She walked over, keeping her shoulders straight. But when her gaze landed on the reflection staring back at her, she couldn’t help but admire the result. The necklace was magnificent. And it washers. Louisa trailed her fingers gently across the jewels, finally meeting the duke’s eyes in the glass. “Thank you, Your Grace. They are truly beautiful.”
He dipped his head. “I’m glad they are to your taste. If you could wear them on our wedding day, I know my mother would appreciate it.”
Wearing the jewels would be an easy task. She had nothing of the sort herself that would even compare. “Of course.” She smiled, turning back to him. “Now, as far as our marriage goes, is there anything else we should discuss on that matter? We may not have another opportunity alone. It sounds like my schedule will be quite full from now until the wedding.”
“Is there anything you feel needs to be further discussed?”
“I suppose I wish to make one thing clear.”
He nodded, encouraging her along.
“This is a marriage of convenience. Not a marriage based upon affection.” Louisa watched for his reaction, but there was none. Not even a flinch of his eyes or a twitch of his finger. “Do we agree upon that point?”
“Yes.”
“Then I propose we strike a bargain of sorts.”
He tilted his head. “Isn’t marriage a bargain in and of itself?”
“Yes,” she allowed. “But I propose something else.”
She felt he was doing his best to hold in a sigh of long-suffering. He did not give away his feelings freely. “Very well. What is it?”
“Friends?” She held out her hand. “If we are to be in each other’s company for years to come, I think it would benefit us both.”
He stared at her hand, and a clock in the room ticked off the beats of silence. She did not drop her hand as she waited for him to agree. Forming a sort of alliance between them would make their early marriage more comfortable for them both. Surely he could not see a problem with such an arrangement.
The duke finally reached a hand out, taking hers. It was warm and strong. “Friends?”
Louisa couldn’t determine if he was agreeing to it or questioning her sanity. But she decided to take it.
Chapter four
Three weeks later, Robertapproached the picturesque chapel, the sun shining behind the trees in a late morning haze. If only he felt as the day did. Light, airy, a slight summer breeze tousling his hair. Perfect. Warm but not hot, cool enough for comfort without being so cold that Miss Morgan would feel unpleasant in her dress. A lovely day for a country wedding.
As soon as he had learned of Miss Morgan’s desire to be married outside of town, he had begun his search for suitable chapels. This one was only two miles down a few country roads; convenient enough to return to his estate for the wedding breakfast afterward while still being away from the prying eyes of London.
Approaching the chapel, Robert spied a figure in his periphery. An unexpected jolt of nerves coursed through him until he made out his sister Jessica’s familiar form and his shoulders immediately relaxed.
“Jessica,” he said, stopping as she walked toward him. “What are you doing out here?”
She shrugged. “I wanted to speak to my brother before his wedding. Is that so very strange?”
“No, just unexpected is all.” He smiled. “Are you here to impart some wisdom to your older brother?”
Jessica’s eyes strayed toward the trees. “No. I fear the wisdom you bestowed upon me on my wedding day would have no value to you.”
Robert felt his grin widen. No, it would not. He had pulled Jessica aside on her wedding day to inform her that if she ever needed his help, she only needed to come knocking on his door. Luckily, Lord Drake was much like Robert had pegged him to be before his sister had even married him. Steady, gentle, and kind. Jessica had never once come to Robert for help or to complain during their two years of marriage.
“You had better head inside before Lord Drake wonders where you disappeared to.” Robert jerked his head toward the chapel, but Jessica only waved him off.
“Drake allows me to do as I please. I am sure he is not worried. What kind of trouble could I possibly get into on my brother’s wedding day?”
“I would hope he would not have need to worry about you getting into trouble on any day.”
Jessica only shrugged, a smile playing about her lips as she walked toward the chapel. Robert’s coachman, Gulliver, darted ahead of them, holding the door ajar for her. She slipped inside, and Robert took another moment to gather his wits. He listened to the birdsong floating from the trees, slowly breathing through his nose as the sun bathed his face in warmth. After a few moments, he made his way to the chapel door where Gulliver stood, waiting to allow him entrance.
The doors opened, revealing a lovely, sunlit room with colored hues painting the floor from the sun streaming through the stained glass. Robert strode to the front as he smoothed hisjacket. Soon, this would be over. He was only glad his bride had the same desire for a quiet ceremony—though, unlike her, he was very used to being the subject of everyone’s eyes, watching his every move, waiting for him to make a mistake or say something wrong.
