“Can you believe it was us just a few months ago?” she whispered.
He nodded. “Time flies, does it not?” he whispered, and Judith took a deep breath. “And soon we will be back for our little one’s Christening.”
“We will, but I am so torn. I want to be Rosy’s child’s godmother, but won’t that cause offense?”
“She or he can always have more godparents. Better too many than too few,” he said. “I would like to ask Graham.”
Judith bit her bottom lip because the truth was, while Graham had been extremely gracious, he was still the man she had almost married. She looked to her right, where he was seated a few rows back, and he nodded at her. He had a smile on his lips and did not seem to hold a grudge. She knew he had never loved her in that way, but still, she had felt bad.
“Do you not think it would be cruel,” she asked Aaron, “to make him the godfather of the child of the woman he almost married? Especially since he is still not married, and we know that is his dream.”
“It might be if I did not think he would be married by then, but I think he will be. He is determined. Besides, he mentioned earlier that the young lady sitting next to him is someone he has had his eye on for many years.”
“Many years?” Judith echoed, genuinely surprised.
“Yes, many years ago, but she was engaged to somebody else. He was delighted to see her here at the wedding. I dare say, maybe…” he trailed off.
“We have to make sure that they have plenty of time together. We can’t miss the opportunity,” Judith urged. “I hope you understand that I genuinely want him to be happy. I feel guilty for what happened, but that is not what I wish for my friend—he is a decent man.”
She couldn’t deny that she still carried some guilt.
At the altar, the vicar declared her brother and Elizabeta husband and wife. Cheers erupted in the church, and she saw the look of surprise on her brother’s face when he looked back and saw the congregation. It was almost as if he had forgotten how many people had come to his wedding.
It was true. Oliver had been extremely worried about not being able to replicate his father’s success, both as a peer and in managing the estate. He had instituted monthly meetings at the estate with their tenants, where they were given the opportunity to voice their grievances directly with him and the steward. This was something the late Marquess of Worcester had talked about but never implemented.
Doing so had immediately endeared Oliver to those who lived on his estate, especially because he was always quick to listen and take action to address their issues.
His wife, likewise, was adored by their tenants. Although Judith was almost certain they did not know her well, she said quietly as her brother and sister-in-law stepped out of the church, “I am so pleased that Oliver stuck to his resolve to marry Elizabeta, even though there was some resistance.”
“I wasn’t surprised that people were against it, given that she’s a commoner and he’s a marquess, but I think you give your brother too little credit. He has always had resolve. He has always known what he wanted. He just didn’t know how to get it. Elizabeta is good for him, and I think he knows that, which is why he did not allow anybody to come between them. Although I think perhaps he learned that lesson from my mistakes.”
Judith and Aaron followed everyone out of the church, walking hand in hand. As they stepped into the sunlight, Judith’s heart swelled with joy. The guests gathered outside, showering the newlyweds with congratulations and good wishes.
She couldn’t help but smile, thinking of her own wedding just a few months ago.
Back at her childhood home, Judith found the ballroom bustling with activity for the wedding breakfast. She looked around, taking in the grandeur of the event. The tables were laden with arrays of delicacies, from pastries and fruits to assortments of meats and cheeses. The room was filled with the chatter and laughter of guests, many of whom were higher-ranking members of society.
Judith compared it to her own wedding breakfast, which had been much smaller and was held at Aaron’s home, where she now lived. She had wanted a small, intimate gathering with just their closest friends, and it had been perfect. But Oliver, being a marquess, had felt the need for a larger event, as was expected of his station.
As Judith scanned the room, her eyes landed on the Lord Chancellor, who was deep in conversation with her brother. She smiled, pleased to see Oliver handling his new role with such grace.
Just then, Graham approached her, and she felt a twinge of awkwardness. She hadn’t talked to him for a while. He would spend time with Aaron or Oliver or both, but she was not usually a party to those gatherings. In addition, he had been out of town for several months, busy with selling some of the businesses he’d inherited from his father.
“Judith,” he said warmly, “it’s good to see you.”
“Graham,” she returned, trying to hide her unease. “I’m happy to see you, too. You seem well.”
“I am,” he said, looking genuinely pleased. “And I’m happy to see you happy.”
His eyes flicked to her stomach, and she instinctively placed a hand there.
“Thank you.” She smiled softly. “I’m sorry again for what happened between us.”
He held up a hand to stop her. “There’s no need for apologies, Judith. I believe everything happens for a reason.” He nodded toward a young lady across the room who smiled at them. “I think all will be well.”
Judith followed his gaze and felt a wave of relief. “I’m glad to hear that. And thank you for coming. It means a lot to us.”
“I just wanted to congratulate you on your brother’s marriage and your impending addition to the family,” he offered sincerely.
