“This is Aunt Margaret,” Nicholas put in,placing a kiss on the elderly woman’s cheek as she sat next toAlexandra. “Don’t let her kindly manner deceive you. She is a hawkamong canaries.”
Aunt Margaret brushed him aside. “LadySutherland, I want to hear about how you dove into the ocean in themiddle of a hurricane and cut Nicholas away from the sinkingrigging. How you had fed Nicholas through the hole in the wall. Howyou grew your food? Made medicine?”
Alexandra smiled at Nicholas. He had casther in a positive light.
“Slow down, you are making her dizzy, AuntMargaret. Alexandra is the true hero. Without her, I would not behere.”
Alexandra protested. “Nicholas is far toohumble. Without him, I would not have survived.” She abbreviatedanswers to many of Aunt Margaret’s questions.
“So, when are the nuptials?” Aunt Margaretdirected her steely gaze toward Nicholas.
He cleared his throat. “We married eachother on the island and as far as I’m concerned, it is a realmarriage.”
Alexandra dug the toe of her slipper intothe soft Aubusson, waiting for scandalous gasps of disproval. Todive beneath the carpet and hide for the next decade had merit. Sheglanced about. There was no censure from anyone about theoccurrences on the island other than Samuel’s loud ‘ahem’ thatspoke volumes. When she had returned to Deconshire, she had keptthe wedding part and its implications from her father.
Nicholas planted his feet in a wide stance.“None the less, I want it legal. We will be married as soon as aspecial license is procured and preparations are made. We’ll havethe nuptials take place at the church in Bottesford and a weddingcelebration at Belvoir. I don’t want to take any longer thannecessary.”
“Done,” said his father.
Aunt Margaret stamped her cane on the floor.“You must court her in a short coming out. It is only proper.”
Duke Richard walked to an ornate liquorcabinet. “Aunt Margaret is right.”
“I take that as a compliment, Richard,” saidAunt Margaret.
Duke Richard poured himself a drink, swirledhis glass. “I must have said it wrong.”
Rachel clapped her hands together. “So,romantic. But we must have a formal wedding. And…we must haveAlexandra outfitted.”
Aunt Margaret turned to face Duke Richard.“And don’t forget the gowns for all the social engagements she’llbe invited to. Of course, Duke Richard,youwill secure theinvites?”
“Of course, Aunt Margaret,” The Duke said,bowing. “My secretary has already made the arrangements and orderedthe dressmakers.”
Aunt Margaret glanced sideways at the room’soccupants. “Did I have any doubt?”
“Any more commands, Aunt Margaret?” The Dukeraised his chin.
Alexandra covered her smile with her hand.Samuel coughed. Rachel giggled.
Aunt Margaret fluttered her fingers throughthe air. “To think you are as resourceful as that George Washingtonfellow in the Colonies with his revolution.”
“I thank you for the compliment, AuntMargaret.”
“It wasn’t meant to compliment. That rascalhas maneuvered the most powerful country in the world to lickinghis dust.”
Aunt Margaret leaned over and pattedAlexandra on the knee. “I think that God, in creating man, somewhatoverrated His ability. In your married life, you will understandwhy God invented women to make sure things are in order.”
Sudden tears hovered on Alexandra’seyelashes, and she couldn’t seem to hold them back. Nicholas’sfamily accepted her.
ChapterTwenty-two
Soaking in the deliciously rose scentedwater and frothy bubbles up to her neck, Alexandra sighed. Theremains of a scrumptious meal sat on the table by the vanity. Neverhad hot rolls dripping with cinnamon and butter or sweet cherriessmothered in a liqueur tasted so wonderful. The eggs had beenpoached perfectly with a creamy béarnaise sauce, the sausagesbrowned to perfection, and the tea steaming hot. She ate well,unused to such fine fare.
Nicholas had truly missed her, had gonenearly crazy hunting her, and that thought made her feel treasured.Her gaze roved over the stately room, taking in the blue, gold andpink rose themed wallpaper, the damask royal blue silken draperies,and the ornate rosewood furnishings.
Persian rugs in the same hues as the wallsadorned the floors, and six matching embroidered pillows werestrewn across a love seat that overlooked a side garden. It was alovely room, and her mind whirled with enlightened and joyfulemotions that tumbled chaotically over and around one another.
The thugs who had attempted to throw her offthe cliffs. She dropped her sponge and pulled her knees up tight,willing the shaking to go away. She was safe now. Nicholas wouldprotect her.
