Page 36 of A Marriage for the Marquess (Barrington’s Brigade #1)
“S ebastian Morgrave,” one of the Bow Street Runners announced, “you are under arrest for conspiracy, fraud, and the murders of Bradley Hayward and others.”
“You think you’ve won?” he spat out the words. “The Order of Shadows reaches further than you know!”
Barrington met his gaze evenly. “Perhaps. But justice must start somewhere.
As the Bow Street Runners escorted Sebastian out of the library, his protests faded into the distance. The small group left behind in the library took a moment to gather themselves, the magnitude of what happened fully understood.
Ewan turned to the others, his voice calm but resolute. “We should return to the ballroom. People are waiting for us.”
Together, they made their way back to the ballroom. As they entered, the guests, who had been anxiously awaiting news, turned their attention to the group. Conversations hushed, and all eyes were on Ewan, Juliet, and Barrington.
The archbishop came forward. “It is good to know that we are once again safe. Let us also remember the joy and celebration that brought us together tonight. In moments like these, we must hold fast to the bonds of community and fellowship. Sadly, I must tell you that no one had the winning wager at White’s.”
A collective chuckle, as well as disappointment, went around the room.
“I do have a joyous announcement to make.”
The room fell silent, every ear tuned to the archbishop’s words.
“On the twenty-first of April, in the sanctity of my private chapel, I had the honor of joining Lord and Lady Glenraven in holy matrimony. Tonight, they wish to recommit to those sacred vows before you, their family, and friends. Please find your seats, and we will begin.”
In the stillness of the ballroom, with the soft rustle of her gown, Glenraven knew that this image of Juliet, splendid, unadorned, and wholly his, would be etched upon his heart forever.
Ewan’s surge of emotion, a blend of joy, gratitude, and something he could not define, threatened to overwhelm him. Whatever this unknown thing was, it filled him to the brim and spilled over in a single tear.
Juliet stood before him, and his heart pounded in a silent thunderous drumbeat. His hand reached for hers, and as their fingers entwined, a sense of rightness settled over him. “You are a vision,” he murmured for her alone. With a gentle squeeze of her fingers, they turned to face the archbishop.
They both turned and stood before the archbishop. In a gentle voice that resonated through the chamber, he began, “We are gathered here to join this man and this woman in matrimony, witnessed by those they hold dear.”
As the archbishop’s words echoed through the stillness, Juliet and Ewan listened, each understanding the full meaning of their commitment. The archbishop paused with a silent invitation to Ewan.
Glenraven took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving Juliet’s. “Juliet, with you, I find the courage to face any challenge, the joy in every moment, and the peace I’ve longed for. I vow to cherish our bond, to support and respect you, to laugh with you in joy, and to comfort you in sorrow. Together, we will create our own destiny.”
Tears shimmered in Juliet’s eyes as an overwhelming sense of completeness filled her as she gazed into Ewan’s eyes. “Ewan, you are my heart’s true companion, my strength when I falter, and my light in the darkest times.” Her voice was a soft but firm declaration of her commitment. “I vow to stand by your side with unwavering support and share the endless adventures that are before us. Together, nothing and no one can come between us.”
Glenraven turned to Duncan, who placed an etched gold band in his hand. He faced Juliet and took her hand. He placed the ring on her finger and stared into her bright hazel eyes. “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”
The archbishop cleared his throat softly, a smile dancing on his lips as he drew the couple’s attention. “By the sacred trust placed in me, I declare you husband and wife. May your journey be rich with love, steeped in understanding, and abundant in joy.”
The vows had been spoken, echoing through the grand hall, binding Ewan and Juliet once more.
Ewan’s gaze shifted to Duncan, who stood proudly in his kilt with Baron and Lady Fairmont. Duncan came forward and handed him Glenraven Circlet.
With the heirloom in hand, he turned to Juliet. Ewan gently placed the circlet upon Juliet’s head. He leaned in close, his breath a whisper against her ear. “Juliet, my starling. Try to keep it this time,” he murmured.
