“And comely?”
Andrew smiled. “Very.”
Castlereagh nodded wisely. “Head over heels.”
Andrew left White’s saddened by the state of his friend’s health. Carrying his valise, he strolled to Lady Naughton’s house. A smile from Jenny would raise his spirits.
After greeting Lady Naughton, he requested a quiet moment with his bride to be. Jenny came into the parlor soon after. Dressed in a primrose colored gown, her hair done in a new and flattering style with curls framing her face, she came forward holding out her hands to him. “I am so glad to see you! I have so much to tell you.”
He pressed a kiss to each hand. “You are not tiring yourself, sweetheart? Do your preparations go well?”
“Very well indeed.” She invited him to sit. “What a pity you have missed Jarred. He has just returned to the Inns of Court. When he learned he could attend Oxford, he was speechless! He wishes me to thank you although he shall himself at the wedding.”
Andrew sat beside her on the sofa. “No need for that, it is my pleasure to do it. I’m pleased that your father has agreed to it. It can’t have been easy for him to admit to a failing.”
“No, it would not be, but Papa has seen the sense of it, and his own time spent at Oxford meant a lot to him.”
Andrew still struggled with her father’s shabby treatment of his children, but he pushed the thought away, and opened the valise he carried. He withdrew the jewel boxes from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell jewelers, and those from his bank that he’d visited earlier. He placed them beside him on an occasional table. “I have something for you, your sisters and your aunt.”
Jenny put her hands to her cheeks. “Oh my goodness.”
“I intend to spoil you, Jenny.” He smiled enjoying her delight. The first time in her life that anyone had spoiled her, perhaps. “I can have the size adjusted, if need be.” He flipped open a small box to reveal a diamond ring set in gold.
He took her hand and slipped it onto her slim finger. “This was the duchess’.”
She held the diamond ring up to the light causing it to flash. “Oh, it’s exquisite, Andrew. And fits perfectly.”
Andrew had chosen one of the daintier diamond necklaces and earrings from the Harrow jewels kept at his bank. The Harrow diamond tiara was at Castlebridge, should she wish to wear it to the wedding. “I trust this will go with your gown?”
She gasped. “How beautiful! They would dress any gown. Now I shall perfectly look the part.”
At the hint of something in her voice, he took the box from her hand, and put it to one side. He smiled into her lovely eyes. “You will make a fine duchess, Jenny. Of that I have no doubt.” He slid his arms around her waist and took her mouth in a kiss. She reached up a hand to his nape.
The door opened, and Lady Naughton appeared. She paused, and cleared her throat, while Bella and Beth, lacking the same delicacy of mind, pushed past her.
“What have you there, Your Grace?” Beth asked.
Jenny shook her head. “Bethy, you really should learn patience.”
Andrew stood. “A gift.” He handed both her sisters a small box.
“Oh! How divine!” Thrilled, Beth put it on and held up her arm to admire the dainty diamond bracelet.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Bella said with a shy smile.
“And this for Lady Naughton.” Andrew handed her the larger box.
Her cheeks flushed, their aunt took out the sparkling diamond and ruby brooch. “It is magnificent, thank you, Your Grace. May I offer you refreshment?”
“No, thank you, Lady Naughton. I must go. I shall see you all at the wedding. And what a bevy of beauty there will be to decorate my chapel!” He held his arm out to Jenny. “Walk with me to the door, Jenny?”
At the front door, Andrew lifted her chin with his finger and scanned her face. He dropped a light kiss on her lips. “You are content? Nothing worries you?”
With a smile, she reached up to touch his cheek. “Goodness no, why should there be? I would be most ungrateful.”
After leaving her, Andrew walked toward Grosvenor Square. Was Jenny perfectly happy? Had he caught something in her eyes, a slight shadow of doubt? Or was he searching for something that didn’t exist? It was just that he knew her. While the ring and the diamonds delighted her, she was not one to be bowled over by presents, even jewels. Her family was more important to her, the comfort and security of far too many souls, in fact, seemed to rest on her slim shoulders. He couldn’t help but admire her selflessness and generosity. She had claimed his heart and given his life meaning.
