Cassian averted his gaze again, staring at the stately home behind them instead.
Coming up from behind, Christine hooked her arm through Isabella’s. “Shall we go inside. I have never met the Queen before, but I am given to understand that she does not care to be kept waiting.” She gave Isabella’s arm an encouraging squeeze.
They had barely finished discussing the plans for the wedding when Lady Kendrick had been announced. They had welcomed her into the drawing room and excused Beatrice when her husband told her that it was time to go. They had listened to the carefully laid out plan and agreed, while the duke had stayed in the carriage. He had not said more to her than those few words upon arriving at the Queen’s private lodgings.
You look lovely, Lady Isabella.
Her gaze refused to leave the back of her head as he and Lady Kendrick led the way into the royal dower house, which was used by the Queen in the absence of a dowager.
If the outside of the mansion was stately, then the inside was grander than any drawing room that Isabella had ever seen. Her attentions were momentarily drawn away from the duke as she gaped at the ceiling that seemed impossibly high.
Painted cherubs on clouds laughed down at them from fluffy clouds as they frolicked in pure white robes. Yet it was the chandelier that mesmerized Isabella most of all. Not even the polished marble floor could hold a candle to the sheer splendor of the crystals that hung above their heads in the foyer.
Thousands of teardrop-shaped pendants glistened in the late afternoon sun that shone through the magnificently high Windows on either side of the hall.
Isabella was still admiring the sight when hurried footsteps could be heard echoing down a passageway. The evenly timed clicks grew louder until a lavishly dressed lady appeared from around the corner.
“Welcome to the royal dower house. The Queen sends her regrets, but an urgent matter of state has come up, and she could not be spared.” The tall woman with high cheekbones, aristocratic features, and bright green eyes welcomed them with grace, inclining her head respectfully.
Her heart began to beat furiously again as Isabella wondered what would happen. How long would they have to wait if the Queen were not able to see them?
Lady Kendrick exchanged a concerned look with Christine before addressing the lady. “I beg your pardon, Lady…”
The woman allowed an easy smile to grace her lips. “Of course, I must apologize. In my haste to assist the Queen, I am afraid that I failed to introduce myself. My name is Lady Matilda Doherty. I am the Queen’s companion. Her Grace has tasked me with handling certain matters in her absence.” Her answer did not seem to relieve Lady Kendrick’s distress.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Doherty, but will the Queen be able to see soon? I am afraid that the matter is quite… delicate.” Lady Kendrick said respectfully.
Lady Doheery’s eyes flashed knowingly as they drifted from the duke to Lady Isabella. “You are here to obtain a special license to marry within a week, are you not?” She continued to look at Isabella before turning her attention back to Lady Kendrick.
Taken aback by the woman’s candor, Lady Kendrick faltered as she frowned. “We are, but I was given to understand that only the Queen herself could grant such special permissions.” She laughed nervously.
The woman’s smile only broadened as she nodded in understanding. “I do not blame you for your hesitation, Lady Kendrick. It is true that the Queen is very particular about thepermissions she grants, especially when the topic is love and marriage. But I can assure you that Her Grace only trusts a select few with this sacred decision. I would not be standing here before you if I were not trusted to judge those who claim to be in love.”
Her gaze once again fell on Isabella as her eyes brightened.
“Well, if it is the way that the Queen conducts such matters…” Lady Kendrick answered nervously, chewing the inside of her cheek.
Losing interest in their conversation, Lady Doherty turned fully toward Isabella and Cassian. “Allow me to look upon the couple with my own eyes.” She tilted her head back, causing Isabella’s heart to sink to the pit of her stomach.
What if she discovers the ruse?
Her palms began to sweat as Lady Doherty circled them with precise steps. Her sharp gaze seemed to be taking in every aspect of them as Christine and Lady Kendrick stepped aside, leaving them alone in the center of the foyer.
“Hmmm,” Lady Doherty pursed her lips, stopping beside the duke as she eyed him intently. “Stand beside your supposed love…” she ordered cooly.
Swallowing hard, the duke did as she said, nodding before joining Isabella at her side.
He still will not look at me!
Isabella felt like screaming at him. How were they supposed to sell themselves as a happy couple when he would not even look at her?
Her lower lip began to quiver from fear when Lady Doherty stopped in front of her and narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “There is no child?” She suddenly barked.
Catching herself just in time before jumping, Isabella gasped. “No, My Lady, I am not with child.” She breathed a sigh of relief at having at least said one truth.
Nodding Lady Doherty inclined her head to the side. “Indulge me for a moment longer. If you would, face each other.”
Isabella’s heart skipped a beat again as fear began to take hold of her limbs. What if she saw the truth when they looked at each other? There was little that could be hidden in people’s gazes. She turned to the duke, her fingers trembling at her sides.
