Page 83 of Her Rake Fiancé

Atticus, Reuben, and Ruby each carried the humble authenticity of their Whitechapel roots, their patched and mended clothes contrasting with the grandeur of the church but not diminishing their spirits. Jane’s pupils, including Alfie, Lily, and Peter, attending with their parents, all wore sweet smiles, excitement and amazement coloring their faces.

On Richard’s side, the ornate grandeur of London’s high society was on full display. The shimmering fabrics and exquisite tailoring of their attire reflected their privileged lifestyle. Richard’s family—Preston with his perfectly tailored tailcoat, Penelope and Calliope in their beautiful gowns, and Grandmama in one of Mrs. Newman’s stunning creations that respected her age while complementing her features—wore smiles of joy and approval.

Sebastian and Emma, amid other impeccably dressed ladies and gentlemen, presented an elegant picture. The sparkling jewels, embroidered shawls, and artfully arranged coiffures vied for attention, creating a dazzling display of wealth and status.

Yet, despite the stark contrast between Jane’s and Richard’s worlds, there was an unmistakable harmony in the air. A sense of mutual respect bridged the gap, threads of love and curiosity weaving both sides together. Grand ladies exchanged warm smiles with Whitechapel mothers. Richly dressed gentlemen nodded to Thorne and his men. The affluent and the modest alike basked in the joyous union of Jane and Richard. An unexpected camaraderie was blossoming, paving the way for friendly interactions and shared laughter.

Reverend Philips coughed and asked Jane and Richard to repeat their vows after him. Jane knew hers by heart.

With her hands shaking, she turned to Richard and met his wonderful blue eyes. He was so handsome in his black coat with its high-standing collar and the crisp, intricately knotted cravat at his neck. He had a boutonniere of a white rose that resembled the corsage on her dress.

His eyes practically glowed as he watched her, and she was sinking into them, knowing no one else existed for him in this moment but her. And she felt the same.

“I, Jane Grant,” she said, staring into his eyes, the words coming easily from her heart, “do take thee, Richard Seaton, to be my wedded husband. I hereby make a solemn promise to love and honor you until death do us part.”

The guests had become so quiet that even the shuffling of feet and rustling of clothing sounded loud in her ears. Her heart beat fast and steady in her chest, as, against all norms of behavior and under the disapproving glare of the reverend, Richard reached out and took her hands in his. A jolt of awareness and warmth spread through her at his touch, and she beamed up at him. She had gotten addicted to the feel of him against her body. As long as he touched her, she felt peaceful and calm.

That was what it felt like to belong.

His eyes glistened as he looked deeply into hers and replied softly, “I, Richard Seaton, do take thee, Jane Grant, to be my wedded wife. I hereby make a solemn promise to love and honor you until death do us part.”

Jane smiled, her eyes blurring with tears.

The priest raised his hands. “The scripture tells us that ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.’ May this divine love always guide your paths. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. From this day forward, you walk together. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I bless your union. I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

The congregation erupted in cheers, Hercules barking joyfully at Thorne’s feet. Richard’s grin made her smile from ear to ear. Through the cacophony of bellowing and shouts, Richard leaned to her and whispered, “I love you.”

“And I love you,” she replied.

“Heavens, I want to kiss you,” he murmured.

“Me, too.” She quickly glanced at the priest. “But don’t. Or you will give Reverend Philips a palsy.”

He chuckled. Soon, Jane and Richard walked out of the church, hand in hand, and into fresh London air. Green parks were visible across the bustling street full of horse-drawn carriages, with lines of brown and red brick buildings on both sides. Their guests stood in two rows and showered them with rose petals. Jane squealed happily, leaning into Richard’s strong shoulder.

When they returned to Sumhall, where their wedding breakfast was to be held, the guests followed them promptly. The dining room was lit up brightly with the sun. Jane and Richard greeted their guests as they arrived, thanking them for coming. The food was plentiful, with the finest delicacies having been prepared for the wedding.

The huge wooden buffet table stood in the middle of the grand dining room. Thin slices of ham and bacon, omelets, different types of bread, five varieties of jam, smoked salmon, fried codfish, and a plate full of fruit—apples, oranges, peaches, and cherries, most of them, no doubt, imported—were arranged in a ring around fresh-baked pies. A brown-and-yellow pear tart was flanked by cherry tarts with their lattice crusts covered in powdered sugar. There were also cold cuts of roast beef and chicken breast.

Jane’s and Richard’s things were already packed for them to leave right after the reception for their honeymoon in Grandhampton Court. Hercules, of course, would come with them. Like Richard had said in the beginning, the dog needed fresh air and to run around in nature chasing squirrels and rabbits. After they returned, they would move into Richard’s house, which his papa had left him for when he would marry and start a family.

All the Seatons were present, as well as Penelope’s papa and her cousin Alexandria.

And Jane could barely stop smiling. This was the family she’d always ached for. Completeness washed over her with a warm, tingly wave. She felt vast and light, as if she could hug the whole world.

When Richard talked to Thorne and Preston, the conversation seemed to flow quite easily and peacefully…as if they hadn’t almost shot at each other just two days ago. Relieved that her new husband and her brother seemed to be on better terms, Jane stood next to the window with Calliope and Sebastian.

“Sebastian, perhaps you have some connections with the navy?” asked Calliope. “I tried asking around but am getting nowhere. Time is passing quickly, and we must do something to find Spencer.”

Sebastian chuckled as he threw a quick glance at Richard and Preston. “Preston told me about the press-gang. I am sure your brothers are in a much better position to lead this kind of investigation. Besides, I’m quite certain they wouldn’t want me to do anything to encourage you.”

Jane and Calliope exchanged a glance. Of course Sebastian wouldn’t want to.

“Calliope already knows a gentleman,” said Jane to Sebastian. “She can just go and find him. She doesn’t need her brothers’ approval for that.”

Sebastian’s face fell. “What gentleman?”

“The Duke of Kelford,” said Calliope with a glint in her eye.