Page 71 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Victoria managed a genuine smile. “As am I. I only wish Father would accept Aurora’s choices in life.” She shook her head ruefully. “But for now, let us enjoy this happy occasion.”

The next two days passed swiftly in a whirl of wedding preparations—flowers, decorations, menus. Watching Aurora shine with quiet joy, Victoria determinedly put aside her worries and suspicions for the moment. This was her sister’s time.

The day of the ceremony dawned bright and fair as if the weather itself approved of the match. Victoria helped Aurora dress, brimming with sisterly pride to see her so radiant on her wedding day.

If Aurora had any lingering worries, she did not show it as she pledged her troth. Watching the couple exchange vows, Victoria unexpectedly felt tears prick her eyes. However vexing the circumstances, theirs was a love match. She could find no fault in that, whatever devilry had enabled it.

At the wedding breakfast, Victoria raised her glass in a heartfelt toast. “I wish you both the greatest joy, always. Know I am here whenever you need me.”

Aurora embraced her happily, and for just a moment, all seemed right with the world.

Later, as the bride and groom slipped away to begin their new life together, Victoria finally allowed her worries to resurface. She had received no word from her father—he had failed to stop the wedding in time. Where that left matters, she did not know. But she would face it soon enough.

For today, she waved merrily as the carriage bore Aurora and Joseph toward their future. Whatever storms lay ahead, let them have this moment. They were together now, beyond anyone’s power to separate them. Not even a duke could sunder such devotion.

Watching the carriage disappear down the lane, Victoria felt a bittersweet mix of emotions. She was incredibly happy for her sister, yet uneasy about returning home to deal with the fallout. At least Aurora was safely married. That had been worth any risk.

Squaring her shoulders, Victoria turned back to the house. Time enough later to worry over consequences. For now, she would rest and gather her strength. Her father’s reaction, when he learned of the marriage, would likely be volatile. But she would handle it with grace. Aurora’s happiness was all that mattered.

In a few days, Victoria would return home to face the storm. But she did not travel alone. Come what may, she and Aurora would stand together, united in spirit if not presence. Tonight, she whispered a prayer for her sister’s lifelong joy. The rest would unfold as it must.

CHAPTER19

Victoria hurried down the cobblestone streets of London, her slippered feet carrying her as quickly as propriety would allow toward the Duke’s townhouse. Her heart pounded in her chest, though whether from exertion or anxious anticipation, she could not say. A day ago, she had borne witness to the secret wedding of her beloved sister Aurora to the man she loved. It was a bittersweet affair, full of joy at their union, yet tempered by the secrecy required to protect Aurora’s reputation.

Upon returning home, Victoria’s mind turned to the Duke. Though she still struggled to comprehend his motives, Simon had provided the funds needed for Aurora’s wedding and establishment, granting her the independence their father would not. Victoria itched to understand why he would show such unexpected generosity toward her family, given the inauspicious start to their association.

Halting before the imposing double doors, Victoria gathered her nerve and used the ornate door knocker. Moments later, the butler greeted her and ushered her inside.

“Lady Victoria,” he intoned, before departing to announce her presence.

Victoria paced the marble-floored entrance hall, wringing her hands in agitation. Soon the click of boots presaged the Duke’s arrival.

“Lady Victoria.” Simon inclined his head politely. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Victoria drew a steadying breath. “Your Grace, I have come to speak with you about a delicate matter. Might we speak privately?”

Simon raised an eyebrow, then gestured for her to follow him down the hall. He led them to a handsomely appointed study and closed the door behind them.

“Please, have a seat,” he said, taking a chair by the fireplace.

Victoria perched on the settee opposite him. “Thank you for seeing me. I realize this visit is quite improper. However, the matter simply could not wait.”

Simon nodded for her to continue.

Victoria twisted her hands in her lap. “I understand that it was you who provided the funds for my sister’s wedding and establishment.”

“That is correct,” Simon affirmed.

“Forgive me for being blunt, but might I ask why? After the way we met, I would not have expected such kindness from you.”

A ghost of a smile crossed Simon’s face. “Let us simply say that upon further reflection, I thought better of my initial judgments of your character.”

Victoria flushed. “Be that as it may, your actions have granted Aurora the independence my father would have denied her. You cannot comprehend what peace of mind that brings me. So, in that respect, you have my eternal gratitude.”

Simon inclined his head. “Think nothing of it. I am pleased to have been of service.”

Victoria took a deep breath. “However, it is for that very reason that I have come. If you truly did this out of regard for me, then I must ask you to refrain from further such actions.”

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