This lady’s was enthusiastic and heartfelt, arms surrounding Aideen’s waist, tight and sincere; she smelled of expensive silk and orange blossom.
“I’m so glad.” The duchess pulled back, face wreathed in smiles, satin hands cupping Aideen’s cheeks. “I worried he’d marry some milksop miss and that isn’t what the boy needs at all.”
Boy?“Erm, thank you.”
“You’re perfect, my dear. I can tell. And us Celts must stick together.”
“Celts?” Aideen stared at her imminent mother-in-law’s face as intelligent faded green eyes rolled in disgust. She was pretty, not in a handsome way but soft, like a peach, and age looked well on her.
The lady elegantly seated herself on the settee and patted the silk cushion next to her. “Has Alex not told you anything about our family?”
Aideen perched on the edge. “We’ve not had many…conversations.”
“Oh, the naughty whelp.”
“I didn’t mean–”
She laughed, a delicate trill. “I was delighted when I saw him kissing you so ardently. I’d almost despaired of him, you understand. He needs to…unstiffen a little.”
Aideen couldn’t contain a snort. “You are not what I expected, Your Grace.”
“Pish, call me Meghan. I know he likes to act the priggish proper duke, but he conveniently forgets that his father and I eloped to Gretna Green.”
“What?” Aideen gawped.
“My, he hasn’t told you anything, has he? Are you sure you want him? We could travel to Egypt instead. I’ve always wanted to go and am seeking a suitable companion. We will get on famously, I can tell.”
Aideen was used to Uncle Seamus talking at tangents, but she did enjoy Meghan’s thought process.
Did Aideenwantthe Duke of Rakecombe?
Unfortunately…yes.
“Why did you go to Gretna Green? Did the then duke disapprove?”
“Oh, gracious no, dear.” She leaned in. “My own father did! Isn’t that wonderful? I grew up in a tiny harbour village in north Wales. Gentlefolk, yes, but no title, and years in England has erased the accent. Anyhow, Alex’s father was in Wales for the air – my Matthew always suffered from delicate lungs – and we met whilst I was sketching the castle. It was love at first sight.” The lady sighed.
Egad, and Aideen thought she talked a lot. “So why–”
“I had more money in my reticule than his family did. His father, Alex’s grandfather, was an absolute gambling wastrel – lost everything. Of course, he had the entailed estate but it was not well-tended and so gave no income. My father thus considered Matthew of the same ilk, so we eloped, dear. Fortuitously, well, not to speak ill of the dead, but Alex’s grandfather died suddenly, and we spent years rebuilding the monies and estate – such happy times. Along came Alex and then Gwen. But my Matthew died of those weak lungs and then…we lost Gwen also.” She took an immaculate handkerchief from her reticule and dabbed at rounded cheeks.
Without hesitation, Aideen clasped the duchess’s hand in hers. “I’m so sorry about your husband; you must miss him greatly. And I apologise for my ignorance, but who is Gwen?”
“Oh!” She scowled. “I’ll have Alex’s guts for garters. Gwen was his sister, my daughter, born four years after Alex. She was taken from us at eighteen years.”
Aideen hugged the now sorrowful woman. The words “taken from us” allowed for so many interpretations, none of them good.
“How truly awful. I’m so very sorry for your loss.”
“’Twas long ago, my dear. At the time, it hurt like a mortal wound and though it still aches, I can breathe easier now. My Matthew used to say life is not life without bitterness, for how can we appreciate the sweetness. I am not sure Alex has learned this yet.”
Meghan stood but not before another forceful hug. “I am so glad he is to marry you. And if you are concerned about society, as I was at your age, do not worry a jot, as we will be a twosome to be reckoned with. As for Alex… He needs someone to challenge him, to interest him, but even more, to love him. He is not the easiest of men, but I know he would be worth it. I know he could give so much, if he would only allow himself. So I hope you willcome to love him, Aideen. See you in church.”
A buss to the cheek and the scent of orange blossom departed.
Aideen sat, her thoughts a jumble. The duchess’s words had struck deep.
The question was not perhapscouldshe love him, but whether she already did.
