He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the top of it. His lips were warm against her skin and her breath caught in her throat. "Thank you, my darling girl," he said.
Chapter Five
The following days were a whirlwind unlike anything Mari had ever experienced. Even Miss Wickersham had been flustered at times by the expectations of preparing one of her charges to become a duchess.
However, Miss Wickersham and the staff at Talcott House were more than capable of the task. The wedding had been small but elegant in the chapel on the grounds of Talcott House officiated by a bishop. Afterward there had been a wedding breakfast in the gardens at Talcott House, which Mari thought was extremely romantic since that is where she and Theo had met.
Yes, she had learned that her husband's name was Theodore Wexley, Duke of Norwich, among other daunting titles. She was to call him Theo in private. Papa during their special times together as Papa and Little Mari, and when others were present, Your Grace.
Glancing across the lawn at him now, as he chatted with the Bishop and Miss Wickersham, Mari's heart sped up to an almost head-spinning speed. They were married. Husband and wife. Duke and Duchess. Papa and Little girl.
"He is ever so handsome," Lily said. "I know you will be very happy together."
Mari turned from admiring her husband and gazed at her friend. "Oh, do you really think so? As much as I adore him, I simply cannot imagine that I will be a suitable duchess."
"Maybe he would prefer it if you were an unsuitable duchess," Poppy said, with a knowing look.
"Poppy!" Lily said, mouth agape. "What a thing to say. And on her wedding day."
"Oh come now," Poppy said. "We all know why men come to Miss Wickersham for brides. Let us not pretend otherwise."
"That is true, but you must also admit that every bride we have known here has been very happy and continues to be. Why, just last month Hyacinth and Lord Grayson stopped in on their way to London and I have never seen two people more blissfully in love. In fact, you commented on it yourself, Poppy, with some envy if I dare say. So do not get on your high horse now."
"I am not on my high horse," Poppy replied. "It is simply that I hope that at least some papas want a little girl who misbehaves because I can't seem to stop myself."
They all laughed. Just that morning Poppy had nearly been late getting dressed for the wedding because she'd spent some time in the naughty chair. Miss Wickersham might have been distracted by wedding preparations but discipline still reigned in Talcott House, no matter the occasion.
"I do think you'll be very happy together," Poppy said and Mari was heartened by the sincerity in her tone. "I have seen the way the duke looks at you. He is completely smitten. As he ought to be."
"Oh, I hope so. Because I am smitten with him."
At that moment, Theo glanced her way and raised a brow, as though he knew she was talking about him with her friends. Mari felt her face flush. When Theo excused himself from MissWickersham and the bishop and walked in her direction, Mari was once again struck by how incredibly handsome he was in his wedding finery. Their gazes met and it was as though everything and everyone else fell away. He stood next to her and took her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the ring that now adorned her left hand. "It is nearly time for us to be on our way, little bride."
"Yes," she said, breathlessly. "Of course. My trunks have been packed so all is in readiness. I simply need to change into traveling clothes."
He squeezed her hand and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I am most eager to have you all to myself, Little Mari."
Warmth moved through her body at the implications of his words. Last night, Nurse Lister had summoned her to her office and Mari had been given instructions on what happens between a man and a woman in their marital bed. When the nurse had brought out a drawing and a long stick to use as a pointer, Mari had nearly fainted from embarrassment. Though she still was not certain about all the details Nurse Lister had described, she understood the basics and thinking about it now made her squirm.
"I understand you had a little chat with Nurse Lister last evening," Theo said, his voice warm and his eyes held a spark of heat. "Is that what is making you squirm right now, little bride?"
"Oh, please, your grace," she said. "I cannot talk about it. I am burning with embarrassment."
"I think you are burning with desire," he replied with a wink. "I think we ought to get you home as soon as possible."
Home.
It was a word he used without much thought, but to Mari, it meant everything.
"Yes," she said. "I think so too."
The duke's carriage was the most luxurious she had ever seen. As she stood next to it, saying her final goodbyes, it occurred to Mari that she was stepping into a life grander and more formal than she had ever imagined. What had she gotten herself into?
But she did not have time to contemplate that thought for long as she was soon surrounded by her friends who were hugging her and wishing her well. Reminding her not to forget them and to be sure to write. Even Garland approached her and said, rather stiffly, "I will miss you, Marigold. I hope you will be very happy."
"I will miss you as well, Garland. Remember what I showed you about how to style your hair," she said, and Garland blushed.
"It is time, my dear," Theo said, coming to stand by her, his presence filling her with warmth and more squirming sensations.
