“Of course not. I know Mrs. Langford has threatened to ruin my reputation but, as Lucy says, I can hardly be a scandal if I marry the man with whom I was scandalous.”

“But—”

“Mother and Father have already approved. They’re thrilled actually. They never thought I would marry.” She turned toward the door in the altar. “Come out and tell Mr. Upton how thoroughly you approve of him, Mama. I think he needs to hear it.”

The door opened and Sir Charles and Lady Lowndes came out. Jane’s mother had a wide smile on her face.

“We do. We truly do,” Lady Lowndes said.

“It’s quite true, young man,” Sir Charles agreed.

“I need to give Mrs. Bunbury a raise,” Lady Lowndes added.

Jane and Lucy exchanged sly glances just before Jane turned back to Garrett to hide her laughter. “You see? They’re thrilled,” she whispered. “I hate to please my mother quite this much, but I suppose there can be no help for it.”

He squeezed her hand. “Why’s that?”

“Because I’m desperately in love with you, Upton. I’m told that when one is desperately in love, one marries, regardless of the title one may acquire in so doing.”

“That is true!” Lucy called.

“You’re not supposed to be listening, Lucy,” Jane called back.

“Oh, quite right. I’m sorry. Carry on.”

Garrett swallowed the lump in his throat. He searched Jane’s face. This was a great deal to absorb, but he had no doubts. There was only one problem. “As much as I’d like to say yes, we don’t have a license.”

Jane nodded. “Yes, we do. Derek procured one for us last night. It’s extremely convenient to know a duke.”

Garrett turned toward Claringdon. “You got us a license?”

“Indeed,” came Claringdon’s reply. “Deuced awkward to wake the archbishop in the middle of the night, but he appreciated the coin I gave him. You owe me a drink the next time I see you at the club. Several drinks.”

Jane smiled a satisfied smile. “See, there? You have no more excuses.”

The door to the church opened then and Isabella Langford, wearing all black, came strolling down the center aisle.

She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her fingers along the opposite arm. “Well, well, well. Isn’t this a pretty sight?”

Garrett and Jane turned to face her.

“Isabella?” Garrett’s voice was grim.

“Boris has been following you, Garrett. He told me I might find you here this morning,” Isabella replied.

“Please leave,” Garrett demanded, pointing toward the doors.

“I don’t think so, my dear. I have something quite important to say.”

“Go ahead and say it,” Jane interjected, lifting her chin. “Then get out.”

Isabella’s eyebrows rose. “Aren’t you a brave one, Miss Lowndes?”

Jane straightened her spine. “I told you once, I’m not one to back down from a fight.”