Page 28 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Catherine laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Thank you, Beatrice. And you, goodness… you make such a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you, my friend. I am happy you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t have missed my best friend’s wedding for the world.”
Thomas nodded in agreement, his arm wrapped protectively around his wife’s waist. “Indeed, we are both so happy for you and Kenneth. It was a bit of a surprise, but still, we are happy to be here.”
“Surprise indeed,” Catherine whispered, eyeing Beatrice carefully.
Beatrice knew her friend could see right through her. She was actually certain that Catherine could tell that she and Kenneth were no love match at all.
“Thank you again. I do hope you can enjoy yourselves,” Beatrice told them with a smile.
She exchanged a look with Catherine, trying to convey to her that it was all right, that this marriage was something she wanted. Perhaps not something her heart wished, but the best, most practical solution.
Catherine nodded at her, her eyes understanding, and Beatrice felt a tiny wash of relief.
Yet her smile faltered slightly as she caught sight of her mother standing to the side, a scowl directed at Catherine and Thomas.
She prayed that her mother would not decide to air all her grievances with her friend. Not today. Or ever, for that matter.
The wedding breakfast was held in the Dowager Duchess’s dining room which was transformed into a beautiful and welcoming setting for the occasion. The long table was adorned with crisp white linens, elegant china, and gleaming silverware. Fresh flowers in delicate arrangements added splashes of color, their fragrance mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries.
The sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Beatrice took a deep breath, allowing herself to be drawn into the moment.
As the wedding breakfast came to a close, it was time for Kenneth and Beatrice to depart. The farewell was brief but warm with Lady Afferton beaming proudly and the Dowager Duchess and Lady Bernmere offering their heartfelt congratulations.
They stepped outside where their carriage awaited them. The gathered guests waved and called out their well-wishes as Kenneth helped Beatrice into the carriage.
“Duchess,” Kenneth began, breaking the silence, “I hope you find Dunford Castle to your liking. It is quite different from London townhouses.”
“I am sure it will be lovely,” Beatrice replied, her voice soft. “I look forward to seeing it.”
Kenneth’s eyes glinted with a touch of cold amusement. “You may find the sea air quite bracing. It takes some getting used to.”
Beatrice couldn’t help but let out a small, nervous laugh, realizing too late that it sounded unnervingly like the tittering of the swooning ladies she had always disdained.
She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “I am sure it will be a welcome change.”
Kenneth’s smile was thin, his demeanor distant. “I hope you’re prepared for the isolation. It’s not exactly the bustling social scene of London.”
Beatrice bristled at his tone. “I’m quite capable of handling a bit of solitude, Duke. Perhaps it will be a refreshing change from the constant scrutiny of Society.”
Kenneth raised an eyebrow. “We’ll see how long that sentiment lasts.”
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed slightly, her temper flaring. “I assure you, I’m not as fragile as you seem to think.”
Kenneth’s gaze hardened, and he leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. “I never said you were fragile, Duchess. But life at Dunford is not what you’re accustomed to.”
Beatrice’s jaw tightened, the tension between them palpable. “I suppose we will both have to make adjustments then.”
Kenneth nodded curtly, the coldness in his eyes a stark contrast to the warmth of the countryside around them. “Indeed.”
The rest of the journey was marked by an uncomfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they drew closer to their new home. The initial excitement and nervousness had given way to a simmering tension.
As the carriage rounded a bend, Dunford Castle came into view. Beatrice’s breath caught in her throat.
The castle was a magnificent structure, its ancient stone walls rising majestically against the backdrop of the sea. Turrets and battlements gave it a fairytale quality while the surrounding landscape was equally breathtaking. Manicured gardens stretched out before the castle, leading down to a private beach where the waves lapped gently against the shore.
