Page 38

Victoria

W e were married two days later in a private ceremony. It was the exact opposite of the type of society affair my father would have insisted upon if he’d had his way. And it was everything I could have wanted.

The Legends all attended—Viscount Fairfax, the Earl of Clifton, Viscount Kendrick, the Earl of Greyson, and my brother, Rexford. Mr. Clarence was also there. He wasn’t a Legend, but he was an essential part of the group.

The Earl and Countess of Brantford were also in attendance, as were the Duke and Duchess of Castlefield. Along with officially forming the School of Defense for Young Women, the duchess and countess had decided to ensure I was welcomed back into society with open arms.

I had a feeling that it would be a relatively easy undertaking. When word of our betrothal spread, I received an avalanche of calling cards and invitations to upcoming events as well as notes of felicitation.

Only two days had passed since that meeting with my father, and I was astounded at just how quickly that piece of gossip had spread. But I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’d accomplished the impossible, after all. I’d married a Legend.

King’s was closed for the private wedding breakfast. True to his word, my father hadn’t attended the ceremony. Instead, he’d left town on a fabricated emergency at one of his estates. With him gone and my husband standing by my side, I felt truly free for the first time in my life.

Moreland leaned down to drop a kiss on my temple. “What are you thinking?”

I smiled up at him. “I never expected to feel so happy. Rexford was away at school for most of the year, and after he gained his independence, I rarely saw him. My father was never more to me than a disapproving taskmaster. But this…”

My gaze swept over the people present to celebrate our marriage. They chatted and laughed amiably in small groups. Lord Fairfax met my gaze and raised a glass of champagne in a silent toast to us.

My smile widened, and tears stung my eyes. “This feels like I finally have a family.”

Moreland kissed me, soft and light. I didn’t have to look around to know that everyone was watching us.

“You will always have me. But know that everyone here would lay down their lives for you.” He reached into a pocket and drew out a sovereign coin. “Only six of these were made originally, but now there is a seventh medallion. Welcome to the Legends. You’re one of us now.”

He placed the heavy gold medallion in my hand, and I realized it wasn’t a sovereign. On one side was a raised crown, the emblem for Rexford’s club, King’s. I turned it over to find a raised six-point star, each point long and narrow. Six points for the six Legendary Lords of the ton.

Emotion clogged my throat as I moved into Moreland’s arms.

I was finally home.