Epilogue

Epilogue

One month later…

Ophelia held Amy in her arms as she stood behind Rosalina at the altar, as her maid of honour while the happy bride – dressed luxuriously in white – said her vows. Edward stood on the other side behind Randolph, his eyes on Ophelia and Amy.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Everyone cheered as Randolph took Rosalina in his arms, kissing her passionately in front of the entire church. Ophelia turned to look at Edward, already staring at her, love shining in his eyes. The past month had been absolutely beautiful for them, and Ophelia had never been more in love. She saw no one but Edward; her heart completely meant for him and him alone.

As Rosalina and Randolph moved ahead, the pair came together again. Edward took Amy from her arms, who looked beautiful in the pink frock Ophelia had dressed the little girl in.

"How are you feeling, my darling?" Edward asked, smiling at her.

Their engagement had already been announced in the papers, and everyone in the ton had already gushed over how much they loved one another. It was apparent to everyone around them, and Ophelia did not mind one bit. She finally had all the love she could ask for.

"I am feeling quite well. You?"

"Excellent!" Ophelia glanced at him, noticing the glint in his eyes.

They walked to one side as the guests began to mingle; Ophelia's family also present at the ceremony.

"What is the matter? You look extremely happy," she asked Edward, who nodded.

"I am," he said, smiling. "I have obtained the special licence, and we are to be married in two weeks."

Ophelia was stunned. "Truly?"

"Truly."

"Oh, I am ecstatic!"

"Now that your family has shifted to my London residence, we will be directly moving to our country house till we leave for our honeymoon. Will that be alright?" he asked Ophelia, whose heart was already so full of love.

Edward had moved her family away from the cottage in Kent despite her mother's protests and asked them to live in his London house instead. The way he had taken responsibility for everything in Ophelia's life was both heartwarming and beautiful, and she could not be thankful enough for everything he was doing. She could see how much he loved her and cared for her.

"That will be perfect." Ophelia smiled.

"I have other news," he sighed, "Alice will be released by the authorities soon after a short sentence, but I have made it clear that she is not to come near me, you, Amy, or even anyone in our family. In fact, I have said it is best if she moves to France."

"She is already being released?"

"Her father is the Duke of Ashbourn. He arranged for it. But at least she will be moving, so that is going to work in our favour."

"That will indeed be best for all of us. Everyone in the ton already knows what she has done, so no one here will be welcoming anyway."

"You are right."

They stood side by side, watching the wedding guests saunter out of the church to leave for the wedding breakfast at Randolph's estate. Amy kept jumping in Ophelia's arms, pointing at everyone leaving, and Edward laughed at her antics. She kept trying to form half-spoken words from her mouth, clearly talking in her own language. It was adorable.

"You want to go for the breakfast, darling?" Ophelia asked her as she continued pointing.

"Ma," she suddenly said, staring at Ophelia.

"Is she trying to say what I think she is trying to say?" Edward whispered, both of their eyes wide.

"Ma … ma."

Ophelia was stunned.

"Mama," Amy said more clearly, bringing tears to Ophelia's eyes.

"Yes, my baby?" Edward began to laugh with happiness.

"Mama," Amy repeated, giggling.

"Oh, Edward," Ophelia sighed, kissing Amy on the cheek.

"I love you both so much," he whispered, taking Ophelia's hand in his.

"We love you too."

They finally left the church as Ophelia felt like the happiest woman in all of London. She had the man who loved her beside her and a little girl who considered Ophelia to be her mother. Her heart had never been more full.

THE END