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“ W hat an absolutely beautiful day!” Charlotte whisked into the room with flair and joy.

“Well you’re in much better spirits than my last wedding.” Beatrice laughed as her mother hugged her.

“Of course I am. If experience has taught me anything is that my girls need more than one walk down the aisle to make it stick.” She stopped and looked Beatrice in the eyes. “This is the last time, correct? There are no other men?”

Beatrice laughed out loud. “No, Mama. I promise you, there are no other men.”

“Mmm-hmm, I heard that before. From all of my girls, actually.” She eyed her other two daughters who were giggling in the corner.

“I swear, it’s a wonder I’m still here. My poor heart can’t take much more.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Mama, you’re not going anywhere, you’ll outlive us all.”

Eleanor laughed as she joined Beatrice and her mother. “Beatrice is right, Mama. No matter what stress you pretend we’ve caused you, it falls short of your dramatics every time.” She softened her words with a kiss on her mother’s cheek.

“Oh, you girls.” Charlotte giggled. “What will I do now? All my little chicks left the roost.”

Sarah stood and took Beatrice and Eleanor’s hands. It was the last time she would be standing with them as only their younger sister. After today, she would join them in the ranks of happily married women.

Beatrice looked to each of her sisters and her mother with gratitude and respect. “Thank you, all, again, for everything. I didn’t plan on any of this happening and you all welcomed the change with patience and support. This wedding wouldn’t have happened without your help these past few weeks.”

Her sisters and mother all murmured words of encouragement and love.

“Much to Mama’s dismay, Sarah and I know what it’s like to have to plan a second wedding.” Eleanor offered.

Sarah winked at Eleanor. “Us Morsey girls like to keep everyone guessing.”

Charlotte furrowed her brow. “Yes, well, next time one of you wants to keep others on their toes let me in on it. I’ve had to throw two weddings for each of my daughters. I’m surprised we have any money in the coffers!” Charlotte said as she waved her fan in front of her face.

“Oh, hush, Mama. Charles said we were perfectly capable of holding such events. Trust me, he would tell me otherwise.” Sarah said with a giggle.

Beatrice looked out the window. It was a warm fall day and the sun was high in the sky. “I think it’s time. Most everyone is here, correct?”

Eleanor stuck her head out into the vestibule and looked into the nave. “Looks like it. And, more importantly, His Grace is at the alter, looking quite eager if I might add.”

Beatrice blushed at the thought of Ezra standing there waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat and she had a sudden urge to ignore ritual and run to him this instant.

“Come now, we’ll go to our seats and leave you to have a moment to yourself.” Eleanor gathered Sarah and Charlotte and ushered them out.

As Beatrice turned she caught her reflection in the window. How funny it was that just a few weeks ago she saw her reflection in the same window and didn’t recognize herself.

Now, standing there, about to marry a man who loved her, she was positively radiating. She couldn’t contain her smile, it was a constant in the weeks leading up to this day. She swished her dress back and forth and relished in the light material that moved with her.

Nothing was stiff or for show. Beatrice had a say in every detail of this wedding, she wanted it to be a reflection of her and Ezra.

The flowers were quaint and the chapel was full of friends and family. She kept the dinner menu the same because, well, Sarah’s cook is the best after all. Why mess with a good thing?

With one final look she stepped into the vestibule and directly into Amos.

“Amos! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to walk into you.” Beatrice took a step back and noticed a small woman standing next to him.

Amos lifted his one hand to make sure Beatrice was stable. He held a small box in his other hand. “No, please don’t apologize. It is all my fault. We are running late and I barged in here, not paying attention to my surroundings. I am so sorry.”

Beatrice waved off his apology. The three of them continued to stand, awkwardly as it dawned on them that not more than three weeks ago, it was Amos Beatrice was walking down the aisle towards.

“I must say, I am surprised you came, but ever so grateful. I haven’t properly apologized for the way things ended between us.”

Amos looked over towards the woman who was standing next to him. She gave him a slight nod of encouragement.

“Again, there is no need to apologize, Beatrice. In all honesty, I can say I am quite happy for you. I know what it’s like to not be with the one who holds your heart.

I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy and you are a dear friend of mine.

I would hate to know that I had tethered you to a life of just companionship when you could have had so much more. ”

Tears welled in the corners of Beatrice’s eyes. “What a beautiful thing to say, Amos. Thank you.”

Amos looked down to the box in his hand. “I’m actually glad I am able to see you. I wanted to give this to you as a wedding present of sorts.”

Beatrice quirked an eye brow at the box he was holding out to her.

“Amos, really, you didn’t need to do this.”

Amos looked to the woman who smiled at him. “I feel you would appreciate it. Please, we want you to have it”

Beatrice couldn’t contain her smile as she pulled out the small bowl she admired from his parlor. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“Oh, Amos! It’s your bowl from your travels to Japan. Are you sure?”

Amos brought out a handkerchief and offered it to Beatrice. “I insist. It’s a reminder that we are all broken in some ways, but it’s the people that hold us together that makes life more beautiful.”

She reached out and embraced him. “You are too kind. I do hope we can continue our friendship. It has become to mean so much to me.”

Amos stepped out of the embrace. “I feel the same way. I would love nothing more than to continue our friendship.”

Beatrice smiled, then looked to the woman expectantly.

“Oh!” Amos exclaimed. “Where are my manners? Lady Beatrice? This is Lady Catharine. My fiancé.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened at the woman’s title. “Fiancé? How wonderful!”

Lady Catherine dipped her head. “Thank you. We are very happy.”

