Page 86
The countess inclined her head with a smile full of warmth. “Miss Gideon, my cousins are quite beside themselves that you saved Lord Trafford from himself. They have spoken of little else these past days.”
She gestured toward the petite Lady Filminster and her imposing brother, Lord Abbott. Audrey was quietly relieved to have the familial connection clarified. She recalled now that Julius had mentioned the Sauntons previously, though the names had blurred amidst all that had transpired.
“Regrettably,” Lady Saunton added, “the duke is with the Home Secretary this morning to address the unfortunate events of recent days, so he and the duchess shall not be in attendance.”
Audrey blinked in surprise. It had not occurred to her that a duke would feel compelled to send apologies for missing her nuptials. She was hardly society’s darling. Yet she remembered Julius mentioning the special license. It must have been the duke who ensured its delivery. The notion that such a figure had intervened on her behalf made her momentarily lightheaded.
She glanced about the room. No fewer than half a dozen peers had gathered to witness her vows. The realization was daunting indeed.
Soon, she stood beside Julius before the Reverend Stone. The ceremony commenced with solemnity and grace, and before long, Audrey spoke her vows in a voice only slightly trembling with emotion.
When it was done, she was Lady Trafford—an honorary viscountess, the wife of a brilliant and mischievous man, daughter-in-law to an earl, and embraced by a world she had never expected to enter.
She turned her head and looked up at Julius. How was he feeling now that his bachelor days were ended?
He smiled broadly and dipped his head to press a soft kiss to her cheek, his arm tucked securely about hers.
Much later, following a hearty wedding breakfast shared with their exuberant guests, Audrey stole a quiet moment to draw Julius aside. The ladies had taken their leave, while the gentlemen remained behind.
She leaned in, her voice low but steady. “What of the investigation?”
“Montague has been confirmed to have been receiving that dreadful blistering treatment from his physician on the afternoon of the coronation,” Julius said. “We are satisfied he could not have visited the baron within hours of the incident. As a result, the investigation has shifted entirely toward gathering evidence against Scott. That is the focus of the duke’s meeting this morning—an informal exchange with Sir Robert to share what we know, though without naming any names or offering specifics. The gentlemen shall confer with my father later today when the duke returns from the Home Office, to determine how best to proceed.”
“So this matter is nearly concluded?”
Julius leaned down, his voice a soft murmur that sent a ripple of sensation along her spine. “It is. And matters between us are only just beginning.”
Audrey found she could not reply—her heart too full, her thoughts too muddled with joy. The elusive Julius Trafford was her husband now. Truly, wholly hers. And best of all, he appeared delighted by the fact.
His lips brushed near her cheek, and he whispered an unexpected query.
“Would you care to visit my tailor with me tomorrow morning?”
She blinked at him, puzzled. “Do you mean a modiste?”
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with familiar mischief. “Nay. My mother shall happily escort you to a modiste. I was thinking of something different. You might enjoy having a set of gentlemen’s garments made to measure, so that we might explore a few places together without drawing unwanted notice. Have you ever been to the horse auctions at Tattersall’s?”
Audrey’s mouth fell open in delight. “Yes! That sounds wonderful.”
“You shall need attire that conceals …” His hand brushed lightly over her hip, his gaze warm with unmistakable appreciation.
She nibbled her lip unconsciously, blushing as she considered the secrets of marriage that would be revealed now that they were wed.
Very soon, she hoped. Very, very soon.
