Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

T hree weeks later…

Meliah glanced at her reflection in the looking glass on her dressing table. Although it was aged with time, it told her what she needed to know. It was her wedding day, and her eyes were red and puffy from the crying she'd done the night before. The sunlight pouring through the single pane window was almost ridiculous in its glory when she was feeling so miserable on what should be the most joyous day of her life.

Surely Lord Belmont had to know how much she would suffer from his words, how desperately she wanted to believe him and ignore the rest of the world and run away into his waiting arms. It was her pride that kept her from doing so, and the love for her mother and father. They had sacrificed much over the years to ensure that she'd had a good education and had a roof over her head and food in her belly. There were times it was tough, but they had survived.

She would survive Lord Belmont too.

There was a knock at her door, and it opened to reveal her mother. Meliah turned in her pale yellow frock with tears shining in her eyes. She tried to say that they were tears of joy, but there was no use deceiving herself. At least she could take heart in the veil that had been handsewn by her mother years ago as part of her trousseau. The chest also included a soft, wool blanket, a handmade cloak, and several embroidered handkerchiefs. However modest it all might be, she couldn't have asked for more to begin her new life.

"You look lovely, Meliah," her mother said lightly. "Are you nervous?"

She hoped this wasn't the moment when her mother gave her the wedding night talk. It was much too late for that. She feared what she might do if Matthew learned she was no longer a virgin, but considering his innocent actions lately, she was doubtful he would be able to tell. "I'm fine," she returned demurely.

Her mother paused, and Meliah wondered if something was amiss. Unable to keep her curiosity to herself, she asked, "What's wrong?"

She waved a hand. "Why don't we sit down." Meliah did as her mother suggested. Once they were settled across from each other, Meliah noticed the paper held in her mother's grasp. Immediately, a shiver of apprehension trailed up her spine.

"Are you truly in love with Matthew?"

Meliah hadn't been prepared for such a direct question. She cleared her throat. "I'm sure, given enough time, that it will grow, the same as it did for you and Papa."

Her mother sighed heavily. "I don't want this marriage to take place unless you are truly happy." She glanced down at the Times . "After reading a certain article this morning, I have to wonder if your heart is already spoken for."

Meliah's brows drew together. "What are you talking about?"

The paper was handed to her. "See for yourself."

Trying to keep her hand from shaking, Meliah took the paper and slowly unfolded it. Turning to the gossip section, she started to read. When her ears started to buzz and her eyes blurred, she had to read it once more. And then another time…

I was recently targeted as the Rake of the Month by the notorious, Brazen Belle. For those in society who know me, you will have understood that particular title was highly earned. I had every intention of remaining just as I was, but there is something I have learned during my recent exile from society.

I took pleasure in whatever form I could find, whether it be a partner (or several) and my own devices. In the recent days I've discovered something very interesting. While I used to eschew mutual affection of any sort, I found someone who has made me complete. She is the other half of my soul that I did not know was missing. Because of her, I want to be a better person. I want to leave my licentious days behind me. I want… her.

Alas, she is to be married to another this very day and I am at the crux of my honor whether to interfere and ruin what might be a perfect union, or whisk her away to Gretna Green where she will be mine forever. I have always been a gentleman who took what he wanted without a second thought, further proof that I am forever changed.

Perhaps you might help to redeem my soul, readers of society. The lady in question is Miss N—and she lives on Brick Lane. Her parents have a modest weaver shop and I pray this sends some extra business their way, but more than that, I wish for one last chance to prove my devotion.

I shall be in Hyde Park this very morning, in which you may all witness my victory—or my demise. I am laying my entire heart bare for the world to see. I am on hands and knees, pleading that I might win this fair lady's hand. She is perfection itself and whether or not I am left standing alone at the end of the day, it is not anything less than I deserve for my past transgressions.

While Miss N— was supposed to be the one writing an article about me to showcase her writing talents, I fear these words had to be left to me in the form of a sincere apology. I know I have used her most ill, but I vow that I will spend the rest of my days atoning for my sins if she would just meet me today.

With bated breath, I await…

Lord B ? —

"When did this happen, Meliah?"

Meliah slowly lowered the paper. She considered adding to her list of transgressions, the lies that continued to mount, but instead, she leaned back in the chair and felt her chin quiver. She covered her eyes with her hand. "I hardly know where to begin," she whispered.

"How about from the beginning?"

She opened her eyes and glanced at her mother, who wore an empathetic look on her face. Taking a deep breath, she started to speak. She told her everything that happened, from the time Meliah had conceived the idea of writing an article to gain "The Belle's" notice, to the day she came back to London. She wanted to conceal her actions during her stay at the hunting box, but she knew it was impossible. She would have to reveal all if she intended for her mother to fully understand her dilemma.

When she was finished, her mother gave a slight nod. "I think it's clear what you must do."

Meliah shook her head with a heavy sigh. "I wish I was that confident in my decision."

"You know that you can't enter into a marriage with Matthew under fabricated conditions. It wouldn't be fair to either of you to begin your future based on lies." Meliah said nothing, as she had confessed as much to herself already. "And if what is written here is true, it sounds as though you have the chance very few have—to choose someone who makes you truly content. You can have wealth, adoration, and raise a family in the best circumstances."

