VIVIENNE STEPPED OUT of the carriage, thanking the footman who assisted her. Her eyes fell to the church and the small crowd gathered in front of it. It seemed that she was not as late as she had predicted earlier.

Dressed in a lilac-coloured gown, she walked hesitantly to the church doors. Just before she reached them, her skin prickled uncomfortably. Vivienne spun around, expecting the gaze of one of the many lords and ladies outside, but they were all engrossed in their own conversation, barely paying her any heed. She glanced around but could not spot anyone that was out of place. Shaking her head, she ignored the feeling. She was probably just imagining things and transforming it into paranoia.

Vivienne walked pass the crowd, giving those who met her gaze polite nods. As she stepped in the building, her breath was taken away by the church. Strong blue pillars supported the space and intricate gold detailing surrounded it. However, it was the geometric shapes underneath the wide dome that were the most beautiful. They reflected the light through the empty spaces, covering the center stage in a light halo, giving the room an ethereal feeling.

"Good, you are finally here," a voice said.

Vivienne dropped her gaze and dipped her head politely towards Lady Headfort in a curtsey, "My apologies. The journey took me a little longer than I would have liked," she admitted.

There was no need to tell Fiona's mother that she had almost missed the wedding. Her aunt refused to let her go until Vivienne finally told her that she was a bridesmaid and if she did not take her place in the wedding, someone would visit their house and inquire why. It was only then Lady Westmorland relented.

Vivienne deduced that the countess was more so annoyed that Fiona only penned the invitation to her, and not to the rest of the household. She applauded Fiona's unwavering loyalty to her, but the snub of her aunt and uncle had almost ended with terrible consequences.

"Take your place," Lady Headfort pointed towards the front of the altar, before passing her a small bouquet of a scabious flowers. "She should be walking down soon."

Vivienne nodded, strolling to the front. Most of the guests were now seated in the pews and Vivienne noticed they only filled the first couple of rows. Evidently, the couple had kept the ceremony small. Her skin heated once she reached the alter and she spun around to her right, this time meeting James' gaze. His brandy-coloured eyes seem to seer into her, and her breath caught. This was the first time she had seen him since leaving his house.

They stared at each other for a heartbeat too long before Vivienne quickly dropped her gaze. Lord Berkeley made his way to the altar, taking a stand beside his friend. He gave her a polite nod which she returned. He was dressed handsomely in a royal blue coat and white trousers. She saw the nervousness in his posture, and she longed to cross the steps and comfort him, but James whispered something into his ears which did seem to settle him.

The string quartet began, and the first few notes of music drifted through the air, the crowd falling into a silent hush. The bright notes spread warmth into Vivienne's body and a small smile bloomed upon her face as she watched Fiona walk in with Lord Headfort. Her friend was radiant wearing a stunning cream-coloured dress that almost looked silver in the light. She saw the determination and love in her friend's gaze as she only had eyes for her soon-to-be husband.

Lord Berkley looked just as enamoured with Fiona as they stood together at the altar across from each other. Vivienne could not help but glance up beside the groom to see James already staring at her. His brown eyes bore into her, and she did not let her gaze wander even as her heart clenched in pain. The words of the priest echoed through her ears, and she swiftly looked down, a sense of melancholy overtaking her. She would never get the opportunity to experience the love that her friends shared. However, watching Cedric and Fiona cemented her belief that true love existed, even if it wasn't in the stars for her.

***

"I must say, I am surprised to not hear any news of your betrothal young lady," Lady Cowper said from beside her. "I had high hopes after your debut at Almack's."

Vivienne's hands stiffened as she laid her fork to rest on the plate. "That makes two of us," she replied tightly.

The countess smiled slightly, "None of the gentlemen caught your fancy? I do believe I saw you spending some time with the handsome Captain Gronow. He can be quite charming when he wants to be," she leaned in conspicuously. "Between you and me, the other Almack's Patronesses were hesitant to let him in, but he has since proven us otherwise."

Vivienne gave her a bland smile hoping the conversation would switch to another topic. "The Captain and I were just friends," she said. It was true, at least in her eyes. She had never viewed Rees in a romantic notion, but he had, and she'd let him down. Instead, she chose to follow her foolish heart which had only led to further heartbreak.

"I must say, I'm surprised Lady Torrington didn't find an excellent match for you, but there is always next year dear. Although you should not wait too long. A new diamond always emerges soon after and it only sparkles for so long until something shinier comes along." Lady Cowper warned her offhandedly before switching the subject, "Speaking of, where is the dowager? I would have expected her to be here this afternoon."

