Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,118

Caswell. And with that, the group erupted in equal measure, giving embraces and handshakes all around.

Oliver reached Mr. Dixon, giving him a hearty shake and slap of his shoulder, with all the earnest words of gratitude and congratulations he could give. And when he worked his way through the hubbub to Miss Caswell, he felt at a loss to convey all he felt at that moment.

“This house party has not turned out at all as I had expected,” she said with a laugh.

Oliver gave her a tender smile. “But I cannot imagine a better resolution. Despite our best efforts, we’ve found our perfect matches.”

Miss Caswell chuckled again and nodded. Turning so she stood beside him, the pair looked out at the others, who were gathered around Mr. Dixon and Sophie. “I never imagined I could be so happy.”

“And your family?” Oliver slanted her a look.

Miss Caswell’s expression grew troubled, though the light in her eyes never dimmed. “Miriam and my mother do not agree with my choice, but I’ve accepted that there is no resolution to please us all. I am at peace with it.”

“Then I am doubly happy for you and Mr. Dixon,” said Oliver.

She cast a look in his direction. “And what of your Miss Banfield?”

Oliver raised his brows in mock innocence. “What of her?”

Miss Caswell’s eyes narrowed, and he gave her a rascally grin in return.

“As it happens, we have an announcement of our own,” he said, stepping away from Miss Caswell to take Sophie’s hand.

*

Sophie gazed into Oliver’s eyes, feeling such a mixture of peace and joy that she wished she could spend the rest of her life lost in this moment. The warmth in her heart expanded as she realized she would, for their futures were bound together. Raising her hand to place a kiss on their makeshift ring, Oliver held her in his gaze as he announced their engagement to the room.

No matter how she wished to stay right in that place, the others insisted on commandeering their attention for all the proper congratulations, and Sophie was passed from person to person until she stood before Mrs. Kingsley. Eyes bright with unshed tears, the lady enfolded Sophie into her arms.

“I am so happy for you both,” she whispered. “And I am honored to have you as part of our family, Sophie.”

Questions flew concerning the wedding, but those were unimportant details. A sliver of sorrow worked its way into her heart at the thought of her departure the next day, but that was yet another meaningless nothing. Returning to Oliver, Sophie leaned into him, reveling in the feel of him at her side, and reminded herself that no matter how many days or weeks they may be apart, the next time she returned to Avebury Park she would be Sophia Kingsley.

Sophie turned her gaze to meet Oliver’s, wishing she had the words to describe the feelings coursing through her, but there was no need. For in Oliver’s eyes she saw the same unending joy reflected there, matching hers with equal fervor. Their love. Their family. Their home.

Epilogue

London

Six months later

With a pen tucked behind her ear, Victoria stared at the array of papers before her. The notes were a veritable mess, though each made perfect sense to her. Menus, guest lists, seating arrangements, each spread across the writing table as she crossed out and added to each.

Holding up her page with the table setting, Victoria snatched a nearby book and flipped through the pages that displayed various arrangements. While the Russian style of dining was gaining popularity, Victoria couldn’t bring herself to eschew the French. There was something wonderful about seeing all the dishes together on the table, and it seemed such a shame to hamper the cook’s culinary art; a meal was enjoyed with one’s eyes first, after all. And yet, there was a benefit to having the courses presented one at a time.

Victoria leaned back from her book, tapping her finger against the desk. Staring out the parlor window, she watched the clogged street, the horses and carriages fighting for space on the narrow lane while people wove between them. The clomps of horseshoes against cobblestones and the shouts of vendors peddling their wares echoed through the glass panes.

Having lived on Cardham Lane for some months now, Victoria had grown used to the chaos outside her front door, but at times it struck her just how different her life was now. She’d always thought herself good with words, yet whenever she attempted to describe