Epilogue

B ea and Alfie walked hand in hand back to the dining room at Silvercrest Manor, and she could see his face flushed with happiness. When they entered, the chatter quieted, and all eyes turned to them. Bea felt her face heating again, but Alfie’s gentle grip of her hand steadied her. The wedding breakfast had long since ended, leaving only the remnants of a joyous celebration. Through the tall windows, the sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room filled with close friends and family.

Wendy approached with a smile, her dark curls bouncing with each step. “There you two are! We were beginning to wonder—” but she couldn’t finish because Nick gave a brotherly nudge with his elbow.

“There’s food for you, tea, cake and everything you need,” Pippa said when she came to Bea’s side, intertwining her arm with hers. “I’m so happy for you, cousin.”

Alfie chuckled, his grip on Bea’s hand tightening affectionately. He had an air of a proud rooster, and his chest seemed puffed up, joyful, to present his bride to his friends.

Oh, that was her, Bea reminded herself, as she surveyed the room of smiling faces. The sense of belonging warmed her from within because here, she didn’t merely shine and fit in as in the Ton’s ballrooms, while vicious people mocked her cousin—no, this was different—here she shared the love for her cousin with people who had big hearts and welcomed them into their tight circle of trust, Nick and Pippa, Wendy, Felix, and Andre.

Bea’s heart swelled with love as she glanced around the room. These were the people who had supported her.

Then her face fell. Her parents stood solemnly in the doorway, her father clearing his throat.

Alfie wrapped his arm around Bea.

“Is it done?” Mother asked. “Have I missed your wedding?” She rushed to Bea.

“Yes,” Bea said more softly than she’d intended.

Her father, who’d remained a step behind her mother, approached Alfie. He extended his hand and hesitated before he said, “Thank you.”

Alfie blinked at Bea and then back at her father. “For what, my lord?”

“For saving my daughter’s life.”

Mother reached for Bea’s hand, and she gave it to her. “We don’t expect your forgiveness for years of foolishness, but Stan told us everything you’ve done to help with Baron von List.” She shook her head, “I was too blind to see the truth beyond my mission but you—” her voice broke and she patted Bea’s hand as a tear rolled down her cheek.

“What we are trying to say is that we thank you for your wisdom and protection when we were gone. There’s no better man for our daughter and even though it is too late, we hope you’ll receive our blessing.” Her father’s voice sounded a little unstable and Bea’s mouth fell open. She had no words.

The room remained silent for a moment but then a metal clank on glass chimed. It was Pippa, who came to stand with her glass raised.

Nick stood, too, and lifted his glass. “A toast!” he declared, drawing everyone’s attention. “To Bea and Alfie! May your lives be filled with love, joy, and unending adventure.”

Glasses clinked together, the sound echoing through the room like a harmonious symphony. Bea felt a surge of gratitude and happiness as she looked at Alfie. His green eyes shone with love and pride.

Alfie lifted his own glass. “And to Nick and Pippa,” he said, his voice strong and clear. “For being the dearest of friends anyone could ask for.”

Pippa grinned, her blond hair catching the light.

“Welcome to the family, Bea,” Felix added warmly. “Though I suppose you’ve been part of it for quite some time.”

Pippa laughed, nudging Bea playfully. “Indeed, cousin. You’ve always been family, but now it’s doubly knit.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Bea felt a deep sense of contentment. These were the people who had stood by her side, who had laughed and cried with her, and now they were here to share in her joy.

As the laughter died down, Alfie leaned in and whispered in Bea’s ear, his breath warm against her skin.

Her father cleared his throat again. “Your mother and I would like to present you with a small gift for your wedding.” He produced a folded document from his waist pocket. “We are to leave again for another mission. I trust Stan shall give you the details soon. But with Cloverdale House being converted, your mother and I thought this might be a useful beginning for the newlyweds.” He handed the document to Alfie.

Alfie opened it and read it, then handed it to Bea.

“A deed to a house on Harley Street?” she gasped.

“It has four chambers, a dining room and a parlor. You can host Society and still remain close to the practice.” Father looked proud and smug, bobbing his head with glee that the surprise had been effective.

Pippa squealed with joy in the background. “They will be our neighbors!”

“We will live on Harley Street? In our own house!” Alfie spoke as if he couldn’t believe the good fortune the day had brought him.

“It’s where you bring about miracles in medicine I’ve heard,” the earl said.

“And in matters of the heart,” Bea smiled.

“To the bride and groom!” Andre called from his spot at the table. “One final toast,” he announced, gathering everyone’s attention. “To love, friendship, and the future.”

Everyone raised their glasses, the room filled with a chorus of voices. “To love, friendship, and the future!”

*

The series continues with Andre’s story in A Touch of Charm and Prince Stan’s in the Sound of Seduction . Find out how the next doctor on Harley Street finds love. For more stories, audiobooks, and new releases, visit www.SaraAdrien.com .