Page 100 of A Bloom for a Blacksmith

“You can be the other witness.”

The four chuckled as they made their way down the stairs and back into the coach.

At exactly half past eleven, the happy couple exchanged vows while Stella wept and Darius rubbed her back.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice what you and Mr. Thompson have been up to,” she whispered.

Pretending innocence, Darius furrowed a brow. “I’m quite sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She directed a prim grin in his direction and sniffled. “Immortal Matchmakers of Mayfair?” she murmured.

He stifled a chuckle. “A better avocation than that of a Peeler,” he replied. When she inhaled softly, obviously surprised he wasn’t going to return to a position that would allow him to fight an enemy or provide protection, he added, “At least, for now.”

Stella returned her attention to the couple and sniffled. “I love you,” she said, at the same moment the priest said the final blessing.

Glancing about the church to be sure no one was watching, Darius leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you,” he whispered, in Greek.

When they had completed signing the marriage certificate, the four headed off to Agremon House for a wedding breakfast.

Stella’s concern that Mrs. Crabbe would object to the extra work of having to create a wedding cake covered in sugar frosting as well as all the traditional wedding breakfast foods was entirely unfounded. For the first time since they had purchased Agremon House, the cook seemed eager to please. Happy, even.

Darius exchanged a nervous glance with Stella. “Should I be worried?” he murmured.

“Oh, very,” she replied, waggling her brows.