“What?” Mama sputtered.
“It’s true,” Brody confessed. “Her disguise was very convincing so—”
“Please stop right there.” Mama held up her hand. She’d never looked more appalled. “I don’t even want to imagine what that’s all about. The point is she can’t remain here. It wouldn’t be right and it certainly wouldn’t help you have a wedding devoid of scandal.”
“Agreed, which is why I would like for you to invite her to visit.”
“With me? At my home?”
“Exactly, Mama.”
“But I don’t even know her.”
“She’s your soon-to-be daughter-in-law and the future mother of your grandchildren.” He leaned forward. “She’s also had a hellish couple of days and could do with a bit of kindness. I trust you can make that happen?”
Mama stared at him in openmouthed amazement before she eventually closed her mouth and gave him a dignified nod. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” He settled against the sofa and told her, “I’ve had the presence of mind to procure a special license in ord—”
“Oh no.” Mama gave her head a firm shake. “There will be none of that, Brody. Not when I’m finally getting the chance to plan a wedding. My mother planned mine, you know. I’ve been waiting a good twenty-six years for this moment.”
“Really?” Brody glanced at Finn, who looked as shocked as he felt.
“I’ll speak with my cook, and yours as well. They can collaborate on the food. Your fiancée and I can have a cake-tasting session. We’ll visit the florists – I can think of ten without even trying. And the wedding gown must be ordered. That will be fun, going over fashion plates and picking out the right shade of silk and lace. And the vicar, we mustn’t forget about him. I trust St. George’s will suit or did you have another church in mind?”
Finn leaned across the table and whispered to Brody, “I think she’s gotten used to the idea of Harriet living with her for a while.”
Brody nodded. He was astonished to see how excited she was. Beyond that, he was pleased. He’d made peace with his mother, and while he regretted Harriet having to leave his home, there was comfort in knowing that it was a brief but necessary arrangement. Within a month, she’d be his. He’d make certain of it.
24
Harriet was in hell. There was no other way to describe the ordeal Brody’s mother was putting her through. It was so exhausting, she almost looked back on the bedridden night she’d spent in his home with longing. At least she’d been able to rest then.
Now her days were spent at the modiste’s. She’d been fitted for not just one, two, or even three dresses, but twenty. This was the number of gowns her future mother-in-law insisted on Harriet having at her disposal. Less wouldn’t do, not even when Harriet argued that Brody couldn’t afford it.
“Don’t worry,” the duchess said. A sly smirk followed. “I’ll pay.”
Apparently she had her own funds. She’d also made it clear that Harriet mustn’t argue. So she hadn’t. Except when the duchess had voiced her disapproval of Harriet’s hair and suggested they order a wig. Harriet had drawn the line there but went along with everything else.
After all, despite feeling like an overused doll, she was grateful. Especially when she saw the positive effect the wedding plans had on Lucy. She marveled at everything, from the softness of the dresses ordered for her as well, to the sweetmeats she received one afternoon as a treat, to the music lessons the duchess provided.
Everything was either “brilliant” or “smashing”.
Harriet had no cause for regret. Why would she when she was to marry a duke?
In truth, she was thrilled.
At least for the most part.
“I believe I’ll go for a walk,” she told the duchess one day after breakfast. What she longed for was some time alone, away from all the fuss.
“Where to?” asked the duchess. “Maybe I’ll join you.”
“Um…” She sent Lucy a frantic look and prayed her sister would come to her rescue in one way or other.
“I was hoping you’d help me with the piece you’ve been teaching me how to play.” Lucy gave the duchess a wide smile. “It’s so much easier when you show me than when I practice alone.”
“All right.” It was clear that she had no desire to disappoint Lucy. Brody’s mother was a lovely woman. It was shocking to know that the two hadn’t spoken in over two years. She glanced at Harriet. “I’m afraid you’ll have to go alone then. Just make sure to take Fiona with you as chaperone.”
