Page 77 of The Duke’s Impossible Match

She looked like a goddess.

Clara’s sweet smile grew as she approached. Gerald bent down to kiss Emily on the cheek, then he took the box from Teddy’s hands. Teddy gave a steep bow. Alfred shook Gerald’s hand and gave him a smile, showing that everything had been forgiven. Oliver mimicked this, although the handshake was not as strong. Sophia scampered away to the shadows as soon as possible.

And then there was Clara.

He took her hands and stood with her in front of the people who meant the most to them. Her cheeks glowed with happiness, and her eyes shone with love.

“You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” he said, his words a whisper because he could not summon the strength to make them any louder.

“You are handsome yourself, Your Grace,” she said, dipping her head. A mischievous smile played upon her face.

“I do believe I’m falling in love with you all over again.”

“Why, Gerald, who knew you could be so sentimental?”

“Well, it is our wedding day.”

The reverend began the ceremony. The guests were seated. Gerald kept hold of Clara’s hands as they spoke their vows. As the words leaped off his tongue, he could feel the power of them. The promise imbued in them was a thing of beauty, and they possessed a kind of strength that was all too rare.

It was the strength of their love, something that had been flourishing between them the first time they met, although it had taken them both longer to realize the truth.

As they shared these vows, Gerald reflected on how far they had come.

From a controversial deal to a partnership built on mutual respect, and now a family as well.

Clara had brought so much into his life, and he honestly didn’t know how he could have existed without her. She was as vivid as any bolt of lightning, only she did not appear for merely a flash. She was perennial, and he believed she would fill his life with excitement for many decades to come.

When they were pronounced husband and wife, they shared a sweet kiss. Rapturous applause broke around them, and they turned, smiling triumphantly at the family. It was as though Gerald was looking into the future, and he couldn’t have been greeted with a more appealing sight.

Clara turned away. But Gerald remained. Nerves filled his heart as he fetched a box he’d hidden out of sight. He cleared his throat and addressed the church.

“Soon after Clara and I started courting, I was so impressed with her talents that I thought I ought to hone one of my own. In my youth I learned to play the violin, but I let the habit slip. However, I have been learning intensely for a while now, and the lessons did pull me away from some of my obligations. But I hope you will agree that it was worth it,” he said. He closed his eyes and began playing. A sweet sound filled the church as his fingers pressed into the strings, and the bow was drawn over them. He lost himself in the music. It was easy to do so when he thought about Clara, for she was in every note he played.

When it was over, he received a standing ovation, but there would be no encore. Clara had an amazed look on her face.

“Gerald, that was most unexpected. Was that why you were late arriving at the orphanage?” Clara asked, referring back to one of his early mishaps.

“I’m afraid it was. I’m sorry for the deceit, but I wanted to surprise you.”

“You should never lie to your wife, but I suppose you can make it up to me by playing for me whenever I desire it,” Clara said with a teasing smile.

“Anything for you, Your Grace.” He took her hand and kissed it.

They walked down the aisle out of the church and stepped into the carriage, which would take them for a ride around the village before returning them to the church. Gerald hadn’t let go of Clara’s hand.

“Well, we are married now. What is there to do next?” he asked.

“Live,” she replied, grinning broadly. He smiled too, then leaned into her. Their lips pressed together, this time in a kiss that was deeper and more sensual. He pulled her body close and murmured with delight, closing his eyes as he embraced his dream.

Epilogue

“Ihave something for you,” Gerald said as he entered the house. Clara looked up and smiled. The children were sitting around her in various states of play. Clara rested her hands on her belly, which was swollen with child. Apparently she was far bigger than either Charlotte or Lydia had been, although Mary said that she remembered that she had been the same when pregnant with Clara.

Mary seemed to think that carrying such a large weight was poetic justice. Clara could now feel the strain on her back with which she had plagued Mary, although of course Clara thought it was unfair given that there had been no intention behind the actions at all.

Gerald handed her a package that was fastened with a golden ribbon. Confusion touched Clara’s face. She suspected what it was, but it shouldn’t have been available this early. The children gathered around her, for they were just as curious as she was. Clara slipped off the ribbon and tore open the paper, revealing the cover of her book.

Flowers of London: An Illustrated Guide by Clara Somerton, Duchess of Clemont