It isn't until we arrive at the front of the church that I look up and meet his gaze, surprised to find admiration in his eyes, along with what seems to be a hint of affection.
"You look beautiful, Miss Swanley," he says, lifting my gloved hand to his lips and kissing the back of it.
My breathing hitches and some of my nerves disappear from within me. I'm not sure if it is just because of his presence, or because he doesn't seem to be too angry about the situation we've found ourselves in.
Father retreats, leaving us alone in front of the priest.
I smile up at Lord Cygnus, trying to let him know that I'm not angry about marrying him either. This may not be what either of us want, but in this moment, I'm starting to believe that we can make it work. I know that he is kind, and honourable. And I am well aware of how much I crave the feeling of his lips against mine.
After the ceremony, I suppose that won't be something forbidden to us any longer.
The priest pays us very little attention as he starts the ceremony, going through the long and tedious process of running through everything. Somehow, I manage to repeat the parts that I am needed to, and to hear what Lord Cygnus says in response.
It isn't until he is sliding the jewel-studded gold ring on my left hand that it fully sinks in that we are almost married. His touch is tender, and full of a surprise affection that I had not believed would be there.
"You may now go from this place and henceforth be known as man and wife," the priest says loudly.
I blink a few times, barely believing that it's over and we're now married.
Lord Cygnus smiles at me.
"What happens now?" I whisper.
"We return home," he says quietly.
"Home," I repeat, realising how strange it is to think that a different place had the name this morning.
He nods. "We'll have our wedding breakfast and then you can settle in, I believe your belongings have been sent ahead already."
"I think so."
"And if you'd like to go on a tour of the country, then we can organise that. I haven't had a chance with the wedding being so quick."
"A tour?" I echo.
He nods. "I believe that it is customary, though if you would prefer to wait until the Season ends, we can do that."
"I would appreciate waiting," I say. "My friends..."
"Miss Rocke and Miss Falnor, if I'm correct?" he checks.
"Yes," I confirm warily, hoping he is not about totell me that I should not see them again. If he dares to do that, then he will regret it.
"You should arrange for them to come for tea once you are settled into the townhouse," he says.
"You would be all right with that?"
Lord Cygnus frowns. "Of course. Should I not be?"
"I thought you might try to make me live a different kind of life."
"I would never wish that for you," he says. "I know your friends are important to you, and I would not wish for you to lose them simply because you are married."
"Thank you, My Lord, I appreciate it."
"You should call me..."
"It is time to leave," the Countess cuts in before he can ask me to use his given name.