She supposed not, although it certainly was tempting to share everything with Aslyn, to let her know how wonderful Matthew was. She glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Whatever can be keeping them? It’s been two hours. They should all be here by now. Matthew should have asked for their blessing, they should have said yes, and someone should be coming for me.”

“It takes time.”

“Not this much time. I’ve no doubt they’re making it difficult for him.” She leapt up from her place. “Well, I’m not standing for that.”

Turning on her heel, she headed for the door.

“Fancy!”

“I won’t be long.”

Once in the hallway, she crossed over to Mick’s offices. Mr. Tittlefitz immediately came to his feet. “Miss Trewlove.”

“Mr. Tittlefitz. I assume they’re all still in there?”

“Yes, miss.”

“As it’s my future they’re discussing, I don’t think they’ll mind my popping in.” She reached for the door and jerked slightly when it opened without her pushing on it. She stared at the man who it appeared was striving to take his leave. “Mr. Lassiter.”

“Miss Trewlove.”

“What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”

Matthew appeared in the doorway, edged passed Lassiter, and settled a hand on her waist. “He’s my solicitor. I wanted to get the settlement agreed to as I intend to get a special license and marry you as quickly as possible.”

“Your solicitor.” Turning into Matthew, she wound her arms around his neck. “You wouldn’t also happen to go by the name anonymous, would you?”

“I have many clients, Miss Trewlove,” Mr. Lassiter said.

“I’m sure you do.”

“It’s all right, Lassiter. A man shouldn’t keep secrets from his betrothed.”

“You got their blessings?”

“I did. Each and every one of them.”

She gave him her sauciest smile. “Matthew Sommersby, are there any other names you go by that I should know about?”

“The man who will always love you.”

Rising up on her toes, she captured his mouth, not caring one whit that they had an audience.

Three weeks later, Fancy stood in the vestibule beside Beast, waiting rather impatiently as her brothers and brother-by-marriage escorted their wives to their places on the first pew, where her mother was already seated. Fancy was excited, thrilled, anticipating the day, anticipating life. The church was packed to the rafters.

“You don’t have to do this, you know,” Beast said quietly, with teasing lacing his voice.

With a small laugh, she looked up at him. “Oh yes, I do. I love him so much, Beast. I’ve never been happier.”

“That much is obvious, sweetheart.”