Page 43 of Lady Farah Creates a Scandal (The Season of Secrets #2)

F arah’s heart thundered against her ribs like a caged bird seeking escape as she stood at the entrance to Blackstone’s drawing room.

Blackstone had transformed the familiar space into something out of a dream—with flowers adorning every surface and chairs arranged in neat rows.

Morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows like liquid gold—making the scene appear almost ethereal.

She gripped her brother’s arm tightly, fighting back the tears that threatened to shatter her carefully constructed composure.

This wasn’t how her wedding day was supposed to be.

Everything felt wrong. The ivory gown that had seemed so perfect yesterday now wrapped around her like chains, each breath a struggle.

Her bouquet of white roses trembled in her hand, the petals threatening to fall like her own tears.

“It’s not too late.” Blackstone’s whisper carried a weight of understanding that nearly broke her. “If you truly don’t want this…”

She shook her head quickly. “No, I made my choice.”

Now here she was, about to seal her fate, by marrying Lucien because she’d convinced herself it was the safer choice. Better a marriage of convenience than risking her heart on a man who might never truly love her. The thought sat bitterly on her tongue. She was such a coward.

But oh, how her heart cried out for Rockwell, each beat echoing his name.

The first notes of music swelled through the room like the death knell, and Blackstone patted her hand. “Ready?”

No. She wasn’t ready at all. She’d never be ready to say goodbye to love. But she forced herself to nod.

As they started down the makeshift aisle, Farah kept her eyes fixed on the polished floorboards, watching her white slippers peek out with each step.

She knew they were all there—the sisterhood with their concerned faces, Courtney’s presence, a particular weight, Rockwell’s family, her friends.

What tales would they whisper at their tea parties about the girl who jilted Rockwell to marry Lucien instead?

She could feel their stares prickling along her skin. Let them talk. She was doing what was best for everyone. Wasn’t she? The question echoed hollowly in her chest.

Her vision swam with unshed tears as they approached the altar.

She blinked rapidly, determined not to let them fall and betray her heart to all of London.

Just a few more steps and it would be done.

She would be Lady Furoe, and she would learn to be content with her choice.

She would learn to live with the ghost of what might have been.

But then something—fate or providence or her own treacherous heart—made her look up, and her heart stopped.

It wasn’t Lucien waiting for her at the altar.

It was Rockwell, standing tall and proud, like something from her deepest dreams. He stood there in his finest morning coat, so handsome he could make a nun weep.

His dark eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that sent flames dancing along her nerves.

A small smile played about his lips as he watched her reaction, as if he’d been waiting forever for this moment.

“What… how…” The words tumbled from her lips. “No. No. Absolutely not.”

Rockwell stepped forward, his warm hands enveloping hers. “Did you really think I’d let you marry another man?” he asked softly. “Especially after Lucien told me why you went to see him yesterday?”

Heat bloomed across her cheeks, staining them rose as she became acutely aware of their audience. “But… You are doing this out of duty not because you really love me. Wolf ordered you to marry me. To save the family name.”

A ripple of gasps and whispers swept through the assembled guests.

Rockwell didn’t seem to notice them. His entire world had narrowed to her face, as if memorizing every detail.

“Is that what you think?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of tender amusement.

“That I’m only marrying you out of duty?

As if anyone could force me to do anything I didn’t want to do. ”

“What about Lady Mary? I’m not enough for you, am I? I heard Ashley and Lauren talking… You sent her a note…”

“Ah. It was to decline an invitation and to inform her I was to marry, and I would not see her again.” His thumbs traced soothing circles on her palms. “Plus, you didn’t hear the actual conversation I had with my brother.

The part where Wolf told me I was being a fool for letting my fears keep me from admitting how much I love you. ”

Fresh tears sprang to her eyes, turning Rockwell into a beloved blur. “But…”

“Let me finish,” he murmured, his voice as gentle as his touch.

“Yes, Wolf insisted I do something about the scandal. But do you know what he actually said to me? He said, ‘For God’s sake, Rockwell, stop being such a coward and marry the woman you love before she comes to her senses and realizes she could do better.’”

A laugh bubbled up through her tears like sunshine through rain. “He did not.”

“He did. And he was right.” Rockwell’s chest rose with a deep breath, his words ringing with truth through the now breathless room. “I’ve been a coward, Farah. I’ve been so afraid of losing my freedom, of risking my heart again, that I almost lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

He reached up, his thumb catching a tear as it traced down her cheek.

“When I thought you’d run away, I realized something.

My greatest adventure isn’t exploring distant lands or making scientific discoveries.

It’s loving you. It’s building a life with you.

It’s waking up every morning knowing that I get to spend another day making you smile. ”

More tears fell as Farah’s heart swelled with hope. “Do you really mean that?”

“With all my heart.” His own eyes were suspiciously bright now.

“I love everything about you, Farah. I love your brilliant mind and your gentle heart. I love how you challenge me to be better, how you see the best in everyone. I love that you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even when it means defying convention. ”

His smile softened with tender memories, eyes dancing with mischief.

