"How unusual."
"Yes."
"Did the bird approve of the marriage?"
Eliza glanced at him. "It has not returned my necklace," Julian said.
"It returned the necklace."
The countess gasped. "Then it approves!"
Julian looked horrified.
Henry appeared beside them. "I have always said the bird understands romance better than Julian."
Julian turned. "Henry, I am leaving."
"You should."
Henry vanished into the crowd. Eliza laughed. Julian looked at her.
"You are enjoying this immensely."
"I am becoming a joke."
"No, you are laughing. I am laughing with you."
He smiled. "That is better."
She took his arm. "Besides, I like our story."
"You do?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because nobody could have invented it."
He looked down at her. "That is true."
The orchestra began. Julian held out his hand. "Dance with me."
She accepted. This time, they did not care who was watching.
The day before the wedding, Eliza found Julian sitting alone in the chapel. She stood in the doorway.
"Are you praying?"
"No."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Thinking."
"That is usually dangerous."
He smiled. "Come here."
She sat beside him.
"I am afraid."
She looked at him. "Of tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because everything changes."
She thought about that. "Yes."
"What if I fail?"
"You will."