The Duke's Innocent Mistress (PM #1) (Completed)

Chapter 14. 1812

On a clear and brilliant evening toward the beginning of June, Julian prepared a beautiful dinner for him and Olivia out on the terrace of Sinclair Castle. He was wanting to make sure everything was perfect for that night. Nothing could go wrong.
Scrutinizing every last detail, Julian was satisfied enough to turn away and step into the country estate. He smiled as he saw Olivia waiting for him in the foyer. "You look beautiful my love."
Olivia smiled, blushing a soft pink, the same color as the silk gown she was wearing. "Thank you my dear. And you look very handsome. I adore that green jacket."
Julian chuckled. "Thank you. I do hope you are hungry, I have quite a lovely dinner planned for us."
Olivia. "I am famished. I am also wondering what this surprise is that you have not spoken a word to me about for the last week."
Julian smiled. "And I am still not telling you what the surprise is. You must wait and find out yourself."
Olivia rolled her eyes before playfully jabbing his chest. "You are quite mysterious your grace."
Julian pulled her against him, kissing her deeply. "And you, my dear, are very beautiful. Come, we are dining out on the terrace this evening."
Taking his hand, Olivia followed him through the foyer, through the ballroom, and out onto the terrace. Her eyes widened as she saw the magnificent table set up for the two of them, complete with three glowing candles and a bouquet of red and pink roses. She smiled. "This is beautiful Jules."
Julian smiled, blushing slightly at his newfound nickname. "I'm glad that you approve. I want this evening to be perfect for the two of us."
Olivia kissed him sweetly. "Honestly, it already is."
Sitting down, they opened a bottle of red wine, pouring themselves each a glass moments later, two servants brought out a three tiered cake stand with sandwiches scones and desserts. Two other servants brought out steaming bowls of cream of mushroom soup.
Olivia's mouth watered as she saw the decadent spread of food. "Everything looks delicious."
Julian. "I'm glad you like it."
They devoured the scrumptious spread, talking and laughing together while enjoying the pleasant evening. The love that flowed between them was perfect and pure, a blazing flame that would never be snuffed out. Once their meal was finished, they had two servants take their plates away.
Julian stood from his seat, retrieving a black velvet box from under his chair. Moving around the table, he stopped before Olivia's seat, gently pulling her up so that they were standing in front of each other. "There is a reason why I planned this evening for us."
Olivia. "And what is the reason?"
His eyes shining, Julian removed the lid of the box, revealing the magnificent teardrop shaped jewelry collection within. "To present you with this."
Olivia began to cry as she saw the magnificent jewelry twinkling in front of her. There was a necklace, earrings, and the loveliest ring she had ever seen. The precious colored gemstones, all of which were surrounded by glittering diamonds, had been transformed from circular to teardrop shape. She smiled. "They are so beautiful."
Julian smiled, placing the box onto the table and pulling out the ring. Kneeling down in front of her, he took her hand. "And they are yours my love. Just as I am yours, forever. My darling Olivia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Olivia was beaming from ear to ear. "Yes, yes I will."
Smiling radiantly, Julian slid the ring onto her finger before rising and pulling her into his arms. His lips came down hard on hers for a passionate kiss, a kiss that she eagerly reciprocated. He came away, his eyes glittering like emerald gemstones. "I love you."
Olivia was smiling just as brightly, her eyes shining like teal gems. "I love you too."
Julian took her face between his hands. "At Last, we are together."
Olivia ran her gloved fingertips across his cheek. "Yes we are."
They smiled at each other, exchanging a sweet and tender kiss. In that moment, they knew everything was perfect.
***
Two weeks later, on the morning of 24 June, Julian and Olivia stood before a minister at Westminster Abbey. The two of them decided on a small wedding, with only Julian's mother, Clara, Vivian, Delilah, and a friend of Julian's, Viscount Gregory Lennox, in attendance. The service would be at the Abby, and the reception would be held at Sinclair Castle.
For their attire, Julian and Olivia decided on simplicity and elegance rather than over the top and elaborate. Julian was wearing a three-piece black silk suit with a cream button up shirt, matching cravat, black trousers and black boots. Olivia was wearing an elegant cream silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and beating decorating the bodice. The train of her gown stretched out 3 feet behind her, and her hair was fixed into a simple bun.
Minister. "Do you, Lord Julian Charles Sinclair, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?"
Julian. "I do."
Minister. "And do you, Miss Olivia Grace Rochester, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?"
Olivia. "I do."
Minister. "Then by the power given to me by the Holy Spirit, I know your husband and wife."
Smiling brilliantly, Julian and Olivia exchanged a deep and exquisite kiss, a kiss that sent both their hearts racing and their toes curling. Finally, they were united. Reluctantly pulling away, they turned and escorted their intimate group of guests to the carriages that were waiting for them.