“You speak of it as though it has been weeks and months, Your Grace,” Lillian chuckled.
“With you, forever would not be long enough, my dearest.”
Lillian rested her hands on her lap, and a smile appeared on her lips as she gazed at the man she loved.
“I have one last announcement I wish to make before we enjoy this delightful meal,” the Duke said and gazed at Lillian. “After the untimely death of my father, followed by my mother’spassing, I felt utterly alone in a world that was uncaring and relentless. Life continued, but it felt as though I stood still, unable to move lest I shatter everything around me. And although I was surrounded by people, I felt truly alone. I felt out of place as if I did not have a place in the world. I kept to myself, as I was convinced it was safer. Then, I traveled to London, and things changed. First for the worst, and later for the better. I have found a place in this world, and the perfect person who I wish to stand beside me in that world. Which is why I would like to announce that the lovely Lady Lillian -
“Just Lillian, please,” Lillian politely interrupted.
“My sincerest apologies,” the Duke chuckled and nodded knowingly. “The lovely Lillian has agreed to marry me.”
Lillian giggled as her entire family gasped, and she held her left hand up for all to see.
“To mark the occasion, His Grace has given me this ring, which is a family heirloom.”
“What lovely news!” Lord Welsford exclaimed.
“How wonderful,” Lady Welsford beamed.
“I believe that congratulations are in order, Yarmouth and sister.”
“Thank you,” the Duke and Lillian answered at the same time, and that caused them to chuckle in amusement.
“You are already speaking in unison. It is certainly a perfect match if ever I saw one.”
“Indeed. And those are so very rare,” Lady Welsford smiled at Lord Welsford.
Lord Welsford squeezed his wife’s hand, and Lady Welsford turned to Lillian.
“I could not be prouder, my dearest daughter,” Lady Welsford beamed at Lillian. “You have found your love match, just as I have, and I am truly delighted for you.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
It warmed Lillian’s heart that her mother was happy for her and, of course, proud that she had found a good man. A better man Lillian would never find, she knew. She was also proud of the Duke, as he seemed to flourish as a member of their family. Not only had he been able to restore his reputation after the scandalous things that Lord Bertram had written about him, but he had found true happiness with Lillian and a family who made him feel at home, for the first time in a long while.
And that was all she ever wanted for him. To be happy, and now, for him to be happy with her.
It was certainly a Christmas that the entire family would never forget.
I am soglad they were able to be together. Lillian’s mother was certainly difficult to please, but she wanted the best for her daughter!