“I love how you tried on my Hessian boot and danced around my bedroom, showing me that the timid mouse everyone thought you were had a passionate heart underneath. I love how that moment revealed the real you—brave and playful and utterly enchanting. I love that you accidentally stowed away on my ship and turned my entire world upside down in the best possible way.”

Someone in the audience—probably Valora—let out a dreamy sigh that echoed through the hushed room.

“I love that you’re willing to help me build something new with the breeding program.

” Rockwell’s voice grew thick with emotion.

“That you immediately started thinking of ways to improve the community with schools and projects? You don’t just share my dreams—you make them bigger, better, more meaningful than I ever imagined. ”

With trembling fingers, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Farah’s breath caught in her throat as he sank to one knee before her.

“I got the stone in this ring on one of my trips. The color captured my heart because it reminds me of your sparkling eyes.”

Farah’s hand fluttered like a nervous bird as she reached out to touch the ring with an enormous emerald in the middle, surrounded by diamonds. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“Not half as beautiful as you.” Rockwell’s voice rang with conviction.

“I know I’ve given you reason to doubt me.

But I swear to you, on everything I hold dear, that I love you.

Wholly, completely, with every fiber of my being.

You’ve awakened parts of my soul I never knew existed.

You challenge me, you inspire me, you make me want to be a better man. ”

He drew in a shaky breath, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I want to build a life with you. A family. I want to see your smile first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I want to watch our children inherit your quick mind and gentle heart. I want to grow old debating politics and literature by the fire.”

Tears spilled down Farah’s cheeks. “Rockwell…”

“I’m asking you to give me a chance to fulfil your dreams…

” His voice roughened with emotion. “No, I’m asking you to let me be a part of them.

To let me support you, encourage you, stand by your side as you take on the world.

No more hiding in shadows, my love. I’ve seen you shake off that mantle and grow into this amazingly strong woman. My brilliant, fearless Farah.”

The ring caught fire in the morning light as he held it up. “So, what do you say? Will you marry me? Not out of duty or obligation, not to stave off the scandal, but because we love each other and want to face life’s adventures together?”

Farah’s lips trembled as she looked down at him. “You really mean it? All of it?”

“Every word,” he vowed, his voice rough with naked honesty. “I love you, Farah. More than I ever thought possible.”

“Why do you suddenly know you love me?”

“Because when I thought I’d lost you, the world lost all its color. Only love can hurt like this. Please marry me and end my suffering.”

For a long moment, she simply stared at him, searching his eyes. Then, slowly, a radiant smile spread across her face. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”

Joy exploded in Rockwell’s chest. He slipped the ring onto her finger, then surged to his feet, pulling Farah into his arms. Her laughter rang like silver bells as he spun her in a circle.

When he set her down, Farah’s eyes shone with happiness. “I love you too, you know,” she said softly. “So very much.”

Rockwell’s heart soared to impossible heights. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers. “I promise you, Farah, every sunrise will bring fresh proof of my love for you.”

She smiled, her fingers threading through his silken hair. “I like the sound of that.”

Lucien gave a discreet cough. She turned on him. “You knew about this?” she demanded.

He shrugged, grinning. “Who do you think told Rockwell you were at Lady Courtney’s? And helped him plan this little surprise?”

“You’re supposed to be my friend!”

“I am your friend,” he replied. “That’s why I couldn’t let you settle for a marriage of convenience when true love was right in front of you.

” His eyes drifted to where Courtney sat beaming at them, and his expression softened.

“Sometimes we all need a little help to see what’s right in front of us. ”

The bishop cleared his throat pointedly. “Shall we proceed with the ceremony, then?”

Rockwell took Farah’s hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “What do you say, my love? Ready to begin our greatest adventure?”

She smiled up at him, her heart so full it felt like it might burst. “With you? Always.”

As they turned to face the Bishop, Farah couldn’t stop smiling.

This was how her wedding day was supposed to feel—full of joy and love and promise.

She’d nearly let fear keep her from this happiness, but Rockwell had fought for her, had laid his heart bare in front of all their friends and family to prove his love.

Through the ceremony, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Every time their gazes met, she saw the same wonderful truth reflected there. This was real. This was love. This was forever.

When they were finally pronounced man and wife, Rockwell pulled her close, his forehead resting against hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “No more doubts?”

“No more doubts,” she agreed, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him again. “I love you too.”

Their guests broke into fresh applause and cheers, but Farah barely noticed. She was too busy thanking whatever twist of fate had led her to hide in Rockwell’s trunk that day and journey to Ireland. Sometimes the greatest adventures and the greatest loves came from the most unexpected places.

As Rockwell led her back down the aisle, she caught sight of Wolf standing with Tiffany. He winked at her, and she had to laugh. Perhaps she owed her brother-in-law a thank you for giving Rockwell that final push.

But that could wait. Right now, she had a lifetime of adventures to begin with the man she loved.

“Ready to face the world together, Lady Ware?” Rockwell asked softly.

She squeezed his hand, feeling the perfect fit of their fingers intertwined—like two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together. “As long as we’re together, I’m ready for anything.”