Page 27 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“Your Grace,” Agnes said solemnly, curtseying as she addressed the duke. “My father is William Young, Duke of Richmond. I believe you may know of him?”

“I’ve heard the name, though we have not been introduced,” the duke answered curtly. Frances looked to him, frowning slightly at his clipped tone. Fortunately, Agnes was unbothered by it.

“You will meet him shortly. He will be hosting the luncheon today in your honor. Well, in honor of Frances, but as her husband, I suppose you can come along,” she teased.

The duke didn’t laugh or even smile. He looked at Frances, as though hoping for an explanation. She only shrugged slightly but nodded her head once.

“It will be an honor to meet him someday, though I fear today I am otherwise engaged,” the duke replied. “I have several appointments this afternoon that I cannot avoid, even for a wedding feast.”

With that, he strode into the church, leaving Frances and her friends to stare at each other, perplexed.

“What on earth?” Emma whispered, coming closer and linking arms with Frances protectively. “Does he mean that he is going to go off somewhere after the ceremony?”

“I… I don’t know,” Frances stammered. “We truly hadn’t discussed it. I’m rather amazed to have made it this far, if you must know.”

“Frances, I know half of London has already pestered you on the subject, but are you certain about this? He seems so—” Agnes began, but Frances stopped her.

“Yes, I’m certain,” she answered, trying to sound determined rather than resigned. “All will be well. We just have to get to know one another better and discuss these things, which we haven’t been able to do. You’ll see, it will all turn out for the best.”

Frances smiled at her friends before following after the duke, but inwardly, she worried that she was the one who needed convincing, not them.

Thankfully, the ceremony was brief and unremarkable. Words were spoken, a blessing was given over the couple and their long, fruitful life together, they signed their names in the book, and that was all of it. Before she knew it, the uncertain bride was now Frances Hughes, Duchess of Preston.

“I’m so happy for you,Your Grace,” Emma said playfully when the couple and their friends left the church. Outside, childrenhad already gathered in hopes of being showered with sweets, which Agnes had thought to bring.

“None of that business, Emma,” Frances cautioned her kindly. “Nothing has changed as far as I’m concerned.”

“No, but it will. You’ll see,” Agnes added in a knowing tone. Besides her, Emma nodded. “Now, go and find out your husband’s plans, then we shall go to my house for a lovely meal. Mother is already waiting to congratulate you!”

“My parents as well, though I suspect it has more to do with your husband being a duke than any well wishes,” Emma said, sighing.

Frances thanked them both, then turned to look at Anthony. He was standing slightly to the side of the churchyard, looking up at something. If she didn’t know better, Frances would never have suspected that the man had just gotten married. He looked as calm as a man strolling through the park and pondering the weather.

“He doesn’t behave like most other men, does he,” Emma whispered to Frances.

“I’m sure he just has much to think about,” Agnes corrected on Frances’ other side. “After all, didn’t your father say he runs a very successful business? I’m certain it weighs on his mind, especially if it’s something like importing timber on a fleet of ships.”

“Of course. That’s a very logical explanation,” Frances said before walking over to speak to him.

At the sight of her, the duke seemed to come out of his trance and give her a warm smile. Frances thought it didn’t quite reach his eyes, but it was very pleasant, nonetheless.

“Are you certain you cannot come to Lady Agnes’ house? Even for a little while?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m afraid I cannot. But I can come to fetch you later on to take you home, and I will offer my thanks then. If I finish up in time, perhaps I can visit with everyone for a few minutes when I come.”

“Of course,” Frances said, trying not to sound too disappointed. The duke seemed to take notice, for his stony features softened slightly.

“I’m very sorry about that. You see, I had this appointment planned before I knew we would marry today. It’s terribly important, and I cannot undo it.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’m sure you know what’s best, after all,” she said, trying to sound supportive.

“Frances,” he began, stopping as though he was judging the weight of her name and deciding whether or not he liked the familiarity of it. When he finally continued, he simply said, “I will make it up to you. I promise.”

Frances only nodded, and Anthony started to say something else. He looked around at the churchyard, nodding in the direction of her friends.

“Perhaps the other ladies would accompany you to move your things from your uncle’s house? Wouldn’t that be fun?” he asked lightly.

“I have no other things. My uncle is quite put out with me still, and he would not permit me to bring any of my belongings,” Frances admitted, looking away.

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