Juliet’s eyes closed for a brief moment, the passionate overtones in his voice curling her toes. Her eyes glowed with a mischievous glint. “Oh, I fully intend to, Ewan,” she whispered back, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “But if I return it again, just know you’ll have to win me back all over.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Lord and Lady Glenraven.”
The applause that followed was heartfelt and thunderous, a celebration of love’s triumph. Juliet’s eyes met Ewan’s, and in them, she saw not just her husband but her partner, her champion, and her dearest friend.
Juliet and Ewan found a quiet moment to slip away from the festivities as the gala continued. In a small, dimly lit anteroom, they finally saw her parents. Her mother’s eyes were bright with unshed tears, and her father’s usual stoic manner softened as he saw her.
“Mother, Father,” Juliet said, her voice catching with emotion. “This is Ewan, Marquess Glenraven.” Juliet stared at him, a smile broadening on her lips. “My husband.”
“We arrived last night. Ewan was waiting for us. He remembered flitching tarts from Mrs. Murthy with Bradley. We had a lovely time getting reacquainted,” her mother said.
“I cannot believe a coincidence brought you home,” Juliet said.
Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. “Barrington and Aunt Geraldine sent word of what was happening. Your mother and I were distraught to think that Sebastian would go to such extremes. We would move heaven and earth to protect you.”
“Let’s go back to your party. You and your husband should be celebrating.” Her mother adjusted Juliet’s skirt and glanced up at her with tears in her eyes. “Lady Aurington asked to see your father and I.”
“I have one more thing to do,” Ewan said as the four returned to the ballroom.
“I’m going to miss you.” Her mother dabbed a handkerchief at her tears.
“Mother, don’t cry.” Juliet glanced at Ewan. “We are taking up residence at Glenraven Manor. I won’t be far away. Don’t keep Lady Aurington waiting.”
“Come with me. I must speak to Barrington.” He took her hand and led her to the far corner of the ballroom.
He found Barrington near the entrance, overseeing the final arrangements with the Bow Street Runners and Sebastian. Ewan approached him, the gold coin held firmly in his hand. “Barrington,” he called, his voice steady.
Barrington turned, his eyes meeting Ewan’s with a knowing look.
“Is it done?” Ewan asked, even though Barrington’s expression made the answer clear. He extended his hand, the gold coin twinkling in the candlelight.
“The job is done. The culprit is captured, and justice will be served. Edward sent word that Bradley’s information about Paris was correct. The assassin provided all the information.” Barrington took the coin, a rare smile breaking across his stern features. “Well done, Ewan.”
Ewan felt a sense of pride and relief wash over him. “Thank you, Barrington. Your guidance were invaluable.” He turned to Juliet. “As was Juliet’s.”
Barrington nodded, pocketing the coin. “This is just the beginning. Bradley provided more information about the Order of Shadows. There will be more work to do, but tonight, we celebrate a victory.”
“Why don’t you both celebrate your victory,” Juliet said. “I need to speak to someone.”
As she moved through the room, glancing into several quiet corners, she finally found Duncan standing alone by the grand windows. His gaze was lost in the night sky. She approached him hesitantly.
“Duncan,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “I owe you an apology.”
Duncan faced her, his expression unreadable. Silent, his stoic gaze was fixed on her. Her heart raced, and her mind grappled with the possibility that things could not be repaired or forgiven.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I was wrong,” Juliet continued, her eyes meeting his. “I let my own needs and fears blind me. I put you in an impossible position, and I am truly sorry.”
The rigid lines of his posture eased as he listened. She waited. Finally, Duncan spoke in a low voice. “It takes courage to admit when you’re wrong. Your apology is accepted.”
Duncan’s expression lightened, a chuckle escaping him as he regarded Juliet. “The rumors had your touch. It was a clever plan. And when Ewan heard them, he spun his own to bring Sebastian into the open. It seems you’re both quite the strategists.” With a playful nod, he added, “It was a good plan. Just try not to set our hearts racing next time, eh?”
A smile lit her face. “No racing hearts. I am glad you both approved of the plan.”