“Grace’s coach has gone,” Charlie said from the doorway. “Eleanor, you look radiant.”

“Are you giving me away?” Eleanor had not been able to make up her mind. Matt had acted in lieu of a father for the past six years, but Charlie was her brother and the head of the Carpenter family. She loved them both. Someone had suggested they draw straws, but she was still not certain of the resolution.

“We both are.” Her brother grinned. “It only seemed fair.”

“It is a good decision.” Now neither of them would feel slighted.

Charlie held out his arm to Eleanor. “Ladies, your coach awaits.”

“My bouquet.” She glanced around.

“I have it,” Madeline said.

Matt and two footmen stood by the coach and assisted her sisters into the carriage while Charlie helped her. The footmen stepped onto the back platform of the carriage. Once they were settled, Matt gave the order to depart.

“How long will you stay at the wedding breakfast?” Madeline asked.

“An hour or so, I imagine. Turley gave John the name of a hotel on the way to Dover. We will spend the night there.”

“Have you decided how long you will be gone?” Alice said.

“It will take several days to travel from Calais to Paris, and we would like to have two weeks there. Therefore, it will be close to a month. I will write to you, and we will stop in Town on our way to Montagu Hall.” It occurred to Eleanor a great deal could happen in a month. “If either of you decide to wed, write to me immediately and we will return.”

“I do not think you need to worry about that,” Alice commented. “At least not on my behalf.”

The coach drew to a halt in front of the side door of the church. Eleanor and her family entered the transept via a recessed wooden door. Turley said something to John. He turned to face her. His Prussian blue jacket and trousers set off his auburn hair, making him more handsome than ever. But she was almost stopped by the joy on his face. He was as happy about this day as she was.

* * *

John could only stare at Eleanor as she made her way to him. She had worn his rubies. They glowed, setting off her flawless skin. He held out his arm. “Exquisite.”

“Not yet,” Worthington said to the soft laughter of his soon-to-be family.

Stanwood stood on Eleanor’s other side, smiling.

“This family is certainly growing,” the vicar said. “If everyone is ready, we shall begin.”

John was not really surprised that both Worthington and Stanwood gave Eleanor away. All that mattered to John was that he had her now. They repeated their vows in strong voices, although they both blushed when he promised to worship her body. He’d been working on perfecting that for almost two weeks.