“How are you feeling today, my love?” Addison stared into her eyes managing to convey all of his concern and affection while also maintaining his dignified ducal persona.
“I’m very happy to have escaped my chambers.” She clasped her fingers around his, where he’d taken hold of her hand in the folds of her skirt. “And very happy to have visitors.” She glanced toward the door. “You did not bring Zeus and Hera with you? I’m quite looking forward to thanking them properly.”
“Tomorrow, I promise.” Addison squeezed her hand. “But for today, Mother wishes a word with you.”
The last time Collette had been in the duchess’ company, she’d been the object of her disgust and resentment. But it was odd, in light of everything that had ensued since then, she couldn’t summon much ill-will today.
Because the duchess was, in fact, Addison’s mother. How could she not be grateful to her for bringing Addison into this world?
“I treated you and your family poorly, Miss Jones.” The woman lifted her chin and leveled her stare on Collette.
This, Collette realized, was how a duchess said she was sorry. Was there any sincerity in the apology? Did she suffer even an ounce of remorse?
“Why?” Collette asked simply. Not because she wanted her future mother-in-law to grovel but because it was important they cleared the air in order to move forward.
As a family.
Chase, she realized, was watching her and looking…
Proud.
“I do not approve of you.” The duchess’ words had Addison stiffening beside Collette. His mother was quick to go on. “Hundreds, thousands of women all over England would go to great lengths to marry a duke, especially one so young and handsome as my son. I did not trust you. You are not only lowborn but also illegitimate. You’ve no training, no proper breeding. I would have much preferred Bedwell marry practically anyone but you.”
“That’s enough.” Addison went to stand but Collette tugged at him to remain seated beside her.
“I initially refused his offer,” Collette said. “For those same reasons. And yet here we are.”
The duchess dipped her chin in agreement and a sense of understanding passed between the two of them.
“My son loves you.”
“And I love him.”
The duchess grimaced. “And so you and I shall come to terms with one another.” Even while frowning, the duchess was a beautiful woman.
As far as apologies went, it was a rather weak one.
“And…?” Addison prompted from beside Collette.
It was Collette who stiffened this time.
“And, I look forward to helping you plan your wedding. St. George’s, I think, will be quite lovely this spring.”
Collette could not help but smile as she felt Addison shaking his head in what she already knew was his displeasure.
“I’ve had a special license in my pocket for three days now.” He’d brought it out the day after the accident, wanting to slip her away to the nearest church. The doctor, however, had insisted she do nothing but rest and keep her foot elevated for at least a week before putting any strain whatsoever on the healing muscles.
They had canceled the wedding they’d already scheduled, and Collette hadn’t complained. In fact, she’d been relieved at the idea of a private ceremony.
She had no wish to hobble down a long aisle, looking clumsy and weak as she made her way towards her groom. She hated even more the idea of being carried to the altar.
“Of which I must advise against making use of.” Addison’s mother pinched her lips and then turned to Bethany. “Don’t you think, Lady Chaswick, that it’s best for both of them, certainly for Miss Jones, if they take their vows with the requisite pomp and circumstance?”
“I cannot argue with that.” Ironically, it was her brother who answered.
Collette shot him an accusing stare. What was he doing? Whose side was he on, anyhow?
“We’re not waiting until spring,” Addison stated.
