groom is growing more anxious by the second, so we ought to hurry.”
“I don’t mean to worry or upset him. Nothing will stop me from marrying Aubrey today. It’s just …”
“I understand. Even once you’ve become a woman, your parents’ approval still means something to you.”
“At least their acceptance if not their approval. After two years of mourning and loneliness, I’m finally happy again and Aubrey is the cause. That should be enough.”
Seeing she was about to lapse into tears again, Benedict crossed the room and took both her hands, his handkerchief pressed between her palm and his.
“It’s enough for you, and that’s all that matters. You’ve given them every opportunity to get to know and appreciate Aubrey. That they haven’t learned to is a poor reflection on them, not you or him. You are getting married today, Lucy. Your family may not understand, but today you’re gaining a new family. A family that adores you and would never hurt you. That family includes me, if you’re interested to know.”
She smiled, giving his hands a squeeze. “Is that so?”
“Quite so. I despise my own family, so Aubrey has made me feel a part of his. He’s like my brother, so that makes you my sister … at least it will once you’ve spoken your vows.”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded, her tears finally receding. “You’re a good friend, Ben. Aubrey and I are lucky to have you.”
“That you are,” he said with a wink. “Now, may I go tell the groom you are ready to depart?”
“Yes. I suppose I’ll make my walk down the aisle alone.”
“No, you won’t.”
She paused before the vanity, a pot of rouge held in one hand. “I’m sorry?”
Ben gave her a sheepish smile. “You don’t have to walk down the aisle alone if you don’t want to. I would be happy to escort you.”
Her eyes flared wide with shock. “You would really do that for me?”
“I would. No one should have to suffer a father’s abandonment. While I cannot replace him, perhaps I can make his absence a little less painful for you.”
She smiled, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. “What a gem you are, Ben.”
He chuckled. “Be sure to remind your husband and our friends of that the next time they complain that I’m too ruthless, reckless, or uncompromising.”
“I most certainly will.”
Benedict stepped into the corridor and found Aubrey hovering near the door with David and Hugh flanking him.
“Well?” David prodded. “Is she coming? Do we need brandy?”
“David, really,” Hugh huffed, rolling his eyes. “Of course she’s coming. She loves him.”
“Weeping bride,” David muttered. “Never a good sign.”
“She’s coming,” Benedict snapped with a glare at David. “The crisis has been averted. As Lucy’s father has neglected to make an appearance, I’ve offered to stand in as replacement.”
Aubrey visibly calmed, though his relief was overshadowed by sudden confusion. “You can’t give Lucy away … you’re supposed to stand up with me.”
“Sorry, friend, but I’ve been enlisted elsewhere. David, you’ve been promoted to best man.”
David raised his eyebrows. “But, you’re his best friend. Surely he wouldn’t want—”
“You’re as much my friend as Ben is,” Aubrey cut in. “I’d be honored if you’d stand up with me. If it will make Lucy feel better, then of course Ben should escort her down the aisle.”
“Then it is settled,” Ben declared. “Hugh and David, you’ll ride in the carriage with Aubrey. Lucy and I will follow.”
Hugh frowned. “Where’s Nick?”
“He should have been here an hour ago,” David replied. “Don’t know what the devil is going on with him. He’s been acting so queer lately.”
“Here! I’m here!”
They swiveled to find Nick taking the stairs two at a time. He looked a fright as he bounded onto the landing—hair mussed, cravat askew, his bright green eyes rimmed with dark circles.
“You look like hell,” David drawled.
“Nice of you to finally join us,” Hugh muttered.
“I’m sorry, Aubrey,” Nick murmured, avoiding eye contact with anyone as he jerked his ruined cravat loose and fumbled at it with unsteady hands. “You know I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
“I know,” Aubrey replied, as magnanimous as always. “It’s all right.”
He seemed to want to ask Nick what the matter was, but there was no time. Benedict gave the groom a little push toward the stairs. “Go. I’ll sort him out, and we’ll be there shortly. I have things well in hand.”
The moment the front door echoed through the house with a resounding slam, Benedict turned on Dominick.