"I'm afraid I do not know," Vivienne said politely.

It was the truth; she had not seen Lady Torrington since leaving the duke's house. Well, she had not seen many people since leaving the duke's house. These days, her social circle was rather small consisting of her lady's maid Millie, and cousin Grayson.

Vivienne took a bite of the meal, avoiding other questions from the lady. She was seriously going to have to speak to Fiona about the seating arrangement. Her friend seemed absorbed by her husband, as they were chatting softly at the end of the table.

"Your Grace,"

Vivienne's neck snapped upwards, horrified as Lady Cowper caught James' attention. He looked at her for a brief second before his gaze turned back to the countess. She had of course been aware of his presence throughout the wedding breakfast, but he had seemed more enthralled in chatting with Miss. Julia, who was seated beside him.

"I was just speaking with Lady Vivienne. Is your great-aunt well? I haven't seen her out an about society recently."

James leaned back in his chair, his appearance seeming unbothered. "That is because she left for the country."

"What?" Vivienne blurted out before she could stop herself. A few of the eyes turned towards her but she only looked at James.

He must have seen the need for answers upon her face because he elaborated, "She rather felt her time in London was getting quite exhausting and she had nothing left to do." James shrugged his shoulders. "Truth be told, she never was one much for society."

"Yes, I agree with that. Which made it even more exciting to have her with us this season. Lady Torrington is as astute as they come," Lady Cowper complimented her with a faint smile.

Vivienne listened to their conversation even as her heart sank. Another person gone from her life. She did not know why, but she felt rather betrayed by Lady Torrington's swift departure. The dowager had not left her a note nor informed Vivienne of her plans. The lady had been a fixture in Vivienne's life for the last few months and her departure expanded the already gaping hole in her heart.

She realized she had felt special in the presence of Lady Torrington. Her care and attention, while gruff had been pure. With her, Vivienne did not worry about pretenses. Their exchange was always honest, the words laid out between them. It was something she realized nobody else in her life had given to her. Not her parents, not even Agatha, or James—who had hidden their betrothal from her.

Vivienne pushed around her food, no longer feeling hungry. How many more people was she going to lose? If it hurt so much, should she stop letting people into her heart in the first place? But even as the thought crossed her mind, she knew that was no way to live. 

She did not hear the soft chatter around her anymore. It was the warm hand on her shoulder that shook her from her thoughts.

"Are you alright dear?" Lady Cowper asked, her brows wrinkling in concern.

Vivienne nodded politely, "Yes."

The countess did not look convinced, but she wiped the corner of her napkin gracefully. "Well then, you better get up, the bride and groom are leaving."

Vivienne looked around and realized that most of the guests had already gotten up and left, presumably to greet the couple one last time before their departure. Hurrying, she exited the dining room, making her way outside. She spied Fiona, now Viscountess Berkeley greeting the guests around her. Vivienne stood at the end of the line, closest to Lady Headfort and Fiona's brother.

She saw the tears in the corner of Lady Headfort's eyes even as Marquess Headfort tried counselling his mother.

"She'll be fine," he said a bit gruffly and Vivienne smiled. She knew that Fiona's brother was also worried about his sister but doing his best to keep his mother strong.

Fiona quickly approached her and clasped Vivienne's hands, "Thank you for being my bridesmaid today."

Vivienne shook her head, "No, it was my honour, seeing you up there marry the man of your dreams."

Fiona leaned in closer, and Vivienne inhaled her friend's light floral scent. "It's not too late you know."

Vivienne's smile wavered, "It is, but do not worry about me."

Fiona pulled her in for a hug and whispered into her ear, "He may not know his true feelings yet. You know gentlemen can often be obtuse, but his eyes could not help but track your every movement, even at my wedding." she said the last few words humorously.

There was a burst of hope upon hearing Fiona's words, but Vivienne crushed it down right away. The words were similar to the ones she uttered to Fiona when her friend had told her about her argument with Lord Berkeley. She never thought they would be used against her.

Vivienne smiled as she gave her friend one last fleeting hug before promising to visit her in the summer. She watched as Lord Berkeley helped Fiona into the carriage and then they were off, waving to the crowd from the small windows.

She felt him before seeing him, the back of her neck prickling once more.

"I see that you have not brought the earl's carriage today, may I escort you home?"

She froze, not turning around. They had been in each other's vicinity all day but had not spoken directly until now. Vivienne had been aware of him at every turn, and she had caught his gaze more than once today.

