And waiting at the altar was her life and her meaning. Sebastian’s dark eyes glimmered in the light. He took her hand and a thrill passed through her. As they spoke their vows, a golden warmth enveloped her and stayed with her while she signed her name in the parish record, all the way down the aisle, and onto the front steps of the church.
Their guests followed them outside and offered congratulations with hearty slaps on Sebastian’s back and hugs for Helena. Fergus passed her the small box while Sebastian was shaking hands with Sir Jonathan. She used her bouquet to shield it from view as Sebastian assisted her into the carriage.
Helena settled on the bench; a movement across the street caught her eye. She set the box on the bench and scooted closer to peer through the window. Lavinia stepped out of the shadow of a building, lifting her hand in greeting. Her sister’s smile warmed her heart. Helena pressed her hand against the glass, thankful for the small moments they could share. Even if it was from afar. Helena blew her a kiss.
Lavinia’s smile widened before she turned and walked to a waiting carriage. She disappeared from sight as Sebastian joined Helena on the bench.
“My sister was there across the way just a moment ago.”
He leaned to see out the window. “Lavinia?”
“She came to wish us well.”
Sebastian caressed her back, creating lovely tingles that filtered through her body. “I hope she knows we missed her today,” he said.
The carriage pulled onto St. George Street and headed for Eldridge House.
They both knew Lavinia couldn’t have attended the ceremony or the wedding breakfast. But Sebastian’s concern for her sister strengthened Helena’s love for him. She reached for his hand and bumped the box sitting between them.
“Oh! I almost forgot.” She lifted the small present and held it out to him.
“What is this?”
She lowered her gaze, doubting her choice a little. Perhaps she should have gotten him something more extravagant. “It’s a wedding gift.”
“I love it,” he declared and stole a peck from her lips.
She laughed. “You don’t even know what it is.”
“I know it is from you,” he said as he slowly untied the ribbon, “and I’m certain I love you.”
His unhurried movements built her anticipation. “Open it.”
“I am. I am.” He tossed the ribbon aside and opened the box. His eyebrows shot up as he lifted the gold piece from its bed of blue velvet. His initials glittered in the sunlight. “It’s my watch. I thought I had lost it.”
“My coachman found it in the carriage after we carried you home. The glass was cracked and the hinge was broken, so it has been at the jeweler’s.”
Sebastian popped the clasp and opened the watch. “As good as new.” He found the inscription and read it aloud. “To a beautiful partnership. Love always, HT.”
Closing the watch, he slipped it into his pocket and smiled. “I was wrong. It is better than new. It comes with the loveliest wife.”
She draped her arms around his neck, her smile rivaling that of any lovesick chit. “You may kiss your bride, my lord. And do not stop until we reach our destination.”
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Heather Boyd, fellow Regency author and good friend, for sticking with me from beginning to end with this book. In fact, she has been with me from the start of my writing career. Heather was my first writing partner, and it was such a treat to work with her again. It is rare and wonderful to find a friend who will be honest and uplifting at the same time.
I’m very happy to have worked with my new editor, Cat Clyne, on this book. Her guidance was appreciated, and her cheerfulness and enthusiasm made the process a lot of fun.
And lastly, I would like to thank Nephele, my wonderful agent. She is a great sounding board for story ideas and generous with her time and feedback. I feel fortunate to have worked with her on developing the Rival Rogues books.
Read on for a sneak peek of the next book in Samantha Grace’s Rival Rogues series
A Good Rogue Is Hard to Find
Coming Summer 2015