Page 32 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

T hree weeks after Jacob proposed, and once the banns had been read, he and Audrey were married.

Lord Easton and Lady Kathryn stood as their witnesses.

His only disappointment was that Henry could not attend the wedding.

Jacob would have loved for him to be there, but certainly knew that the journey would take too long and was probably too much for him.

Jacob was glad he’d had the foresight to draw up new partnership papers giving Henry the controlling stake over the newspaper.

As much as he loved the newspaper business and being a journalist, he loved Audrey more.

From now on, he would be content to use his journalistic skills to help craft new bills that benefited the poor.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the vicar said.

Jacob kissed Audrey’s cheek and whispered in her ear, “Later, my darling, I’ll give you a proper kiss.”

He could see his wife’s cheeks pink, and it thrilled him to know he would be the only man kissing her sweet lips for the rest of their lives .

“If you’ll follow me,” the vicar said, “you must all sign the church register.”

“Of course,” Jacob said, holding out his arm for his new bride. It thrilled him to see their names officially written down in the register as husband and wife. He’d never been happier.

After the ceremony, they headed back to the Devon townhouse, where Lady Devon had graciously offered to host a wedding breakfast for them.

“Are you happy, my darling?” he asked as they rode in the carriage to the Devon townhouse.

Audrey looked at him with love shining in her eyes. “More than I ever could have imagined, and it’s all because of you. I adore you, Jacob Stanford.”

“And I adore you, my lady wife.”

“Must you two carry on so?” Mia asked in a huff. “Everyone knows you two love each other. There’s no need to demonstrate it at every turn.”

“Just wait until you fall in love,” Grace interjected.

“What if I don’t want to fall in love?” Mia asked. “Then what?”

“Mia, dearest, you have plenty of time to decide what direction you’d like your life to take. You’re only five and ten,” Audrey said.

“Soon to be six and ten in the autumn,” Mia said.

“She’s right, Mia,” Jacob chimed in. “You’ll have our support in whatever you choose to do when the time comes for you to decide.”

“I’m more excited to go to Dandridge Manor. When can we leave?” Mia asked .

“Why don’t we leave in three days? I think we’ll need a day to recover from these festivities, and I need to purchase our own carriage,” Jacob said, knowing he also wanted to spend as much time with Audrey in their marriage bed as possible before heading to the country. “Will that suit?”

Mia nodded enthusiastically.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our country estate as well,” Grace said. “I do hope there’s a lovely garden.”

“Grace, if one hasn’t already been established, I give you permission to design one.”

“Really?”

“Of course. As far as I know, there isn’t a full-time gardener on staff, so I’ll leave you in charge of it.”

“Thank you, my lord. That would be wonderful.”

“I think it’s about time all of you called me Jacob, at least in private. All this ‘my lord’ and ‘Fletcher’ seems so formal, especially when we’re alone,” he said.

Both Grace and Mia smiled.

“Jacob, it is,” Grace said. “It suits you.”

When they entered the Devon townhouse, he and Audrey exchanged surprised looks at seeing so many guests in attendance.

The ballroom had been turned into a spectacular garden, with vases of flowers on every surface and large potted plants along the walls.

Candles flickered in the chandelier overhead, as well as in the wall sconces located around the room.

The French doors had been thrown open to let in the breeze.

Refreshments had been set up at the opposite end of the ballroom, and the tables were piled high with many delectable dishes .

Audrey had warned Jacob that some in the ton would frown upon their union, but he didn’t care what they thought. All he cared about was that Audrey was happy. To see so many here to wish them well warmed his heart.

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“Lady Devon, you’ve outdone yourself. Everything is so beautiful,” Audrey said, greeting their hostess. “I don’t know how we’ll ever thank you.”

“Nonsense, my dear, it was my pleasure. I do hope you and your new husband enjoy yourselves.”

“I’m sure we will,” Fletcher said. “I’m surprised to see so many of the ton here. Frankly, I expected another scandal.”

Lady Devon flicked her hand in a dismissive wave. “Of course, there were a few who declined the invitation, but most here really do wish you both well.”

Lady Kathryn was standing beside her mother. Audrey had found their friendship to be everything she hoped it would be. Kathryn had a keen mind and enjoyed nature almost as much as Grace did, which gave her an idea.

“Lady Kathryn, may I have a word?” Audrey asked.

“Of course,” Kathryn said, turning to Lady Devon. “Mother, I shall return momentarily.”

“Excuse me, my darling,” Audrey said to Jacob. “I’ll only be a moment.”

The two young women slipped through the French doors to the garden beyond.

“Audrey, is something amiss? ”

Audrey shook her head. “No, not at all, but I wanted to talk to you in private before I approached your lady mother.”

“I’m not following. What do you wish to say to me?”

“I was wondering if you’d like to accompany us to Dandridge Manor. Fletcher is taking us there in three days, and I know how much you love nature. I thought a trip to the country might be a welcome break from some of the trepidation you feel at ton events. Would that please you?”

Kathryn reached for her hand. “Oh, Audrey, you know me so well, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time.

I celebrate the day your husband accepted my mother’s dinner invitation.

You’ve made this Season bearable for me.

