“Apparently, that mining venture we were supposed to enter into together was a swindle. Indeed, it appears that every single one of that Viscount’s business ventures were swindles which he tried to con countless lords with,” he went on. “I thought you were losing me a fortune, dear Leah, but it appears you saved me from certain bankruptcy! How lucky for us all!”
Sarah sighed, turning her gaze up to the ceiling. “You cannot be serious, Ezra.”
“I am quite serious,” he insisted, gesturing to the paper in his hands. “Apparently, he is a terrible gambler, too, and has nothing left to his name. His wife must have had enough of it, for it appears that she is the one who had this article published. Why, I hope it is enough for her to gain permission for a divorce, for who would want to be associated with such a fellow?”
Sarah cast her daughter a pointed look through the mirror’s reflection, prompting Leah to burst into laughter. A moment later, Sarah joined her, the two women howling until tears streamed down their cheeks while Ezra stared at them as if they had taken leave of their senses.
“This is no joke,” he said stiffly as if realizing he might be the source of the jest. “You ought to take note, Leah. Be watchful of Nathaniel’s antics, or you might find yourself in the same situation, and I certainly shall not grant permission for a divorce. As far as I am concerned, once you are married to someone, you have made a promise, and you are stuck with it.”
Sarah snorted. “How romantic you are, my darling.”
“I did not say I was not happy to be stuck with you,” Ezra replied, pouting. “Now, what are you laughing about? It is very rude not to share a joke.”
Leah regained control of herself. “It is nothing, Father. We are just giddy, that is all.” She smiled at her mother. “Finally, I am to be wed, and this time, I am certain, he will be waiting for me. Why, I imaginehewill be the one pacing and checking his pocket watch every two seconds this time next week.”
“You look so happy, my darling,” Sarah cooed, her cheeks flushed with joy.
Leah nodded. “I am, Mama.” She paused. “I never thought I would be able to trust anyone with this heart of mine, but… I trust him entirely. Is that foolish?”
“Not at all,” Sarah replied, bending to place a kiss on top of Leah’s head. “Indeed, I envy you.”
“I am still here!” Ezra remarked, making the two women laugh again.
Sarah glanced at him. “Do you remember our wedding day?”
“Barely. I was so nervous I thought I would be sick, and I almost was several times,” Ezra replied, a faraway look glazing his eyes. “I knew I was about to marry the most beautiful, witty, intelligent lady in all of England. Who would not be sick to their stomach?”
Sarah beamed, the pink in her cheeks deepening to a pleased shade of red. “Oh, stop it. I was not so remarkable as that.”
“You were,” Ezra insisted. “You still are. I likely do not tell you often enough, but that is Leah’s fault.”
Leah shot him a look of pure outrage. “How is it my fault?”
“You have had me distracted for at least three years, worrying about what would become of you. As such, I have been remiss in complimenting my beautiful wife,” he replied with such confidence that Leah did not have the strength to quarrel. “Once you are married, I shall resume my affections.”
Leah pulled a face. “Oh dear.”
“You shall see what I am capable of, my darling Sarah, when I have only you to concentrate upon. It shall be like we are enjoying our honeymoon once again,” Ezra said with a sly smile, striding from the room. As he left, he called back, “I shall be in my study until the guests arrive. Do not disturb me.”
Leah looked up at her mother. “Please, never allow me to hear such things again. Have I not suffered enough?”
Sarah just chuckled, looking younger and more at ease than Leah had seen her in years. Perhaps, this wedding would be good for everyone, allowing more than just her and Nathaniel to start afresh.
* * *
“I cannot believe this is happening!” Olivia cheered, raising a glass to Leah. “You cannot know how it warms my heart to be back with you all again, celebrating such happy news!”
Leah smiled shyly. “I am just pleased you managed to peel yourself away from your romantic hideaway, for Matilda suspected you intended to be hermits throughout the winter, emerging only when spring came again.”
“It has not been that long,” Olivia protested, pausing. “Has it?”
Anna patted Olivia gently on the arm. “We do not blame you. We have missed you, that is all.”
“We really have,” Leah agreed.
Olivia stared down at the floor, somewhat sheepish. “I have missed you all too. Indeed, I am quite furious with myself for missing so much adventure! It sounds as if this London season has been the most exciting of our lives, and I was not here.”
“But did you hear about Dorothy?” Phoebe interjected in a hushed tone. “She has left him. Gone back to her family, requesting a divorce. Her father would be a fool not to permit it, considering the shame of it all.”
