Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

S traightening his cravat in the mirror, James looked to Daniel, silently requesting his opinion on the matter. The knot wasn’t anything special, which felt a bit odd for his wedding day. Everything should be special, at least he thought as much, given he was marrying Eleanor Dove.

“Looking sharp, James. Though, that waistcoat. Are you headed to the vicar’s noose, or auditioning for a spot in the royal court?”

James turned back to the looking glass. He pulled on the bottom of the waistcoat, admiring the way it looked. “Too much for a wedding?”

“Absolutely perfect. The only person in our company today to outshine you will be your bride,” Daniel said, a smirk teasing the sides of his lips.

“I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. Your friendship. Your loyalty.” James could go back in his memories to the many times his friends had been there to support him, each of them a rock of strength.

Their years at Eton had been some of the best of his life. Now, as they had all become gentlemen, each on a separate path, it was a comfort to know they were still there in whatever capacity needed for the situation. Each of them would have been ready and willing to ride through a snowstorm to be by his side, Daniel had proven this in every way. Although Alfred and Robert had been unable to attend his wedding, he had received congratulatory letters with their warmest wishes, each letter a testament to their friendship and unfailing support for his happiness.

Daniel pulled him in for an embrace. “Stop now, elsewise you will make me blush, and then how shall I stand up with you in front of all the marriageable ladies of Emerald Falls? They will think me a fool.”

James squeezed him tight, then backed away, patting Daniel on the cheek. “You are shameless, Dan. I doubt you have blushed a day in your life.”

“You shall never know. Now, then, let us get you to the altar. We would not want the bride to think better of the situation and take flight.”

“Too true. She may well realize her options are limitless. I am most fortunate she has accepted my heart.” James’s pulse sped up at the thought of standing at the altar. He looked to Dan, a pleading moment as he tried to steady his breathing. “Devil take it, I am nervous.”

“You have a kind heart and a generous spirit. They will guide you well on this new adventure. Most of all, do not forget—Miss Dove admires you, and that has to count for something.”

James nodded. “It means everything,” Eleanor was the woman meeting him at the front of the church, she was the woman he’d dreamed of marrying, and the only one who matched him every wit.

Renewed in courage, James strode into the chapel with confidence. His love for Eleanor would withstand all else, nervous twitches and all. The moment she appeared, radiant and graceful in her rose-pink gown, a wave of calm rushed over him.

Taking her hands in his, the rapid beating of his heart slowed and the butterflies in his stomach settled. Lost in the depths of her hazel eyes, he scarcely heard a word the vicar said until prompted to speak his vows. With a clear, steady voice, he vowed to accept Eleanor as his wife, to cherish her, love her, and to dedicate his life to her happiness. He didn’t have to wait to hear her repeat the same vows back. He knew with absolute certainty she would do the same for him.