Page 70 of The Virgin in the Rake's Bed
“And the very best of friends, I am sure, for why should our wives be the only ones to indulge such a friendship?” Ian replied.
There had been much reconciliation of late, and with the difficult matter of their father now behind them, Ian and Nicholas had taken his business interests on themselves. The duke had let for the colonies, and with Catherine’s father now a virtual invalid – his shoulder injury having taken far longer than anticipated to heal – there was little by way of competition.
“Why indeed, and so, another toast – to friendship, a brother, and good business,” Nicholas said, and once again they clinked glasses.
“And an end to the troubles which have beset us,” Ian continued.
He was referring to Rickard, whom only the previous day had been sentenced to prison for his attempt at murder. At his trial, he had sought to reveal the truth, but no one had believed his story, and the matter of Ian’s lineage was now entirely settled. His father – the man he had always called father – remained, and Ian’s inheritance was secured. But in discovering the truth, he had gained a brother in Nicholas, albeit one who would remain a secret.
“We shall not be troubled by Rickard Ferguson again. But tell me, how is Catherine bearing up? She has lost her brother, and her father is now an invalid. Rebecca tells me she is coping well, but do you believe so?” Nicholas asked.
“I know so,” Ian replied.
There was no doubt Catherine was happy. The Earl of Westwood had quietly left the scene, and no longer was there any question of who Catherine was to marry. Shewasmarried, and nothing could change that bond between she and Ian. But that was not to say the story was over, for still she had longed for a wedding at which all those she called dear might see the happiness on her face at being blessed with Ian’s hand.
“And the preparations for your wedding are complete?” Nicholas replied.
“You have your invitation, do you not? The whole ton will be there, and I for one cannot wait,” he replied, raising his glass in another toast and smiling.
* * *
“You do not have to wear white,” Samantha said, glancing at the impressive collection of wedding dresses which the modiste had laid out for them to inspect.
“No, I suppose not,” Catherine replied, and the three friends laughed.
There had been much to prepare for her wedding blessing, but now, only one task remained and that was to choose the dress which Catherine would wear. The day of the blessing was close and she, Samantha, and Rebecca had come to the modiste on Bond Street to choose their attire.
“A red dress, perhaps,” Rebecca said, pointing to one displayed in the window.
“Red is not traditional for a wedding,” the modiste said.
“But this is not a wedding, it is a blessing, for she is already married,” Samantha said, and the modiste looked somewhat embarrassed.
“Ah, yes,” he said, raising his eyebrows.
“So she hardly needs virginal white,” Samantha said.
“Samantha, really,” Catherine said, and the three of them laughed.
“Something in peacock blue? It is quite fashionable at the moment,” the modiste said, hastily changing the subject.
“That is very nice,” Catherine said, as he held up an elegant dress with a sash and lace trim to the shoulders and sleeves.
“Try it on,” Rebecca said, and Catherine took the dress and made her way behind a large silk curtain to change.
There were several changes before Catherine alighted on her preferment. Itwasa white dress – though some might call it ivory – trimmed in lace and with inlaid pearls running along the bodice. It felt elegant to wear, and she imagined Ian’s face when he saw it, knowing he would find her quite irresistible.
“This is the one,” she said, and Rebecca and Samantha smiled.
“You look very beautiful, Catherine,” Rebecca said, and the modiste clapped his hands together in delight.
“An excellent choice, Lady Westwick,” he said, and Catherine smiled, knowing it was the most expensive dress in the shop…
Epilogue
There was much excitement at Westwick Manor that morning, for it was the day of the wedding blessing and Catherine had risen early to make her preparations. Rebecca and Samantha had arrived first thing, and they were joined by Ian’s mother, who had come down from Ashcourt Park for the occasion.
“We are so happy to be here with you, Catherine,” Samantha said. She was sitting on a chair by the window, watching as Rebecca tied Catherine’s hair up into a French bun.
