Page 10 of His Wild Duchess
Owen’s smile widened in relief, and he leaned forward, pressing a loving kiss to her cheek. “I’ll walk you down the aisle, Penny. And the hounds -”
“Walk with me, as well.”
“Penny -”
“They are a part of me, Owen.”
He faltered, glancing down at the hounds that patiently waited. A sigh left his lips. “Oh, for heaven's sake.” Wrapping an arm beneath her own, Owen held her close to his side, a soft smile twitching at the corner of his lip. “My little sister, shall we walk?”
“We shall.”
Together, Penelope and Owen walked down the aisle. The handfuls of guests watched pleasantly from either side but didn’t bother to stop themselves from gossiping. The whispers carried them forward like music. Penelope glanced around, watching the guest’s eyes cling fearfully to Titus and Brutus. She smiled wide.
At the simple altar, dressed in a suit, was the Duke. His long hair was slicked back, a single strand drifting out to slash across his face like a scar.
Penelope left her brother behind, the hounds remaining close to her heels as she stood beside the Duke. Taking a quick look over her shoulder, Penelope caught her mother’s eye. Despite the awkwardness surrounding it, Lady Egerton watched tearfully, a smile tugging at her lips. A touch of reluctant pride rose in Penelope’s chest as she turned back to the vicar.
Penelope glanced in the Duke’s direction as the vicar said a few words about the ceremony. The Duke looked over—not at her, but at her dogs. The hounds sat at her feet, one on either side of her like obedient statues. The Duke’s gaze shot up to Penelope, then dropped again to the dogs.
Unable to hold herself back, Penelope smiled mischievously at the Duke. He frowned, eyes going wide before glancing back down to the dogs. It didn’t matter whether he was a rake or not. She would remain as strong and stoic as her loyal animals.
The ceremony continued until the exchanging of rings. Penelope stiffened at it, the thought of having to wear something physical to cement the marriage further. The Duke retrieved a simple silver band from someone behind him. It glistened in the light and could’ve almost looked see-through if Penelope wasn’t paying attention enough. At the Pastor’s command, the Duke reached out for Penelope’s right hand.
Titus made a threatening noise from her right.
Stifling her laugh, Penelope bumped her hip into Titus’s side.
The Duke held her somewhat more gingerly by the wrist. Penelope stretched her fingers out as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit her rather snuggly as if it had been meant to be worn only by her. The warmth from the Duke’s hands slowly took over her, raising a series of goosebumps along her bare arms.
Penelope looked up, meeting the Duke’s gaze. They shared a look, one that was filled with an intensity she could not place. A feeling she had never felt before took over her, starting at her chest till it enveloped her whole. It was like a fire smoldered gently in her stomach, directly below her skin. Embarrassed, Penelope turned away, putting her attention back to the Pastor.
The rest of the ceremony went by smoothly. Titus and Brutus remained quietly at Penelope’s side, both warily keeping an eye on the Duke. Once it was official, and they signed the wedding contract, Penelope stood at the altar, waiting for the crowd to trickle out. The Duke, however, left the moment it was over.
“Penelope.”
Turning, she gasped, almost tripping over her own feet in surprise. “Alicia,” she breathed, taking a few steps to wrap long and strong arms around her petite older sister. “I-I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Neither did I,” Alicia said, giving her a small smile. “It was on the spur of a moment.”
“And the Duke?”
“He waits outside. We plan on taking the children to the park, but that’s beside the point.” Alicia grasped onto Penelope’s hands, her thumb sliding over the wedding ring. “Penny,” she whispered, “You have no idea how proud I am of you.”
Penelope faltered, her heart racing. “No, Ali, don’t say such things.”
“Why not? You’ve done something remarkable today. And I don’t say that because marriage has never been your desire.” Alicia pulled her closer, green eyes twinkling. “I have never seen you trust another living creature as much as you trust those hounds and all the other animals you look after.”
“That can’t be true.”
“Do not take it the wrong way, Penny. It is a compliment. Your heart is so wide and loving that it cannot look after too many souls. Otherwise, who would look after you?” Alicia smiled, wrapping her arms tightly around Penelope’s shoulders. “But look at you now! Married! Eternal trust, placed in another.” She kissed the side of Penelope’s face. “I won’t keep you long, dear sister. I only wanted you to know that.”
Alicia led Penelope through the church once more, the hounds following close behind. Titus sniffed at Alicia’s feet, his tail slowly wagging. The words Alicia spoke clung closely to Penelope’s heart. With every step they took towards the carriage, Penelope fought the urge to hold her sister back and explain theentire conundrum to her. If anyone would understand, it was Alicia.
They exited the church, and Penelope swallowed a gulp of fresh air. The sun had lowered during the ceremony, but its rays were still as brilliant as before. Penelope let her eyes close, trying to take in as much of the light and warmth as she could before getting back into a dim carriage.
“Good luck, sister,” Alicia whispered when giving a final hug goodbye. “You’ll do great things as a Duchess.”
The word barely sunk into Penelope’s skin. She gave Alicia a placid smile, agreeing wholeheartedly when it truly meant nothing to her. She’d be at the cottage long before any responsibilities dared touch her shoulders.
