Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Two days later

" I t is my great honor to announce you man and wife," the parson declared, his voice resonating in the elegantly featured drawing room of George's house.

Unable to resist the overwhelming joy and love he felt, George turned to Emma and drew her close, captured her lips in a kiss, sealing their union with all the passion in his heart. The room erupted in cheerful applause.

Emma was laughing when George released her, blushing delightfully, her gaze lowered.

Jane, Olivia, Lady Dewsbury, the Duchess of Preston, the Marchioness of Gillingham, and Alex, all stepped forward to offer their felicitations.

"Congratulations, my dear!" Jane exclaimed, enveloping Emma in a warm hug.

"You make such a beautiful bride," Lady Dewsbury added, her eyes glistening with tears of joy.

The Duchess of Preston and the Marchioness of Gillingham embraced Emma tightly, their excitement uncontained, and Olivia joined them. "We are so happy for you, Emma," the Duchess said, her voice brimming with affection.

Alex grinned broadly, clapping George on the back. "Well done, George! And Emma, you look radiant."

"I have your flowers to thank for that," Emma chuckled as she waved the bouquet she was holding, which were from Alex's prized plants.

"So, whose wedding is next?" Alex asked, looking around the room.

Jane smiled smugly, her gaze landing on Olivia. "I believe I know," she said, her tone playful.

Olivia shyly lowered her head, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"What is going on that I do not know about?" George asked, puzzled by the exchange.

Emma laughed. "It is Olivia's secret, my love."

Curiosity piqued, George could not help but smile. The gathering then moved to the dining room for the wedding breakfast. Baron Dewsbury no longer had a place in society—Goerge had seen to it. He was not present at the wedding, either. Neads had left England.

As he helped Emma into her seat, he noticed Olivia exchanging a look with Lord Tannenbay. Turning to Emma, he saw her grinning. "Now you know the secret," she whispered, her eyes dancing with delight.

"Yes, I see." He grinned and returned his attention to his wife, feeling like the most fortunate man in the world.

George guided Emma through the grand hallways of Emton Castle a week later, her eyes covered with a blindfold. The gentle echo of their footsteps on the marble floor were the only sounds that filled the air. George could hardly contain his excitement.

"Are we there?" Emma asked.

"Not yet," George replied, pausing to kiss the top of her head, his lips lingering for a moment. The sweet scent of her hair filled his senses, and he felt a surge of love and tenderness. Then he continued leading her forward and into the gallery, finally bringing her to a stop in front of his newest acquisition.

Carefully, he removed Emma's blindfold. She blinked up at the painting, her eyes adjusting to the light. When she saw the artwork, she squealed with delight. "Where did you find it?"

"I collected it on my way back from Wiltshire," George confessed. "All I could think about at that moment was you."

Emma reached out to touch the Aztec painting, her fingers tracing the abstract patterns with delicate reverence. She tilted her head, observing the intricate details with a mixture of awe and admiration. Then, turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes shining with happiness.

"Is the painting mine?" she asked.

George couldn't help but tease her. "Who else could it belong to?" He pulled her closer, his hands resting on her waist. "I want to fill the castle with paintings for you, Emma."

She laughed. "And children."

He agreed, his heart swelling. "And children too," he echoed before turning her around to face the painting and embracing her from behind. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that perfect moment.

His life was utterly complete, and he knew that Emma was the reason for it all. She completed him in every way.

The End?