Page 71 of The Duke's Carriage Window
“Now that my point has been made, I will take my leave.” He collected his hat and coat from the butler and left the Raikes townhouse. Once outside, he mounted his horse and headed to his next destination, the dressmaker’s shop. He wanted Meredith to have a gown befitting the future Duchess of Tiverton. He would also order several sheer negligées for her trousseau to take on their honeymoon.
As he rode down the street, he felt his spirits lighten at the mere idea of Meredith as his bride. His wife. His forever.
What a fool he had been to deny himself the joy of being in love.
That evening, Meredith wore her finest evening gown, a dark blue silk decorated with peacock feathers in bright gold and green that led into a long train that mirrored the plumes on the magnificent bird that the dress was inspired by. When the dressmaker had mentioned such a gown, Meredith had thought it too bold to wear. But Darius had overheard, and insisted on her having it.
Tonight she felt brave enough to be bold, to wear a gown that would attract attention. For once she wanted the attention of others, rather than to hide behind potted plants. Her reflection in the tall cheval looking glass presented a striking image. She turned about, admiring the way the peacock-feathered patterns shimmered in the light.
“You will make quite an impression tonight,” Nell said as she put the finishing touches on Meredith’s coiffure. “As you should, seeing as how tonight is your engagement dinner.”
“I do hope I make a good impression.” Meredith’s nerves left her feeling edgy and unsure of herself. She knew she looked beautiful, but would she be enough for Darius’s friends? Would tonight garner support for Darius’s choice of bride, or would she come across as silly for trying too hard?
Tonight Darius would tell his friends that they were to be married, and she could only pray that they would accept her, not for her sake but for his. It was one thing for them to accept her as his ward, but his wife? That was an entirely different matter. They hadn’t given her any reason to think they wouldn’t accept her, but she was so used to being unwanted, a burden even to those who loved her, like Uncle Ben. It was still hard for her to break that pattern of believing she was not enough.
Her bedchamber door opened. Darius was there, waiting for her.
“Are you ready?”
His gaze swept over her, the heat in his eyes an approving one. That settled part of her nerves. She was enough for Darius. That was all that truly mattered. She could see it so clearly in his eyes that it melted her heart.
“You look magnificent.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her so soundly that only Nell clearing her throat broke them apart.
With a bashful grin, Darius tucked her hand in his arm, and they met Mrs. Petersham, who was waiting for them at the top of the grand staircase.
“Congratulations, my dear. This is the happiest of news.” Her chaperone kissed her cheek and wiped away a stray tear.
“Thank you, Frances,” Meredith replied with tears in her own eyes.
The others waited for them in the drawing room, all busy talking. But upon her entrance, the room went silent as they took in the sight of her and Darius with their arms linked.
“Well? What news have you to share with us?” Vincent asked.
Darius looked to Meredith, a teasing smile in his eyes before he replied. “Meredith and I are to be married.”
“To each other?” Felix asked with a devious chuckle. Lionel whacked him on the back of the head with the newspaper he’d been holding.
Darius seemed torn between laughing and scowling. “Of course to each other.”
“Well, in that case, bravo!” Felix said. Soon, everyone had surrounded them, offering cheers and well wishes.
Meredith noticed poor Felix was still a bit bruised from the fight in Gunter’s. When he came toward her, she embraced him and whispered a thank you. The rogue looked utterly embarrassed if the red tips of his ears were any indication.
“I would destroy Gunter’s for you anytime,” he promised.
She hugged each of Darius’s friends in turn and came at last to Lord Kentwell and Suzannah, who was wiping her eyes.
“This is quite wonderful, isn’t it?” Suzannah said with a delighted smile.
Lord Kentwell offered one of his rare smiles to Meredith. “It certainly is.”
“Thank you, Lord Kentwell,” Meredith said.
“Kit, please. I insist. You will outrank me upon your marriage.”
“I…” She couldn’t think of what to say in response to that, and Kit laughed at her obvious discomfort.
“Trying to scare off my future wife?” Darius asked his friend as he joined them.
