Epilogue

PENROSE HALL - ONE MONTH LATER

Conversation surrounded Grace as her maid attended to her hair. Susan's largest guest room was barely large enough to hold everyone, but Grace wouldn't have it any other way. Her sisters helped one another with their hairstyles, reminding Grace of times back in her childhood home, Cherrywood Manor. Her mother oversaw the progress, and Grace observed everything from where she sat in front of the glass.

The past month had been a whirlwind of wedding preparations and ordering new gowns for the upcoming London Season. Grace and Oliver had written to her parents, and they'd come to Penrose Hall immediately with all of Grace's younger sisters. Her father gave his consent to the union immediately upon arrival after meeting with the Duke of Norfolk.

Susan had graciously agreed to host her relations while the banns were read for three weeks. The time had flown, with each day requiring new decisions to be made. And each day Oliver spent time with Grace and her family. He'd written to his mother and sisters, but with them overseas they wouldn't receive the message until after the wedding.

"A winter wedding. It's like something out of a fairytale." Harmony clasped her hands to her chest and sighed.

"It is a beautiful time of year," Patience agreed. "But it makes for cold traveling for your wedding trip."

"She won't be cold. Did you not see how many capes and cloaks she has, Patience?" Charity asked. "She will be perfectly comfortable and fashionable on her wedding trip."

Grace laughed. Charity often thought of fashion. "We shall go on a short wedding trip now, and then we will plan something grander after the London Season is complete. The duke is required to attend Parliament, so we do not have much time for travel, even if the roads and weather were nicer."

"I suppose that makes sense," Hope chimed in. "A shorter wedding trip now is much more desirable than waiting until after the London Season to wed.

"Indeed. And London will also be a great adventure."

"I'm glad you will be coming to London," Felicity said. "I was so hoping we would see more family there."

"The fortunate thing about being a twin is that you are always with a sister," Grace reminded her .

Faith nodded. "It is true, but I agree with Felicity. It will be more enjoyable to have you along with us."

Grace's maid finished arranging the last of her curls on top of her head. The silver and gold circlet woven in her hair sparkled when it caught the light.

Her mother smiled at her. "I see you've decided to wear the comb in your hair too."

Grace touched the back of her head, where the comb was intertwined with the curls. "It brought me luck. I can't imagine wearing anything else."

"It suits you. You look beautiful," her mother said, resting her hands upon Grace's shoulders. "I'm so proud of you and the woman you've become."

"Thank you, Mama," Grace said.

"You look exactly like an angel," Harmony said.

Each sister embraced Grace in turn before filing out the bedroom door to depart for the parish.

Harmony fell into step with Grace as they descended the stairs. "Being a duchess sounds very romantic."

Grace put an arm around her youngest sister, briefly squeezing the girl to her side. "It does sound romantic, but more than anything it's romantic to marry someone you love."

"Do you love the Duke?" Harmony asked.

Grace smiled at her sister. Warmth filled her at the mention of love. "Very much. And falling in love with him had nothing to do with his wealth or his status."

Charity, who was ahead of Grace and Harmony on the stairs, turned back. "That is quite remarkable, but I suppose it is hard to know if those things have no bearing on one's decision to marry."

Grace smiled. "In this case, I know with complete certainty that material comforts didn't influence my love for him."

"You will be very happy then, no matter what comes into your life," Faith said, joining in the conversation.

"I believe I will," Grace said.

***

The ceremony was brief, the vows beautiful. Grace looked at the man next to her and was filled with love and hope for the future. Standing next to her, Oliver was more than she could have imagined for herself, and everything that she desired. He was thoughtful, kind, and she wanted to spend every day for the rest of her life with this remarkable man.

The world faded around them as she focused on the love of her life, and the journey that brought them to this moment.

As the vicar pronounced their marriage, Oliver took her in his arms and kissed her. Heat flooded her center at his touch. The look in his eyes when they parted left her feeling loved and cherished in a way she'd never experienced before.

** *

After the wedding, the family made their way back to Cliffton Manor where a large wedding breakfast was provided.

Though Grace sat next to her husband, they were pulled into conversations with other family members. She rested her hand in his beneath the table. The way Oliver conversed so easily with her family made it feel as if he'd always known each of them personally. The idea warmed Grace's heart.

Oliver turned to Faith. "Are you looking forward to the London Season?"

Faith gave him a small smile. "I think so."

Grace could sense some apprehension from her sister, but that was not like her at all.

Harmony spoke from across the table. "Will you come see the cherry blossoms this year?"

Before Grace could answer, Oliver spoke up. "Yes, Harmony, we plan to come to Cherrywood Manor after our wedding trip, right before we go to London for the Season."

Grace turned to her husband. "Are you sure we have time for a visit?"

Oliver squeezed her hand. "Of course, my love."

Grace turned back to Harmony. "We wouldn't miss it."

Harmony smiled, but her attention was focused on the duke. "I can't wait to show you my favorite spots."

Oliver chuckled. "I should love a tour."

Harmony beamed. "I can show you everything. "

After the meal, Grace caught up with Faith and pulled out the comb from her hair.

"What are you doing? You'll ruin your hair."

Grace smiled. "The hairstyle is still holding," she said. Besides it had been through much worse, and Oliver had seen that already. She put the comb into her sister's hand.

Faith blinked. "What is this for? Mama gave it to you."

"It has served its purpose and provided me luck. Now it's your turn. Take it with you to London. And don't fret. You are going to have an enjoyable time during the Season."

Faith nodded, her eyes becoming moist at the corners. "Thank you, Grace," she whispered. She opened her hand and studied the beautiful comb. "I shall treasure it and wear it often."

"I would suggest you do. You never know, you might be wearing it when you meet your future husband."

Faith smiled but the gesture looked forced. Finally, she said, "I shall do my best not to disappoint the family."

Grace put her arms around her sister. "You are not a disappointment. And nothing you do or fail to do will change that."

"Thank you, Grace."

***

Three days later, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk started on their wedding trip. In the winter their traveling was limited, but Oliver wanted to take a trip before they spent the Season in London.

As the ducal carriage stopped, Grace asked, "Are we at the inn already? That was a much faster trip than I expected."

"We have a detour."

"A detour? Are we lost?"

"Quite the contrary, we are exactly where we should be." He opened the door of the carriage and helped her down.

"The cottage?" She looked out in wonder.

"Its proper name is the Norfolk Hunting Lodge."

She smiled. "I think I shall always think of it as Ollie's Cottage."

"You'll have to think of it a little differently."

"Why is that? I like the name cottage."

"It is no longer just my cottage, my love. It is our cottage. I thought we might want to stay a few nights. If nothing else we can grab the book of sonnets to bring with us."

Grace laughed. "I wonder that you didn't suggest the book on botany. After all, you have most of the sonnets committed to memory. I watched you recite them by heart."

He picked her up and carried her toward the front door.

She squealed in surprise. "I do not need to be carried anymore. I am not a wilting daisy. My ankles have been working properly."

He held her close to him, loving the way she fit into his arms, and into his life. "But what if I want to carry you?"

She held his neck tightly. "I suppose it is not improper for a husband to carry his wife."

"Indeed it is not. "

"Very well, I will allow it."

He held her close, then kissed her before carrying her inside. He put her on the settee and began building a fire. "This feels very familiar," he said.

"Yes it does, but this time there is something different."

"Besides being my wife, you mean?"

She smiled. "Yes. This time you shall not beat me at checkers. I am determined to win at least one game."

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