“I think I need some air.” An odd expression crossed her face, and she left before he could say another word. He hesitated only a moment before he followed her.
He bumped into her as she was frantically trying to put her gloves back on. Their collision made her start, and she lost her grip on the garment, letting it fall to the ground.
“I thought you did not flirt.” He picked up her glove from the ground, gently shaking the dirt from it.
As he stood, the back of her hand brushed his neck, and he gasped. The graze of her fingers against his skin sent a thrill across him. He swallowed and looked at her.
“I do not.” Her voice was hoarse. “You startled me. That is all.”
“Then it would seem that the least I can do is help return your glove to its rightful place.” He took her hand in his.
Her skin was soft in his hand as he slipped the glove onto her fingers. He was gentle, not wanting to hurt her. A part of him knew he should simply let her put the glove on herself, but he found that he liked helping her.
“Thank you.” She murmured, her voice oddly constricted.
“My pleasure.” His own voice was soft.
His mouth felt suddenly dry, and her eyes traced his face. He felt as though time had come to a stop. The breeze tugged at a strand of her hair. He took a step towards her.
The sound of the door opening behind him shattered the moment and he turned away, clearing his throat.
“Your items, Your Grace.” Mr. Mosley handed him the jewellery.
“Thank you, Mr. Mosley. How much do I owe you?” Adrian reached for his chequebook and wrote down the sum the jeweller told him.
He felt Andrea’s eyes on him as though they were a physical touch. When he turned around, he was surprised to find her already in the carriage.
He hesitated as their eyes met and his heart sped up. He glanced towards Caverton Castle. “I have just remembered that I have some business to attend to at the castle. It would be best if you returned to London without me.”
If she was surprised, she hid it well. Her face was an unreadable mask to him. “If that is what you want.”
He nodded. “I will see you at the wedding.”
He turned before he could change his mind.
ChapterSeven
“With this ring, I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.” As soon as Andrea felt Frederick’s fingers brush against her skin, she felt warmth spread across her.
The way he slipped the ring on her finger was firm and tender, and it made something in her heart twist.It is all part of the show.She wished that Frederick did not look so handsome in his blue morning dress.
It was the twin of her own gown, and Andrea could not help but wonder if he had intended it. She had to admit that the colour suited him well. And she had felt a thrill of satisfaction at the way his eyes had sparkled when she had entered the church for their wedding.
Her dress was made of blue silk, with matching gloves and shoes. She had decided to wear the necklace and earrings that matched her engagement ring, and felt a thrill of pleasure at the Duke’s appreciative look.
“Let us pray.” The priests voice was not quite strong enough to break her from her reverie.
Swallowing, Andrea tried to pay attention to the ceremony, but her head was full of the scent of amber. The air around her felt charged, almost electric.
Cheers erupted all around her as the priest proclaimed them wed. Andrea blushed, turning to face Frederick who was rubbing the back of his neck as his best man—the Duke of Havilliard, of all men—thumped him on the back.
He adjusted the lapels of his tails and rearranged his top hat.
The Duke took her hand in his as they walked through the cheering crowd. The warmth of it spread through her, and she could not help but smile back as everyone clapped for her.
“I have a little wedding gift for you.” Frederick murmured, leaning close to her. “The deed to your house. In your name. Your married name, of course.”
She looked at him, her jaw slack. “Already?”
