Lucy nodded. Violet and Adeline walked ahead of her down a makeshift aisle. Chairs had been set up on each side and were filled with guests. As she walked with Trudy to the front of the room, she kept her eyes fixed on Hart.
He stood tall and ramrod straight next to the minister. He had forgone his cane, although she spotted it nearby, leaning against a windowsill. He looked every inch the handsome aristocrat with his dark hair tucked behind his ears and his bland social mask firmly in place. But she could see his hot gaze track her as she made her way toward him, transforming the nerves in her stomach into a warm pool of desire. This man would be hers in just a few short minutes.
The ceremony itself was a blur. She said yes at the appropriate times and smiled brightly at each well-wisher afterward. Hart’s warm grip kept her hand in his for the entire afternoon. Wine was served, and someone played a lively song on the pianoforte. Guests danced and mingled. Only after everyone had the opportunity to ask them about their courtship, make exclamations about her eye and what a devil Fitzwilliam was, and comment how glad they were that Hart was recovered and back in society, did they all finally leave.
“Success, my darlings!” Trudy clapped her hands together. “Now, the two of you may go home. Everything is packed in the carriage. Thomas Kent is waiting outside.”
“Everything is packed?” Lucy dropped Hart’s hand. She felt a bit panicked at the reality that her life here with Trudy was ending so abruptly.
“Well, everything you will need for the next few days. I will send the rest over soon.” She winked at Lucy. “You both did a wonderful job handling the guests today. Even I believed you two were a happy couple.”
Lucy glanced at Hart and found that he was staring at her contemplatively. “I am happy to have Lucy as my wife.” His lips quirked up at one side. “Who else will badger me into taking care of myself?”
“No one, that’s who,” Lucy replied tartly. She relaxed at his gentle teasing. Inhaling a deep breath through her nose, she turned to embrace Trudy. “Thank you for all you have done for me. You took me in as part of your family, and I will always be grateful for all the advice and wisdom you have imparted over the years. And be grateful for all the adventures we have shared.”
Trudy patted her back. “Me, too. You have kept me young, my dear. Now, don’t get sentimental on me. You are not going so far.”
Lucy pulled back and slipped her hand back into Hart’s. He led them outside.
Thomas opened the carriage door. “Many felicitations on your nuptials, Lady Hartwick.”
At hearing the moniker, Lucy paused for a moment before giving the man a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Kent.”
Hart followed her inside and sat across from her with a smirk on his face.
“What?” she asked.
“It’s just strange. Lady Hartwick. It reminds me of my mother.”
Lucy stuck out her tongue at him.
Hart laughed and the carriage set into motion. He switched sides to slide next to her on the bench seat, slipping his arm around her waist. He placed a kiss to her temple. “What shall we do first when we get home, Lady Hartwick?”
“Eat.” As if on cue, her stomach growled in the most unladylike fashion. “I’m famished.”
Hart scooted her closer, tucking her against his side. “Your wish is my command, Your Grace.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
When they arrivedat Hart’s house in St James Square, the entire household staff was lined up in the front hall to greet her.
Mr. Townson greeted her with a rare smile. “Felicitations on your marriage, Your Grace. We are pleased to have you return to Hartwick House as its new mistress.” He gave a low bow.
“Thank you, Mr. Townson.”
Next was the housekeeper, Mrs. Hunt. “It’s lovely to have you with us again, my dear. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Helen is already busy unpacking your things in the duchess’s suite.”
Helen was here already? Of course, she was. While Lucy had been handling wedding guests, Trudy had made sure that her transition to Hart’s household would be seamless. Knowing that her lady’s maid was here already smoothed some of her nerves.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hunt.”
Hart put a hand on her lower back. “Let me introduce you to everyone. Some you may know already as many of the staff have been with the family for years.”
She walked down the line of staff members greeting each one with a smile, Hart’s hand warm and firm at her back as he guided her down the line. Hart introduced her with surprising ease. He knew the name of every person on his staff, all the way down to the kitchen scullery maids. When they got to the end Townson clapped his hands and the staff dispersed.
She glanced up at Hart. “Well, how did I do?”
He smiled. “Excellent first impression, Your Grace. I’m just glad none of the maids ran away in horror at having to face me. I haven’t seen half those girls since the accident. I know they work here but they must do their best to avoid me.”
