone.
The season would be drawing to a close soon, and it seemed as though everyone was at the park, intent on enjoying the last weeks before they all returned to the country.The day was perfect—sunny but not yet oppressively hot.
It was almost impossible to believe that in one month’s time, right before everyone left London, he would be a married man.Even more difficult to believe was the fact he was counting down the days with eagerness.
Only three months had passed since he’d declared his intention to court Mary Trenton by taking her on a drive through Hyde Park.Now he couldn’t wait to bind her to him forever.
“Lord Cranston!”Mary exclaimed as his friend pulled his own phaeton to the side and jumped down from the high perch with ease.“I didn’t expect to see you here this afternoon.”
Cranston took hold of her hand and bowed over it before taking a step back.“I thought I’d come to ensure this scoundrel was treating you well.”
Ashford didn’t even care that one of his best friends was blatantly flirting with his intended.He trusted the man without question, even if he was a scoundrel.
Together they continued their walk.
“I can scarce believe that in one month’s time I will be Lady Ashford.I must admit, Lord Lowenbrock has been a saint.Amelia has all manner of people coming into the house for my trousseau.And then there are the preparations at Ashford’s home for the wedding breakfast.Who would have thought that a simple meal would require so much planning?”
Ashford squeezed Mary’s hand where it was resting in the crook of his elbow.“If my mother is being difficult, please let me know.I’m a viscount, not the Prince Regent.I don’t know why she keeps changing her mind about what’s going to be served and which cutlery we’ll be using.And the guest list keeps growing.I’m beginning to think we should have set the date for after everyone quits town.”
Mary met his gaze.“I’m sure the next month will fly by.”
He didn’t realize they’d stopped and were standing there, gazing at one another and no doubt putting on quite the display, until Cranston groaned.
“Why am I even here?Perhaps I should see if there’s anyone else I can speak to where I won’t feel decidedlyde trop.”
Mary blushed.“We apologize for making you feel unwelcome.”
Ashford let out a chuckle at the way his friend was gazing up and down the walk, exaggerating his efforts to see who was present inside the carriages that were slowly driving past them.
They walked in companionable silence for almost a full minute before Mary exclaimed, “Oh look, there’s Lady Holbrook.I met her the other day while out with Amelia and she seems delightful.I would love to become better acquainted.”
Ashford didn’t miss the way his friend stiffened beside him.He watched as Cranston followed Mary’s gaze.When his eyes landed on Lady Holbrook, a muscle jumped in his tense jaw.
Mary glared at Cranston.“She may be a widow, but I like her a great deal.Promise me that you won’t trifle with her and break her heart.”
They stopped walking again when Cranston froze in place.Ashford’s eyes narrowed as he came to a realization.He leaned toward his friend and said in a low voice, for Cranston’s ears only, “Is that…?”
Cranston offered a terse nod.
Ashford started to turn Mary around.“You can introduce us at a later date.But for now we should return to the carriage.If the road becomes any more clogged with traffic, we’ll be here forever.”
When Cranston didn’t join them, it took a great deal of restraint not to turn around to see what his friend was doing.
He helped Mary back into the carriage.When he saw her too-astute gaze was fixed on Cranston, he let out a soft breath and turned around.
His friend was still staring at Lady Holbrook, but after several more seconds, he turned and stalked back to his own carriage, his long strides eating up the distance.
Mary sighed.“It would seem he’s already had his way with her.I swear, the way that man dallies is positively scandalous.I only hope he’s restrained himself to widows.”
Ashford climbed onto the bench seat of the phaeton and took hold of the ribbons.With a soft command, the team began to move forward slowly.Finally they turned onto the main street outside of Hyde Park.
Once there was no danger of being overheard, he explained.“They knew one another years ago, before he purchased his commission.From what Cranston told me recently after having one too many drinks, he’d wanted to marry her.”
Mary let out a soft gasp.“What happened?”