Page 102 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
‘Good Lord, woman. What have I married?’ He smiled as his gaze fell to her lips a moment before he leant and kissed them. Soft and warm.
It took her a few moments to respond but she did, her lips brushing against his as his fingers cradled her jaw.
Desire, love, a strong protective instinct, respect and lust battled inside him, overwhelming his senses. He let his tongue sweep across her lips, and she parted them, turning into him, her fingers reaching to his hair and his waist.
Her touch was intoxicating and for a while he let them both enjoy the moment, but now was not the time, not with the doctor about to arrive and her stomach still delicate.
Pulling away, he smiled and removed her hand from his waist and instead pressed it against his groin. ‘I want you.’
She made a face at him and pulled her hand away.
‘I only wish there was time, darling. But there is not, not with the doctor coming and the modiste, and then I am afraid the rest of my family will descend en mass. I’ve written to everyone to inform them of the wedding so they will all call. I have also changed my mind and decided to put something in the paper. Just to say I have taken a wife quietly due to my mourning. I shall not mention the date but I hope it will reduce rumours. However, when society hears, Katherine, they will also all descend on our door, probably tomorrow, or perhaps the day after.’
She had paled so he reached for the sweetened tea and handed it to her.
‘So soon,’ she whispered.
‘I am afraid so, darling.’
‘I have nothing to wear.’
‘You will have by this afternoon. There are some positives to being a duchess which outweigh the bowing and scraping. The modiste will have some dresses sorted for you in hours and I will take you to your first ball tonight and show you off.’
‘You think I am worth showing.’ Her pitch was self-mocking.
‘I do.’
A knock struck the door. ‘Your Grace.’ It was Esther. ‘The doctor is here.’
John smiled as much as his scabbed lip would allow as he glanced at Katherine. ‘Do you want my mother to join you?’
She nodded and at last smiled in return.
‘I will send her up.’
36
After an overwhelming day, Katherine found herself sitting in John’s plush state carriage in the evening with her fingers woven through his as their joined hands lay on his thigh.
His mother, father and Mary sat opposite.
John was looking out the window, watching the dark streets dashing past. He looked outrageously handsome, dressed in his formal black and white evening clothes. They suited his complexion, a perfect foil for his jet-black hair and pale skin.
He’d been solicitous all day, hovering by her as the modiste had measured and suggested colours and patterns. He’d also spoken to the doctor privately.
In the afternoon John had stayed by her side when all his aunts, uncles and cousins had called.
His family had been kind, greeting her with congratulations although she’d heard John challenged by some of his uncles.
They said he’d taken a high risk.
The rest of that conversation she’d missed because John had deliberately moved away, taking his uncles with him into a huddle across the room. She’d watched them whispering in urgent tones which she couldn’t hear but John had said nothing about it to her.
When Phillip had called amid the large family gathering she’d had little chance to speak to him, but on leaving he’d kissed her cheek and whispered, ‘I take it he is looking after you. Are you happy?’
She’d nodded. She was, but it was a tentative happiness. She felt as though the ivory tower she was living in could shatter at any moment.
Phillip promised to call again tomorrow.
