Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“With that settled,” said August, “I think we ought to retire outside to enjoy whatever refreshments are still edible, and bask in this beautiful day.”
The guests agreed with a rousing cheer, and the Arlington, Barrymore, Lockridge, Warren, Wescott, Marlow, and Townsend families all gathered the children to stream outside, led by his now much-energized wife. When the parlors had emptied, and he himself turned to go, he heard a quiet voice say, “August.”
He knew the voice well, had held it in his heart for years upon years. He turned to see Felicity standing before him, older now, a regal princess and a mama many times over. She remained strikingly beautiful, with her wide, beguiling eyes.
“Dear August.” She took his hand. “I wanted to congratulate you on your wedding and thank you for hosting this lovely party.”
“Of course, you’re very welcome. We’re honored you came.”
They’d always been formal like this, even when he passionately loved her. It had been Felicity’s wise and gentle way of maintaining a distance between them, a distance from the boy she must have considered a nuisance growing up. Now, suddenly, she let down some of that reserve and regarded him warmly.
“Elizabeth, becoming your wife? I would never have imagined the two of you, but the fondness is clear. It’s delightful to see.”
He smiled. “I’ve fallen for her completely, and I’m very happy. I was slow to understand my true feelings at first, but now…” He felt a flush spread across his cheeks, despite his best intentions. “Now every day I discover some new wonder in her, some reason to love her more.”
“A slow burn lasts longer than a raging fire,” said Felicity sagely. “I’m sure your marriage will bring a lifetime of happiness. It’s always been my wish for you.”
“Felicity, I—I’ve never apologized for hounding you so when I was younger. For mooning after you when it was clearly not meant to be.”
“You don’t need to apologize, dear August. It was flattering, though my heart broke for you.”
“Your royal marriage, your children… Once, I envied your happiness. Bitterly. But I am not that man anymore. Now I’m just pleased to see you so content.”
“And you.” Her gaze held his. “In the end, everything worked out as it was meant to. One need only observe the tender way you look at Elizabeth to realize you two were fated for one another, even if the realization was slow. You seem a perfectly ordained match.”
“August? The guests are asking for y—”
Elizabeth appeared at the parlor door, her voice dropping short as she noted him and Felicity standing together, speaking close.
He took a step back, not wishing her to misunderstand. Felicity, ever more polished and sanguine than he, said Elizabeth’s name and held out her hand.
She crossed to them. He knew her well enough to recognize the play of emotions beneath her carefully composed features. Felicity embraced her, and Elizabeth said, “Thank you for coming,” in a somewhat unsteady voice.
“It’s my pleasure,” Felicity replied. “I was just congratulating August on your recent nuptials. I ought to have congratulated both of you together, but August and I…we had to make a certain peace. You understand. Of all people, you understand.”
“Yes,” said Elizabeth. “I do.”
Felicity took her hand. “I want you to know how very, very much he loves you.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Of course you know, with your powers of perception, but sometimes, when you’re so close to someone, it’s hard to see the depth of their feelings.” She looked sideways at August, then back at Elizabeth. “Your husband and I have a history together, but it’s nothing beside the great love story you two shall tell. You know that too, don’t you?”
Elizabeth nodded, then said, softly, “Yes.”
“So we shall consign any memories of Felicity and August to the dustbin, and proceed without awkwardness as longtime, loving friends. And I will very much enjoy watching the two of you grow and prosper together.” She released her hand as the women exchanged smiles. “By the way, Lisbet, I think you were very courageous in your dealings with the king today. Our recent audience with him was…interesting. He terrified the children. I believe he is just lonely and old. You were kind to bring him comfort.”
August knew Felicity had brought Elizabeth comfort, too. And himself, although he’d known he was over his obsession for some months now. But it had surely helped Elizabeth to hear it straight from Felicity’s mouth.
“Shall we go join the others?” he asked. “If we don’t hurry, the cook’s famous biscuits will be gone.”
“My children will have eaten a great many,” said Felicity, laughing. “And I was too nervous about Elizabeth’s ‘detention’ to claim any earlier. Let’s go salvage what we may.”
Chapter Eighteen
A Command Fulfilled
The party-turned-family-gathering continued into the night, and through to the following morning. Elizabeth felt newly free: free to be herself, with all her unusual gifts, and free of any worry that August had only married her to be that heroic, chivalrous knight of her Arthurian book. He loved her, not Felicity, and showed it in a thousand ways.