Page 84 of A Baron's Disguised Lady

“Very good. You and Lavinia can make the arrangements. But we should be getting back to Sarum Lacy House now, the celebrations await, and you’re all invited. Come along, Lavinia… our carriage awaits,” he said, and calling out their goodbyes to their mothers and the other guests, Lavinia and Archie climbed into the waiting carriage.

“Did Gwendolene really say that to you?” Lavinia asked, as the carriage set off in the direction of Sarum Lacy House.

Archie smiled and shook his head.

“No, she didn’t. But I’m happy to tell a lie if it means Penelope no longer carrying such a terrible burden. Gwendolene wouldn’t have wanted that, and I’m sure she’s smiling down on us now,” he said.

Lavinia smiled at him and slipped her arm into his.

“You really are a remarkable man,” she said, as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“No, I’m not. But I’m now married to a remarkable woman,” he replied.

Lavinia laughed. She did not think there was anything remarkable about her. But her storywasone of surprises. Lavinia had never expected her life to turn out like this, but fate had other plans.

“Shall we both agree neither of us is remarkable,” she said.

“Perhaps not alone, but together… well, I couldn’t imagine anything more remarkable. A tragedy brought us together, Lavinia, but happiness found us in the end,” he said, and Lavinia sat up, gazing up at him and smiling.

“It did, yes, and how glad I am for that,” she replied, and now their lips met together in a kiss, the happiness of that wonderful day crowned by the bright prospect of the future, one unshadowed by the past, and with so much to look forward to.

THE END?