Marigold gave an inward gasp. Garland was about to saybefore you leave Talcott House. A pang of sadness stabbed at Mari at the thought. This was the first place she’d felt safe in many years. She had friends. And even if there were rules, they were fair and she knew what to expect.
But marriage to a duke? A duke she had never met? A staggering thought. Was she capable of such a thing?
Before she could discern an answer, they were at the door to Miss Wickersham’s study. “No need to knock, Miss Wickersham is expecting you.” Garland opened the door and gave her a gentlepush on the shoulder to get her going. “Good luck,” the older girl whispered to her.
Mari took a moment to steady herself. Was not this the moment every young lady at Talcott House prepared and prayed for—the moment she met her Papa? Once she took another step, her life would never be the same again.
Chapter Four
Mari rubbed her palms down the front of her dress. Without thinking, her hand went to her pocket and clutched the handkerchief she had moved from the gown she was wearing earlier to this one. Fortunately, if any of her friends noticed they did not comment.
Somehow holding the piece of fabric in her hand gave her comfort and courage. Despite her earlier decision to bury it in the garden, she was glad to have it now.
Was it wrong to continue to carry this memento from another man? No doubt the duke would not be pleased about it.
Marigold had never met a duke. Would he be old? Stern? Was he a possessive and jealous man? Was he somber and serious? A duke was accustomed to being revered and obeyed. How would he respond if she was naughty?
Did he ever laugh or joke?
Mari did not know how she would like being married to a man who did not smile.
"Ah, there you are, Marigold. Please come in." Miss Wickersham stood and gestured for Mari to enter the room.
The gentleman seated across from Miss Wickersham, whom Mari had briefly glanced from behind, also stood and slowly turned in her direction.
He was tall. Broad-shouldered. Far from an old man, she realized with relief. In a quick glance she could see that his clothing was perfectly tailored and made of luxurious fabrics. The buttons on his coat shone from being polished. She had experience and knew the effort such a task required.
A pit formed in her stomach. How could she, little orphaned Marigold, be the wife of a duke?
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Miss Wickersham coming closer. "Your Grace, may I present Miss Marigold."
Marigold dipped low into a curtsy as she had been instructed in the etiquette classes taught by Miss Wickersham. No simple bob would do for this occasion and Marigold was glad she had been taught properly.
She stayed in position, gazing at the carpet while she gathered her courage, Miss Wickersham spoke. "Marigold, this is His Grace, the Duke of Norwich."
"I am so pleased to meet you, officially," the duke said. Mari continued staring at the carpet, noting the high polish on his expensive boots.
She knew she was being a goose and needed to raise her head and speak directly to the duke. Her future husband. And Papa.
Gathering her courage, she straightened and gazed up at the Duke of Norwich.
A small gasp escaped her lips and she tilted her head to the side. Or perhaps the whole room tilted.
Staring into a pair of sky-blue eyes, with crinkles at the corners and a kind expression, Marigold was completely speechless.
The duke raised his brows and a small smile touched the corners of his lips. He looked as though he might feel a bit sheepish.
"I-I thought you were a gardener," she managed to say.
"I was," he replied. "For a few days."
“I let your bunny escape,” she said.
His eyes filled with warmth. “Yes, you did. But it was how I knew you had a kind heart and a bit of bravery. The bravery you will need to be a duchess.”
Marigold blushed under his compliment.
He put his hand out to her and without realizing it, as though her body functioned without her consent, she placed her hand in his. "Perhaps we could return to the garden and have a talk. If you would be so kind as to accompany me."
