When the Cluett family finally reached Shalrow Estate after an eventful interruption in their journey by the Duke, Deborah made a beeline for her study.
She had been away from it for far too long and had missed the familiar wooden desk overlooking the window ardently. As she sat down in her little sanctuary of ink-stained parchment and books, she took a deep breath and recalled the events of the day with a smile on her face.
“Engaged,” she repeated the words out loud to herself as if she still could not believe what had taken place.
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that Henry would intercept them like this, much less admit his feelings to her. But what was perhaps most surprising was the ease with which she had been able to agree to his proposal. When he had looked at her with such sincerity, she could hardly bring herself to refuse.
Deborah closed her eyes, finally allowing herself to feel the love that was present between them. She wished that she would have gotten a moment alone with him so that he could bare his heart to her away from the watchful gaze of her brothers.
“I will write to you,” he had promised her before they had departed.
Saying goodbye had once again proven to be difficult, but this time, at least, she had the solace that she was going to see him again.
In fact, she would keep seeing him now for the rest of her life, since she was his fiancée.
For the first time in her life, the idea of getting married did not fill her up with intense dread. If anything, it only multiplied her joy to know that they would seal their bond in holy matrimony.
Unable to wait any longer, she decided to pick up her quill. She had thought that she would return to writing her book the first chance she got, but now, with the quill firmly in her hand, her mind drifted to the Duke, and she decided to pen him a letter.
After all, she would have a lifetime of writing ahead of her. Henry had exceeded her expectations, and it gave her so much peace that she had found a partner willing to support her in her writing journey.
As she began writing, the ink flowed effortlessly onto the parchment. She wanted to recount to him all the moments when she had felt that there was something between them but had never mustered up the courage to tell him so.
Deborah’s heart was full, and she felt peace, at last. Marriage had never been something she had dreamed about, but somehow, when she thought of herself and the Duke, she realized that this is what she wanted more than anything.
A life together with Henry, for now, and forevermore to come.
EPILOGUE
Three Months Later
Deborah found herself once again inside the halls of Hopestyn Estate. The air was charged with excitement, as the festivities of her brother’s wedding unfolded in front of her.
“You look absolutely stunning, dear Emma,” Deborah said as her eyes landed on the bride for the first time.
Emma couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “The day I had been praying for all this time has finally arrived.” She blushed.
“Even though you feel like the sister I never had, I cannot wait to welcome you to our family,” Deborah gushed.
It was almost time for the vows, and Deborah knew better than to linger.
“I shall go and take my seat now,” Deborah informed Emma, blowing her a small kiss as she left the bride’s room. “Good luck to you.”
Deborah took a seat beside her grandmother and Nicholas. Everyone was waiting in anticipation for the bride, but the one person that Deborah really wanted to see was the Duke. She had not managed to get a glimpse of him all morning, and she knew that he would walk his sister down the aisle.
Then, the band started playing music to announce the arrival of the bride. All heads turned to get a glimpse of the beauty in white, but Deborah kept her eyes on the man guiding her down the aisle.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the Duke dressed up in a three-piece suit, his hair slicked back. It made him appear even more handsome.
“Take a good look, sister.” Nicholas elbowed her playfully in the ribs as the bride made her way down to the altar. “Soon, this will be you.”
A deep blush colored her cheeks. Deborah had maintained that she would be a non-fussy bride, not too concerned about the details of her reception. But seeing Emma and her brother celebrate their big day, she couldn’t help but fantasize about what her own wedding would look like.
“That’s two out of three siblings,” Deborah quipped. “You should start counting your days as well, Nicholas, and begin the process of finding a bride of your own.”
“Deborah Cluett advising me to get married?” Nicholas feigned shock. “I never thought I would see the day when you advocate for such an event.”
A smile danced across Deborah’s lips, and she turned her gaze to the Duke once again, who had successfully walked his sister to the altar and now stood as a bystander as the minister began the process of exchanging vows.
