Chapter Twenty

The wedding breakfast was held in the gardens in a large marquee that had been erected there in case the weather turned. But it didn’t.

The food was splendid—Leo and Izzy’s chef, Alfonso, had prepared it all, and Matteo was everywhere, seeing that everything was smooth and well organized. A small string orchestra played and the champagne flowed.

Lady Scattergood had set up her court in the summerhouse, surrounded by her cronies, enjoying the warmth of the enamel stove. In a corner of the marquee Lady Bagshott had set up her own, rival court.

Zo? and Julian chuckled over it. All was well in Bellaire Gardens.

Julian slid an arm around her waist. “Happy, love?”

“Very.” She leaned against him.

“I thought we might go to Italy on our honeymoon. What do you think? Italy in the springtime. We can wander where we please, paint, explore and make love.”

She sighed happily. “That sounds perfect. Would we go by boat?”

“Yes, by yacht. The Mediterranean is very beautiful. You would not believe the blue of the sea there.”

She gave him a misty smile and gazed into his blue, blue eyes. “Oh, I believe it. And I love the idea.”

“And by the time we return, our house will be ready for us to move in.”

“Perfect.”

Just then Clarissa, who had earlier gone inside to feed her baby, came out smiling and waving a letter. “This just arrived. It’s from Milly. You have to read it.”

Zo? took it and read:

Dear Lady Randall, Lady Salcott and Miss Beno?t,

You may Wish me Happy because I am now a Married Lady. As is Mama, who liked my suggestion, and so has married the Marquess. We are now Reconciled, even though she would prefer that Thaddeus was Titled.

By the way, I told Thaddeus about that improper nightgown that you gave me. He says it sounds Intriguing and that he would like to see me wearing it. Men are strange, but he has mentioned it twice now, so please send it to me at the above address.

Yours truly,

Mrs. Thaddeus Henshaw (née Milly Harrington)