I know I’m a disappointment to my mother, but not everything can be fixed with money. ”

“Kathryn, you are not a disappointment. You’re a true and loyal friend with whom I would like to spend more time. My sister Grace is eager to spend time with a fellow nature lover as well. Now, shall I speak with your mother and ask her permission for you to come with us?”

“Audrey, you mustn’t worry about me. You’ve just been married. You and Fletcher deserve some time alone. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Audrey chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time alone. And don’t forget, my sisters will be with us as well, so you won’t be intruding.”

“If you’re sure, then I’d love to accompany you and get away from London for a while. I don’t believe my presence will be missed,” she said with a sad chuckle.

“Kathryn, you mustn’t be so hard on yourself. I would say the gentlemen of the ton are the fools for not recognizing how wonderful you are.”

Kathryn squeezed her hand. “You’re too kind.”

“Let’s go secure your mother’s permission and inform your maid to start packing your things. I must admit I’ve never been to Dandridge Manor, so I cannot say what conditions we’ll find.”

“I’m not worried,” Kathryn said. “A change of scenery is just what I need.”

When they walked back into the ballroom, it took a few moments to find Lady Devon in the crush of people. They finally located her talking with Lady Castor.

Kathryn whispered in her mother’s ear, “Mother, may I have a moment of your time?”

Lady Devon looked at her daughter and then at Audrey before excusing herself from Lady Castor’s company. They walked out into the hallway for some privacy.

“My dear, why do you look troubled? Has something happened?” Lady Devon asked, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Not at all. Lady Fletcher has invited me to accompany her family to their country estate, Dandridge Manor in Reading.”

“Reading? That’s at least a two-day journey from London. What about the rest of the Season?”

“Mother, I love you fiercely for supporting me, but I’m neither blind nor stupid.

I’m no beauty, and when I speak of things that interest me, beyond the weather or the latest gossip, I see men’s eyes glaze over, and they cannot depart my company fast enough.

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but there will be no marriage proposals for me this Season. ”

Lady Devon opened her mouth to object, but Kathryn persevered. “It’s fine, really. I’ve reconciled myself to the fact that I may never receive a proposal and would greatly appreciate a break from all these activities. May I go with the Fletchers?”

Lady Devon pulled her daughter into her embrace. “My darling daughter, you’re so special. I’m truly sorry the gentlemen of the ton cannot see that. If you wish to go with the Fletchers, then you most certainly have my blessing. I will miss you dearly.”

Kathryn hugged her mother tightly. “Thank you, Mother. I’ll miss you too, but I’ll write to you. I must go tell Sally that I’ll need my trunks packed. We’ll be leaving in three days’ time.”

When Kathryn left to find her maid, Lady Devon turned to Audrey. “Lady Fletcher, you have been a dear friend to my daughter, and I cannot thank you enough. Kathryn has gained so much self-confidence since you’ve begun accompanying her to the ton activities.”

“It’s been my pleasure. Kathryn is a wonderful person, and I count my blessings every day that we were introduced. I know she’s unhappy in London and sincerely hope a trip to the country will lift her spirits.”

“I can see why my daughter loves you, my dear. You’re a credit to your family.”

“Thank you, Lady Devon, for everything you’ve done for me,” Audrey said as they walked back into the ballroom.

“There you are, my darling wife,” Fletcher said, wrapping an arm around Audrey’s waist and pulling her close. “Lady Devon, you’ve outdone yourself today. Thank you for your kindness.”

“It’s my pleasure. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there are some other people I need to talk with.”

When Lady Devon left their company, Audrey turned to Jacob. “Darling, I’ve asked Lady Kathryn to accompany us to Dandridge Manor, and Lady Devon has given her permission for her to come,” Audrey said.

She waited to see if Fletcher would object, but he just smiled and nodded. “It will be a delight to have her join us. Have you told Miss Grace?”

“Tell me what?” Grace said from behind the happy couple.

Audrey turned to her sister. “I have a wonderful surprise. Lady Kathryn will be joining us at Dandridge Manor.”

“Truly?”

“Yes, dearest,” Audrey said. “We’re delighted she’ll be able to join us.”

“I am as well, and I’m especially looking forward to breathing the fresh country air. Won’t that be pleasant after London?”

Audrey and Jacob nodded. “It will indeed be a welcome change. Now, I’m quite famished and need to find something to eat. Please excuse us, sister,” Audrey said as she and Jacob walked to the refreshment table .

Every eye in the ballroom watched their every move, but they had eyes only for each other.

“This day seems like a dream,” Audrey said, picking a few treats for her plate.

“It’s no dream, my darling. We shall have the most wonderful life together. Whatever you want or need, all you need to do is ask me. If it’s within my power to grant your wish, you shall have it,” Jacob said, looking tenderly into her eyes.

“I only need you and our family. Nothing else matters.”

Their marriage hadn’t caused a scandal, but she no longer cared what Society thought of her marriage to the baron. She was in love, had married the man of her dreams, and her sisters would be well taken care of. That’s what she cared about.

She thanked her lucky stars for the day Jacob Stanfield walked into her life. He was everything she’d ever wanted and so much more.

For the first time in years, she was truly happy.

The End