Beatrice suddenly remembered. “Wait. My mother said the two of you were seen together before she interjected. I hope I wasn’t the cause of delay for your engagement?” Her eyes searched Amos’s. “If I knew you had other arrangements I would have insisted nothing would have been agreed upon.”

Lady Catherine shook her head. “You mustn’t worry about that, Lady Beatrice.” She looked up to Amos who now gave her a supportive nod.

“You know of Amos’s interests. Well, we have an understanding as well. I am in a similar predicament as Amos.” Lady Catherine lifted her eye brow in hopes of pushing her meaning.

Beatrice understood immediately and smiled. “I see. I’m glad you found each other. I’m sure you will be great companions. And, if Amos likes you, then I have no doubt we will become fast friends as well.”

Lady Catherine smiled. “I would like that as well, Your Grace.”

Amos laughed. “Well, she would need to make it down the aisle for her to be ‘Your Grace’ and for that to happen we need to take our seats so she can do just that.”

Beatrice smiled and accepted hugs from both Amos and Lady Catherine.

“Be well, Amos, and thank you, again.” She whispered as she hugged Amos.

“Be well, Your Grace.” Amos said before he gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek and joined Lady Catherine to find a seat.

Beatrice took a deep breath and looked down the aisle. How different it all felt walking towards her dream. Her steps were light and resolute. Her heart was steady and sure.

Ezra stood at the alter, his eyes focused on her every movement. She felt a pull towards him. If it wasn’t for the shuffling of feet in the pews, and the shifting of people in their seats trying to get a good view of the ceremony, she would have forgotten everyone else was there.

In her mind, it was only her and Ezra. It was all she needed.

When she reached the alter he extended his hand and like a magnet, Beatrice’s hand flew into his.

He rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand as he leaned down.

“Eager for me, Mouse?”

His words wrapped around her and caused her body to flash with white heat. He said those words to her the night they spent together. The night that changed it all for her, and apparently, him. She should remember to mark that date and celebrate it every year.

It was because of that night they both learned what they were willing to live with, and what they couldn’t live without. Or more importantly, who they couldn’t live without.

“I am very eager, Your Grace.” She whispered. “I kind of wish no one else was here so I could show you just how eager I am.”

Ezra’s eyes darkened. “Careful, Mouse. We are in a house of God. We don’t want anyone fainting because the bride is eager to start her wedding night.”

Beatrice dipped her head to hide her giggle.

As the vicar began to speak Beatrice couldn’t help but steal glances at her soon-to-be husband. He stood, towering over her, his lean and muscular frame filled his suit perfectly. Her eyes drifted to his arms and she licked her lips at the memory of them holding her.

The vicar said something that had the congregation responding in kind. Beatrice’s cheeks heated at missing the response.

“You’re not paying attention, Mouse.” Ezra murmured as the vicar began speaking again. Ignoring the fact that neither one of his participants were paying attention.

“Sorry, my mind is elsewhere.” She offered.

Ezra looked down just as she looked up to him.

“I know.” He said with a wolfish grin that had her insides igniting.

Beatrice took a deep breath to try to steady her racing heart. Were her sister’s ceremonies this long? Did it suddenly get hot in here for everyone or just her?

She shuffled her feet.

“Patience, Little Mouse. It’s almost over.” Ezra whispered.

Beatrice licked her dry lips again. Her patience was running out. She needed out of this church, out of this dress, and into Ezra’s arms.

“Beatrice?”

The vicar’s throat cleared. “Lady Beatrice wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?”

Beatrice swallowed. “I will.”

Her voice rang out clear throughout the chapel. She had never been more sure in her life.

She looked up to find Ezra looking down at her with love and pride in his eyes and she felt the final piece fall back into place.

She was whole again.

Beatrice looked up at Ezra hoping for a kiss but the vicar began to talk again. Her eyes flew to the parish priest in confusion.

“How long are these ceremonies?” She muttered.

Ezra did his best to hide his laughter but it echoed throughout the church. “Haven’t you been to several of these before from just your sisters?”

Beatrice grimaced. “I brought books to read and if you have forgotten, you interrupted my last one.” She said cheekily.

“Now, now, little Mouse. If you don’t behave, I may have to punish you later for that tongue.”

Now years of etiquette lessons and rules of propriety taught her that she should have been appalled at his comment. Instead, her blood heated and her eyes became hooded.

“Is that so?” She challenged.

Ezra dipped his chin ever so slightly. “Absolutely. I may not be a man of much faith, but I know when and how to behave. I expect you to do the same.”

His lips were turned up slightly as he laid down his challenge. A challenge Beatrice couldn’t ignore.

Finally the vicar gave the go ahead for the kiss. Ezra turned to Beatrice and took her hands.

She looked up into his eyes, so reverent and kind. He lowered his head to capture her mouth in a chaste, perfectly suitable kiss for a religious ceremony.

But Beatrice had other plans. She ripped her hands from his and threw them into his hair. She pulled him down with such force he lost his footing.

Her lips captured his in an all consuming kiss.

Gasps and murmurs erupted around them and Beatrice didn’t care. Let the whole congregation know how much she loved this man.

She was proud of her accomplishment as she pulled away.

“You’re going to pay for that.” Ezra laughed as he turned her to face the congregation. Most were sitting shocked in their seats, while a select few, mostly her family, along with Frederic, Harriet, and Amos with Lady Catherine, looked on with smiles while they clapped their hands.

“Lucky for me I can afford whatever punishment you deem necessary.” She said with a wink.

Ezra’s pupils dilated at her response. She pulled on his hand to bring him back from whatever fantasy just popped into his head and they began their walk to the back of the church.

For the first time in her life Beatrice was looking forward to what her future held. She knew her story with Ezra was just beginning and she was determined to make it one for the ages.

The End?