Page 14 of Duke of Emeralds
“I’ve put in for a special license for us,” he suddenly said as they began to walk, his eyes focused on the path ahead.
“A marriage license?” she quirked a surprised brow.
“What other one do we need, Hester?” he chuckled.
“But is there truly a need for one?” she asked, her heart pounding in her chest. “We are not in a rush, are we?” she added, almost nervously.
“I am not the most patient of gentlemen, Hester,” he replied, his eyes never leaving the path ahead.
“Clearly,” she said, her lips curling into a small smile despite her nervousness.
“What is that supposed to mean now?” he asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked down at her.
“That you are not the most patient of gentlemen,” she shrugged, her eyes meeting his.
He laughed, the sound rich and hearty, sending warmth all through her. Delightful warmth, she was shocked to realize, and she felt the color in her cheeks only intensify.
“I do not see the point in wasting any more time,” he sobered, his eyes meeting hers once more.
He appeared in thought for a moment before he added, “Although I must beg your pardon that I did not ask for your opinion beforehand.”
He looked quite contrite.
“Oh, you need not apologize.” Hester dismissed it.
“Are ye certain ye’re fine with this? With a marriage devoid of love?” he asked.
Hester held his gaze. “I am,” she replied. “It’s precisely what I want, and it is a practical arrangement between two adults.” She forced a smile that felt brittle at the edges. “You need an English duchess to ease your entry into society, and I require a way to escape spinsterhood. We both get what we need without complications.”
He nodded. “Very well.”
But inside, she felt the most nervous she’d felt since he made the offer. It felt all too real now.I am truly getting married.
The wedding preparations were underway, and Hester found herself in the midst of a whirlwind of activity. She was out shopping with Anna and Nancy. Fiona, unfortunately, was suffering from the discomfort of being with child and had sent her regrets that she couldn’t make it.
“You’re getting married, Hester. Of course, you need only the best in your trousseau,” Anna insisted, her eyes scanning the night rail catalogues with a critical eye.
Hester felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she looked through the designs. “But don’t you think that is a little too scandalous, Anna?” she said, her fingers nervously tracing the intricate patterns. “I don’t think I need something so elaborate,” she added.
“And what makes you think that these night rails are for you, Hester dear?” Anna asked with a sly grin.
Hester blinked, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. “But… wouldn’t I be the one wearing them?” she asked.
Nancy let out an impish little snicker, her eyes dancing with amusement. Hester couldn’t help but wonder why they were all regarding her so strangely.
“You may be the one wearing them, but they’re not precisely for you, dear,” Anna said, giving Hester’s hand an encouraging little pat.
“Oh, the night rails are always for the man, My Lady. Always…” the modiste blurted, her cheeks flushing slightly as she spoke.
And Hester felt herself blush as realization hit her, her fingers flying to her cheeks. “Oh!”
“She finally understands now. After centuries!” Nancy laughed.
Hester gave her friend a look, her lips pressing together in a thin line. “Nancy,” she warned.
“What?” Nancy laughed again, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Just take the night rails as your defense strategy against the werewolf. That should get him too weak at the knees to eat you, Hester,” she added, her laughter echoing through the room.
“Or maybe not,” Anna teased, exchanging a sly, almost knowing glance with Nancy. The modiste let out a little titter.