"I can take a hackney back," she said politely. She had taken a hackney to church after Lady Westmorland told her the carriage was indisposed of. After the church, she had ridden with Fiona's mother to their house. What difference would it make to use a hackney again?

"Vivienne," he said roughly, she spun around at his tone of voice. "Don't be foolish, I have a perfectly well ducal carriage that can take you back."

Vivienne turned her nose in the air, "Well, I wouldn't want to be a burden on anyone, so please forgive me for not accepting your offer, Your Grace."

His brown eyes blazed, turning them into an ember hue. Determination lit his gaze as he pulled something from his pocket, it was her pendant.

She gasped; hands outstretched but he held it away from her grasp. The pendant danced between them, twinkling in the light. "Where did you get that from? I demand that you return it to me at once!"

He looked down at her, casually pocketing the pendant in the inner pocket of his coat. "I will answer all your questions and return your property after we arrive back at your uncle's house in my carriage."

Vivienne looked around them, there were a few lords and ladies looking at them curiously which is why she knew she could not make a scene. Glancing back at James, she saw the satisfaction in his eyes, he knew that he had won. Biting her teeth sharply, she ignored James' outstretched elbow and followed him to his carriage.

Before he had a chance to help her in, she gripped the inner lining and tried slipping in, only for her gloved fingers to fumble and nearly fall out. Warm hands rested on her hips as James steadied her. She let them linger for a second, remembering the feelings of when he had kissed her before she banished those thoughts as well.

He settled in across from her, both taking a moment to look at each other. The moment broke when James rapped the top of the carriage, and they were off. They sat in silence. It was almost a game, Vivienne thought, seeing who would break their vow first.

"I assumed that I would be seeing your betrothal announcement to Gronow." he said finally.

Her sense of triumph of getting him to speak first quickly waned at his question. "Well, you assumed wrong," she snapped, frustrated that this was the second time today she was forced to answer questions about the captain. 

James merely raised an eyebrow at her outburst, not saying anything else. Vivienne looked out the window, choosing to watch the streets of London instead of the man before her. He frustrated her to no end. He had truly hurt her feelings but a part of her knew he had not meant to do so. She had seen the evidence in the ways he cared for her, such as dismissing Chrissy or taking her in at Chalcott manor in the first place.

"My mind was clouded in anger at that moment," James admitted. "I apologize. I did not get the chance to say that earlier as we did not share a moment alone, but it was long overdue."

Vivienne swung her gaze from peering outside to look at him. His brown gaze, which normally was so dark, seemed lighter as honesty filled his expression. He continued on, "My words were hurtful, but I did not mean them as such. You brought a light in my life that I didn't know was missing Vivienne," he said her name so softly that her heart couldn't help but ache with his words.

She wanted to stay mad and be angry with him, but she knew it would not do anyone good, holding this grudge within her. His words had been a direct conflict of his actions and she understood the brief anger he must have felt. She sighed, "I forgive you."

There was relief, but also gratitude in his eyes. The carriage rolled to a stop—they had arrived at her uncle's house. She almost wished they had spent more time together; the seconds seem to speed up whenever she was with him.

"Close your eyes," he whispered, the words dark and low.

She eyed him suspiciously.

He gave her a small smile that softened his angular features. Her breath caught but she did as he asked. She was aware of him moving closer to her as he brushed her hair to the side. A weight settled in between her breast, as the pendant hugged her neck. He clasped the locket, brushing a small kiss at the nape of her neck when he finished. Vivienne shivered, wanting to arch her back and lean into him, instead she breathed in his clean scent.

"Be free," he whispered, before letting her go, and moving back to his spot in the carriage.

The moment broke and Vivienne opened her eyes, hoping to catch James' gaze but he was staring out the window, avoiding her. She clenched her jaws but understood the message clearly. The conversation between them was over.

The carriage door opened as a footman came to assist her, she stepped out, but not before looking at James, memorizing his features. She was unsure when she would next see him. "Thank you for returning it to me," she said, touching the pendant between her neck.

His head dipped slightly, and that was the only response she received. Turning away, she began walking the steps to her uncle's house, wishing instead that she went home with James. Oh, what foolish thoughts she continued to have, but she could not stop them, even if they were to be her ultimate downfall. The heart wanted what it wanted. And her heart wanted James.    

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Poor Vivienne, she feels so alone and then James also set Vivienne free. But he did return the necklace and apologize. What do you think about that? Also, a special dedication and thank you to x-cherries-x for the beautiful drawing of Vivienne at the top!