Page 29 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
Julia blushed prettily and ducked her head. “Thank you, Your Grace. Harry has often spoken to me of you. Although I believe we have met in the past, I haven’t had much occasion to speak with you. Now that we will be family, it is time we became better acquainted.”
“I agree. Miss Avery is quite fond of you. She has fretted that the wedding will not be to your liking, but I have assured her that everything is magnificent,” Andrew said.
“Your granddaughter has done exceedingly well, Lady Pembrooke,” the Dowager Duchess said. “You have raised her well. I am surprised that you’ve been unable to find her a proper suitor. Although, you struggled yourself when you and I had our first Season.”
The Dowager Viscountess gave her old rival a toothy smile that would give anyone with a weaker spirit pause. “My granddaughter has been raised to expect the highest caliber in all things. Not any man will do. Unlike some girls, Kate expects him to do more than look fine in a suit and know the latest dances. She wants a man of intelligence and character.” She paused, then added, “And I acquired my husband during my first Season. How long did it take you to meet the Duke of Devonport? Two? Three years?”
“It was my second Season as you well know.” The Dowager Duchess turned away from the Dowager Viscountess and focused on Julia. “Miss Roves, I am acquainted with your parents, but tell me about your siblings. Have you any brothers and sisters? I find my memory has failed me this morning.”
“I lost my brother to fever when he was very young, and I have no sisters. It is why Miss Avery and I have grown so close through the years. It was as if we were sisters,” Julia said.
“Excellent. It is good to have friends. Of course, enemies make things more entertaining, wouldn’t you say, Lady Pembrooke?” The Dowager Duchess gave her old rival a pointed look.
“Definitely. I enjoy a spirited discussion much more than a desultory one about the weather and the latest gossip,” the Dowager Viscountess agreed. “Although, gossip can serve a purpose. One must be warned if something is afoot in our social circle. It would never do to be unaware of poor character or habits like gambling that could come to light after the wedding day.”
Julia looked concerned. “Is there something about the Earl of Winfield I should know?”
The Dowager Viscountess laid a reassuring hand on Julia’s arm. “No, my dear. I was speaking in general terms. No need for you to worry. I’ve heard nothing untoward about the Earl.” She turned her eyes to Andrew. “I hope you don’t find me too bold, Your Grace, but you seem to avoid attachment as a mouse evades a cat.”
“Boldness is a fine quality. Your granddaughter displays it frequently,” Andrew said, wryly. “I feel no need to marry someone who I am not suited to. A man needs a helpmate and a companion. Someone who he trusts implicitly. Not a match made based on appearances and a fleeting attraction. Until I find such a woman, I shall remain unattached.”
The Dowager Viscountess appraised him and after a moment, nodded. “Well said, Your Grace. It’s nice to see a man such asyourself having a depth of character not often seen among many. You remind me a bit of my own husband. May he rest in peace.”
Julia arose from her seat. “This has been an enlightening conversation. So much so that I regret leaving in the midst of it, but I fear I must prepare for the arrival of my groom. If you’ll excuse me.” She nodded to each of them in turn.
“She will make Harry a fine wife,” the Dowager Duchess commented. “At least one of my grandsons will marry while I am alive. After that pretty speech of yours, Andrew, I believe that I will be many years turned to dust before you take a wife.”
“We shall be cemetery neighbors. I fear both my grandchildren will leave me in a similar situation. It is unfortunate that there is nothing we can do to solve the problem,” the Dowager Viscountess said.
“Perhaps there is,” the Dowager Duchess replied, a scheming smile appearing on her face causing Andrew a momentary pang of anxiety.
What is Grandmother planning?He, too, needed to prepare for Harry’s arrival. “I should check on wedding preparations. If you’ll forgive me, I must leave you both to your breakfast.” With a restrained bow of his head, he hurried out of the dining room before any more could be said of his unwed state.
Chapter Thirteen
At eleven o’clock, a carriage bearing the seal of the Earl of Winfield arrived at Renwood Castle. Kate and Julia waited eagerly inside the drawing room for Harry.
Julia peeked out the window and said, “Harry does cut a fine figure, doesn’t he? He will make me a good husband I believe.”
Something in Julia’s voice made Kate sharpen her gaze and search her friend for something amiss. However, Julia gave her a bright smile, so Kate nodded. “I am sure he will. I am simply happy you have found love again after your heartbreak with my brother.”
Julia’s expression darkened. “It is a wound I cannot forget.” She held up her hand when Kate started to protest. “No. As they say, there is no smoke without a fire. The gossip would need some tinder to spark it. It is no good, Kate. I shall never forgive Nicholas for his betrayal.”
Kate tightened her lips lest her words of protest burst out. Now that she knew the Duke of Devonport was innocent of taking part in the scandal, it was her duty to discover the culprit. Who hated her brother so much as to do him harm? Nicholas wasn’t prone to fits of anger nor did he gamble to excess. He paid his debts and was a good friend. There would be no cause to harm him. Whoever had besmirched his name had done it out of simple malice and that spoke volumes about the person’s character.
Mr. Scoville entered the drawing room to announce the Earl of Winfield had arrived. Harry swept into the room with the ease of a man who seemed to have conquered the world. He rushed to Julia’s side and grasped her hands in his own.
“Julia, you are more beautiful each time I gaze upon you. I am most fortunate to call you my beloved.” Harry smiled down at Julia’s upturned face. Julia’s smiled up at him, but Kate noticed it did not reach her friend’s eyes. As she suspected, something was amiss. What was it? She had no time to worry about it because Harry turned to her in greeting.
“Miss Avery, you have done us a great honor hosting our wedding. I cannot ever repay your kindness. I hope that you and my cousin encountered no issues with the planning. I know he can be a little stubborn at times,” Harry said.
“Lord Winfield it was my pleasure. You are correct in your appraisal of your cousin. He holds quite strong opinions, however, I found him astute and able to concede on some points.” Kate smiled. “Shall we join our guests? They are on thelawn playing Battledore and Shuttlecock while the weather is still pleasant. I fear we are due for a storm later today.”
“It would be my honor to escort two lovely young ladies to the games,” Harry said and bowed. They moved to the lawn where the guests were engaged in a rousing game. Guests not playing served as spectators or strolled throughout the garden and engaged in quiet conversation.
“What is he doing here?” Harry growled.
“Who?” Kate wrinkled her brow trying to determine the source of Harry’s ire.