Meliah's heart broke at the tears filling her mother's eyes. "I have never once asked for more or regretted my modest upbringing with you and Papa."

"I know you haven't," her mother returned gently. "Which is why I think you are one of the most deserving people to be blessed with such good fortune. I encourage you to run to this man at once and embrace everything he has to offer, but only if you love him in return."

"I do." Meliah swallowed over the lump forming in her throat. "But what about Papa? I don't want to disappoint him. Or Matthew?—"

"Matthew is young, and he was encouraged into this union. He will recover, and there will be no harsh feelings. As for your father?—"

"I only want what is best for you."

Meliah's focus swung toward the doorway where her father was standing. She rose to her feet with a gasp. "Papa, I?—"

He waved a hand. "There is no need to explain. We all do things we might wish differently. The best thing I ever did was choosing your mother to be mine. Now you must do the same and follow your dreams."

Meliah rushed over to him and threw herself into his arms. "Thank you, Papa."

"I'm sorry you didn't feel you could come to us with this revelation before now."

His gaze was piercing, and Meliah had never been able to withstand it. She shuffled her feet and said softly, "I didn't want you to be disappointed in me for acting with such abandon."

"Sometimes the heart knows before we do," her mother said as she walked over and put her arm around her husband's waist. "It's time to grasp your happy ever after."

Meliah looked from one of her parents to the other, and without taking time to remove her veil, she rushed out the door.

Elwood yearned to pull on the tightly knotted cravat at his throat, but he refrained. He wanted to make sure he looked resplendent, whether he left this park as the happiest man alive—or the most despondent. Whatever the outcome, at least he could look his best when his pride fell apart. As well as his heart.

He sat on the bench, alone. There was a bouquet of flowers at his side and his grandmother's sapphire ring in his pocket, his silver headed cane at his side, but that was all. He was sitting out in the open, vulnerable to all the prying eyes that surrounded him. In truth, it was a circus. If he wasn't mistaken, he thought he spied a chestnut seller hawking his wares nearby.

Elwood attempted to keep his focus serene, without the tight lines of concern, but it was a struggle when he didn't know if Meliah had read his article. It had taken all of his efforts and pleading to get it added to the paper. He could tell the printers weren't pleased with the extra material, but he had made sure to accommodate them handsomely for their efforts.

He tugged at the sleeves of his dark blue superfine jacket and brushed away a stray bit of dust from his buff trousers. His black boots reflected the sunlight with how polished they were. He had ensured that everything was perfect for the occasion. He would have taken credit for the mild, late October day as well, but there were some things that were beyond his power of manipulation.

Elwood glanced upward to the trees that were still trying to hang on to the last of the summer's leaves. They had lost their green pigment, fading to brown and becoming crinkled from the process of hibernation. But yet, the sign of hope that they didn't yet want to give in to the winter gave him the same sort of anticipation. Surely the fates wouldn't be so cruel as to send him on this spiraling romance only to lose everything just as quickly.

But perhaps it was to be exactly that.

He could have just been taught a harsh lesson. He might have finally learned to love, only to have his future ripped out from under him because he had done too many things to be regretful for. He wouldn't be surprised if it happened that way. The last revenge of the mysterious "Belle," who wanted to ensure that each and every rake reaped what they sowed.

Elwood decided that, no matter what occurred this day, he would leave with his head held high, and know that he had finally lived—because he knew what he'd been scorning for so many years.

True love.

It wasn't just a spark of passion, but an enduring change to his entire way of thinking. It was knowing that he had found the one person he could ever dare to stay with until death separated them, and then believed with all of his heart that they would be together forever in the twinkling stars in the glorious heavens.

His mouth curved in a smile, because if he would have spoken aloud, he knew how besotted he would sound, but neither did he care. His entire demeanor had changed.

The fine hairs on the back of his neck began to lift, as if in preparation for something.

His heart started to pound, and he returned his focus in front of him. He blinked, and then held his breath, wondering if he was actually beholding something real, or a dream borne of his imagination.

He slowly rose to his feet, and as Meliah started to move closer to him in her ivory gown and veil, he realized that she was truly there.

He waited for her to approach him. It seemed as if the minutes ticked by endlessly as he waited for her to stand before him. He could almost hear the collective intake of breath all around them, the crowd slowly starting to move in closer to overhear the exchange…

"Was it true?"

For a moment, he was at a loss, but then his rational mind took over. "Every. Word."

"Why didn't you tell me that before now?"

He gave a one-sided shrug. "I suppose I just didn't know how."

She tilted her head to the side. "What changed?"

He dared to take a step closer. And then another, until he could reach out and cup the side of her face. "You." He smiled slightly. "It was difficult to put into words what I feel about you. It's like the tide crashing over the rocks, or a ship pitching on the sea. It's turbulent, but there's also nothing to compare it to. All I can hope to say is that I love you."

She gave a sob and without warning, she threw herself into his arms and pressed her lips against his.

The deafening sound of cheers went up all around them, but they ignored them all. Elwood kissed her back with all the adoration he felt toward her, and she returned the embrace in kind with every ounce of passion she possessed.

When they parted, he glanced down at her. "I think we are making a stir in society, and most definitely a scandal."

"How wonderful," she returned with a broad smile on her face. "At least that way everyone will know that the hunt for Mr. October has concluded and I have captured him."