“And humble,” he teased as he approached her. “I have a gift for you. Well, it’s already yours but Mother wished me to save it for this special day.” He held out a hand and released a few fingers, and a pearl necklace dangled from his grasp. “And I have the earbobs as well.” He held out his other hand, which held a small wooden box.

Joan’s eyes filled with tears as she fanned her face to keep them from spilling. “Oh, Morgan. I remember these.”

“Yes, I thought you might. May I?” he asked, and when she turned, he latched the pearl necklace on her neck. “Perfect.”

Joan considered herself in the mirror. The necklace was the perfect complement to her gown and hair. “Thank you.”

“I’ll let you put these on.” He handed her the box with the earrings.

Joan nodded wordlessly, not trusting her voice as she carefully put in the precious earrings.

“I…couldn’t let you go to a man less worthy,” Morgan said after a moment of silence. “And I’m thankful that if you’re marrying someone, it’s my best friend.”

Joan turned to regard him. “He’s a good man. I couldn’t imagine loving anyone else.”

Morgan nodded, then rocked on his heels. “Are you ready?”

“Indeed.” Joan stood up straight and nodded her assent. “Lead the way.”

Morgan offered her his arm and led her from her rooms. Already the maids were packing her belongings.

Morgan helped her into the carriage and instructed the driver to head to St. George’s.

They had debated on sending out invitations and, in the end, decided to keep it a quiet affair. A few friends would be in attendance, Miss Bronson and her family, for example. The carriage paused before the church at five till ten, and the guests were already within the church and waiting.

Morgan helped Joan alight from the carriage and led her up the stone steps to the church. After they passed through the foyer, the sanctuary came into view.

Joan’s heart pounded feverishly, and it only slowed its cadence when she caught sight of Rowles.

“Are you ready?” Morgan asked for the second time that day.

Joan nodded, her eyes captivated by the man at the end of the aisle who was gazing at her with a depth of love she’d never hoped to experience.

He cut a handsome figure in his white linen shirt, dark-blue breeches, and black pump shoes. His jacket was dark blue with a swallowtail cut, and his white silk cravat was complemented perfectly by his top hat, but even with all the masculine glory, Joan couldn’t get over his gaze.

And the love that shined through it.

Morgan led her down the aisle, step by step, and finally he was offering her hand to Rowles. Her beloved grasped her hand in a gentle yet firm grip that said I shall never let go.