Hope and her mother had bonded over the wedding planning and now sat next to each other, scheming for whatever event they could come up with next. Laurel and Candace picked and poked at their food, too excited to be a part of such an auspicious occasion to pay too much attention to their plates. They had been thrilled at their new formal dresses and the opportunity to dance along with the rest of the family. Of course, they would only stay until after the toasts, but they were excited, nonetheless. Lord Owens had her father and husband deep in debate over some investment or another. She had gotten to know him over the last few months and understood why Benjamin thought of him as a brother. The Baron was an easy-going kind of fellow who knew just when to poke fun at his friend. She didn’t miss the way Lord Owens watched Delilah any time he thought no one was paying attention.
But now, as the meal was over, she would open the dance floor with their first dance as Duke and Duchess of Ferndown. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her through the crowd of well-wishers. When they had taken their spots on the dance floor, the musicians played out their first measure, and Felicity’s eyes went wide.
“You remembered,” she commented as they did their opening bows.
“This is the same song that was playing when you first ran into me. You almost toppled us both over,” he said chuckling at her.
“I did not almost topple us over,” she countered. “I merely bumped into you.”
“If you say so,” he said as he spun her around his arm.
They twirled around the floor for a few more moments before she broke the silence once more.
“Today has been such a lovely day. I can not imagine anything more perfect than this.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “It has been lovely. Our mothers did an excellent job of planning the whole affair.”
“I wanted to say thank you.”
“What for?” he asked, tucking her in close once more.
“Ruth. My mother told me this morning that you hired a full staff for their house and suggested that Ruth come work for us.”
“Oh,” he said nonchalantly. “Well, you cannot be a duchess without a lady’s maid. You will have enough to adjust to without having to train an entirely new maid. Has she agreed to the arrangement?”
“Yes! I asked her this morning and she did not hesitate. It was a very thoughtful gesture of you. Thank you.”
She gave him a wide smile, hoping to convey just how much his actions meant to her. He returned the smile for a moment before it faltered.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked gently.
He sighed, sending her out into a spin before pulling her in again. She knew he was giving himself time to come up with a response, but she didn’t mind.
“I am thinking that there are so many people I wish were here.”
“Like your brother,” she added for him.
“Yes,” he nodded, “like my brother. And all of the soldiers I have fought with and lost. I wish they could be here to celebrate with us.”
She squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him.
“I cannot pretend to understand exactly what you are feeling, but I would like to think that they are here with us.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, head cocked as if he was trying to make sense of what she had just said.
“Well,” she started, trying to find the right words before continuing, “you would not be the man you are today without your brother’s influence. And the men you fought with and have led into battle changed you too. I am grateful for the role they have all played in your life. You carry their legacy with you into every room you walk into. You have your brother’s pride and his ability to change the course of a conversation. You have your soldier’s strength and sharpness as you strategize how to move throughout society. Those things do not fade quickly.”
He did not respond with words. Instead, he bent down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. The crowd applauded as the song came to a close, admiring the handsome couple. Benjamin made no move to step away from her. He only stared at her, searching for something in her face. He must have found it as he eventually cleared his throat to speak.
“We have been married for less than a day, and already you are making me a better man. I am convinced that there is not a man on this earth more lucky than I. You are right. Of course, you are right. And I love you for it.”
The next song began, and more couples filtered through the crowd to join them on the dance floor.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” he inquired, knowing full well that he had not.
She blushed as he moved her around the dance floor in time to the music, sending her skirts swishing with every step.
“No, you have failed to mention that.”