“I am so proud of you, Camelia.” He turned to Raph, his eyes bright with emotion. “Your Grace, you’ve chosen a treasure. Guard her well.”
Raph inclined his head. “She’s mine to protect now, Lord Lempster.”
Camelia’s sisters appeared beside him and curtsied.
“Camelia,” Lady Iris said, her steady voice cracking with emotion. “It was a beautiful ceremony, dearest, and you shall be the most wonderful Duchess.”
Lady Margaret managed a grin despite her sniffles. “You’re a duchess now, Camelia! Was it as terrifying as you thought, or are you completely swept away by His Grace’s charm?”
Camelia laughed, and the sound sent a shiver through Raph.She hugged her sisters tightly.
“I’ll miss you both. And no, Margaret, it wasn’t so terrifying… not with all of you here.”
“I assure you all that your sister is in capable hands.” Raph had no patience to witness their affection.
Lady Iris fixed him with a discerning look. “We trust you will, Your Grace.”
“Lady Pamela! How lovely to finally meet you,” Camelia suddenly burst out and curtsied.
Raph watched with interest as the two politely greeted each other.
“Your Grace,” Pamela responded quietly and dipped her head.
“Lady Pamela, you are so beautiful!” Lady Margaret complimented, and her sisters nodded in agreement.
Pamela blushed profusely, and Raph froze. He had never once seen such unguarded color on her face, not in all her fifteen years of careful composure in his presence.
“Thank you, Lady Maragaret. You are very kind.”
“It is a blessing to have a daughter, Your Grace,” Lord Lempster remarked, giving him a broad smile.
“It is, Lord Lempster,” Raph said simply. “Lord Lempster, ladies, if you will excuse us. My Duchess and I have a carriage waiting and a ton of guests to see to back at the manor.”
Lord Lempster chuckled. “Of course, Your Grace.” He turned to Camelia and patted her hand. “Go, my dear. Your new life awaits. We will see you at the breakfast.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Camelia’s voice caught as she hugged her father once more. She turned to her sisters, pulling them close. “I love you both. Don’t let Margaret get into too much trouble today, Iris.”
“I’ll try,” Iris said with a fond smile, squeezing her hand.
The sisters smiled at Pamela, who watched their exchange silently.
Her family’s warmth is a whirlwind we both do not understand.
“Pamela, you shall be escorted to your carriage. I will see you at the wedding breakfast,” Raph addressed the young girl flatly.
Pamela curtsied but remained silent as Andrew guided her and her maid to their carriage.
Raph’s gaze drifted back to his new wife and her emotional family as she gracefully waved goodbye to them. The brief encounter with them left him unsettled.
Camelia turned and caught his eye while he offered a hand to her. “We are on a schedule, Camelia. There’s no time for pleasantries. Brentmere awaits its new Duchess.”
Without sparing his outstretched hand a glance, she planted a heel-clad foot on the step and swept into the carriage with the regal disdain of a queen dismissing a footman.
Raph raised an eyebrow at her.
“Let’s go, Your Grace,” she hissed coldly as she settled into the far side of the carriage. “I’d hate to keep your precious schedule waiting.”
CHAPTER 14
