Page 85 of The Duke of Fire
It was her turn to laugh, her eyes drifting to one side as if memories were coming over her.
“We met at a brothel on a rainy day. It is hardly the best of beginnings.”
“Mm. It just goes to show that even brothels have their miracles.”
She laughed again, the tension between them melting away. They sat in comfortable silence as they waited to reach their destination.
Finally, the carriage rattled in front of their now shared home, where the wedding breakfast was to be held with their friends and family. The doors swung open, and the dowager duchess greeted them herself. She was one of the first to leave the church, making this welcome possible. In plum silk and her best diamonds, she looked regal as ever. However, she was also warm, embracing Amelia and Sebastian in turns.
“You have done well, my boy,” she said, touching Sebastian’s cheek as she often did when he was much younger. Her eyes had a misty sheen, though she tried to keep her tone even. “I would like to live this wonderful day twice over.”
“Thank you, Grandmother. You have helped make this possible,” he murmured.
“I heard the thank-you a few times over,” the dowager said, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Now, it is your turn to prove me right. A little birdie told me that you are an apt translator, Amelia. I hope you find some time to hone your talent now.”
“I am very eager to do that, Your Grace.” The dowager kissed Amelia’s cheek as she moved forward with the others.
Mary, who was standing in wait with the other servants, soon went to her mistress’s side, ready to assist at any given moment.
“Congratulations, Mi… Your Grace,” she said. Then, to Sebastian, she shyly muttered, “To you, too, Your Grace.”
He acknowledged it with a smile and a nod.
“Thank you, Mary. I am so glad you will be joining the staff at Firaine,” Amelia said.
“I am glad, too.”
Guests were already drinking champagne in the dining room, while musicians played in a corner. They stood up when the couple entered. Cassian and Benedict approached, with the former in high spirits. Both bowed in greeting.
“Our duchess must tell us how Sebastian managed to persuade her,” Cassian teased. “Did you use your wit and charm, or was this purely blackmail?”
“Oh, didn’t you know our friend is particularly stubborn? That is how he did it.”
“I am not sure she will survive being married to Sebastian. What do you think, Benedict?”
Benedict did not seem to be too eager to volunteer his opinion. It was clear that he had something else on his mind. While he ignored Cassian’s question, he was no less warm to Sebastian. He clasped his newly married friend’s hand and kissed Amelia’s own.
“May you two be happy for the rest of your lives,” he said. “Being a couple suits you both.”
“Happiness,” Cassian murmured, elbowing Benedict. “You should also be exuding it, don’t you think, Frostmore?”
Benedict glared at his friend. “That title is not yet final.”
“Stop being so modest and hiding behind propriety,” Cassian advised, grinning wickedly. “Word travels fast, anyway. It is best to tell your friends face-to-face. Benedict is the new Duke of Frostmore.”
Murmurs of delight spread through the room. Benedict did not look so happy, his jaw clenched, and his head bowed. Amelia gently touched his arm and said, “I do not doubt that you will do marvelously.”
He tilted his head gratefully at her.
Then, it was Serenity’s turn. She glided from across the room to Amelia’s side, giving her friend a big hug.
“You look radiant! I am so happy for you, Amelia! Should I be calling you ‘Your Grace’ now?”
“Serenity! Why would you do that?” she asked, smiling widely.
They all soon found a seat. The feast was sumptuous, and everyone looked as though they were hungry. After they had eaten a bit, Cassian leaned toward Sebastian and Amelia as if hewas dying to tell them something.
“I did not want to say this earlier because Benedict despises gossip, but there has been word about Lady Warton,” he said in a low voice.
