Page 6 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“My books are not dusty. Mr. Turner would be quite distressed to hear you disparage the maids’ hard work.” Kate gave Julia a fond smile. “Have you brought the dress?”
Julia nodded happily. “Yes. I have given it to the maid to hang so that it shall be ready for you to don the day of the wedding.”
“May I see it?” Kate did not follow fashion, but she wanted to show Julia she was invested in the nuptials.
Julia wagged her finger. “No, you may not. It is to be a surprise for you. I don’t want you to even peek. I gave the strictest instructions to Molly that she is to hide it from you until the day of the grand event.”
Kate sighed. “You shan’t have me dressed like a pumpkin, will you?”
Julia’s laugh echoed in the hallway as the two of them walked to the entrance that exited onto the front grounds. Outside, the hedges that lined the carriageway had been trimmed and the trees were being shaped by the gardeners into various shapes and fantastical creatures in preparation for the wedding. “I would never dress you as a pumpkin, although I am sure that you look lovely in orange. Now, I brought you outside so you could tell me all about your evening with the rake. You dashed out of the masquerade ball so quickly, that I scarce had time to even see you flee. Did it not go as planned?”
Kate felt her cheeks flush as thoughts of her evening with Andrew filled her mind. “It was… memorable.”
Julia’s brow furrowed. “I sense some sadness on your part. Pray tell me what happened. Did he mistreat you?”
“Oh, no. Nothing of the sort.” Kate shook her head “It was Andrew Fitzwilliam, Duke of Devonport, who appeared in the room. He is no gentleman, but a scoundrel and a rake. There was no night of pleasure. Only harsh words and raised voices.”
“The Duke? He is Harry’s cousin. I am sad to hear you speak of him in such low terms.” Julia’s bottom lip poked out, and she frowned. Her eyes shifted away from Kate's. “It wasn’t the duke who I had arranged to attend to you at the masquerade.”
“It was he who spread such vicious lies about Nicholas. I know you have no reason to believe him, but my brother would never have abused your trust in him so sorely as what the gossips would have you believe. If not for Andrew Fitzwilliam and his deceit, you would be wedded to Nicholas, and you and I would be true sisters.” Kate felt tears well in her eyes at what might have been.
Julia threaded her arm through Kate’s. “You know what my opinion of this matter is. But I do not want us to have that same argument again. Perhaps it must have been fate that Nicholas and I did not wed. But, Kate, you mustn’t be angry at Andrew for he is Harry’s only family. It is Harry’s dearest wish that Andrew be his best man at the wedding. Harry has already asked Andrew to help arrange the wedding.”
“If it would not be unladylike, I would let loose with a curse that would turn even a sailor’s face red,” Kate grumbled. “I can’t work with him, Julia. Not even for you. I despise him. Especially not after…that.”
“But you must, Kate.” Julia turned pleading green eyes to Kate. “Please. I cannot lose Harry as I lost Nicholas. I would be ruined and would be banished to spinsterhood forever if another engagement was broken.”
“Spinsterhood isn’t so terrible, you know,” Kate said, biting her bottom lip to keep from saying more.
“I am sorry. I spoke without thought for your feelings,” Julia said, a small tear trickling down her cheek. “It would break my heart to know my words hurt you. Please forgive me.”
Kate sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I know that I shall never marry. Destined to be the bridesmaid, but never the bride. At least that is one gift I can give you for both of us. Your dream wedding here at Renwood.”
“And you’ll work with Andrew to prepare for the wedding?” Julia said, a hint of wheedling laced through her words.
Kate looked at her dearest friend and felt herself waver, but then she thought of his behavior and felt her spine stiffen. “I could barely tolerate being in the same room with the man, let alone plan your wedding. It is simply impossible.”
Julia gave a small shrug. “I understand. And I am sure Harry will, too.” She disentangled herself from Kate. “I must dash and return to town. I have so many things to do, and Mother wishes me to meet with the milliner for several new bonnets.”
Before Kate could protest, Julia hurried toward her carriage. As it drove away, a new carriage turned down the drive. Even at a distance, Kate spotted the crest on the door. It was the same one from the night of the masquerade ball. Andrew Fitzwilliam, Duke of Devonport, and despite her shock, the dishonorable rake had arrived.
Chapter Four
Andrew spied Kate strolling through her front gardens as his carriage slowed and turned onto the carriageway leading to Renwood Castle. If not for his cousin Harry’s impassioned pleas that Andrew serve as his best man, he would have requested that the driver leave immediately. He had hardly slept since the night of the masquerade ball. He had been so disconcerted by the kisses he had shared with the wallflower Kate Avery that he had been unable to enjoy an evening spent with the beautiful widow, Baroness of Rathcliff. Instead, he had spent many an evening brooding in his study. Not even his favorite novel could hold his attention for long.
“What ails you, cousin?” Harry asked when Andrew had once again turned him down when he asked him to attend the gaming hall with him.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Andrew replied.
“You’ve been a bear whenever I’ve seen you these past few visits. Perhaps a night spent in the company of a beautiful, young woman would cheer you and pull you from this dangerous mood.” Harry walked across the study and poured them a glass of wine.
“I have no need for a night with a woman. And you are preparing to marry the lovely Julia Roves. You shouldn’t think of breaking her heart. I understand that she has had quite a trial when it comes to betrothal.” Andrew took the proffered glass from his cousin’s hand.
“I have neither eyes nor heart for another. I was simply suggesting that it would be wise for you to enjoy a woman’s company,” Harry had answered.
Now, a week later, he was arriving at Renwood Castle, and his mood had soured further rather than improved. What was it about the waspish tongue of Kate Avery that had discomfited him so much? Was it the way her curves had fit so well against his body? Or the way her kisses had stirred a passion in him that he had until then never experienced? He shook his head. It was folly to think that someone like Kate could ignite these feelings of lust in him. He was here to prepare for a wedding and then he would see the back of her.
When he opened his carriage door, Kate stood on the bottom step. Despite her ill feelings toward him, she had promised Julia that she would plan the wedding with him. She prayed it wouldn’t be a promise that would be a greater burden than she could bear.
