Page 58 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
His lips, when they finally descended upon her own, were hard, like flint, before turning as soft as silk. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer as if he were going to devour her.
Christina clung to him, feeling as if she were drowning in a pool of joy. She had never been happier in her life.
They had found each other at long last. And she knew it wasn’t a dream any longer. It was the most real thing that had ever happened to her.
A woman called Georgina had been cared for by a duke … and woken up as a lady in love.
A lady who had found the man of her dreams against all odds. And now that they had finally found each other, at long last, she knew they would never let each other go. Forever.
Chapter 30
Newquay Hall. Three months later
“I have never told you how happy I am that you are about to become my sister-in-law,” said Lydia in a hesitant voice, flushing slightly as she turned to Christina. “I want to say it now. I am so glad that this day has finally arrived … and that I did not ruin it completely.”
Christina turned from contemplating her reflection in the full-length mirror to Lydia, trying to stifle the surprise she felt.
This was the very first time Lydia had broached the subject of what had happened between them, even though they had been growing steadily closer over the past months, even planning the wedding together. Lydia had proved a staunch ally.
And now, the day had finally arrived. She was about to become the Duchess of Newquay, a position grander than she could ever have imagined.
But more than that, she was becoming the wife of Sebastian Cavendish. And she was prouder of that than anything in this world.
“I did what I did because I was protecting my brother,” continued Lydia in an anguished voice. “I was scared of my position here being diminished, as well, but it went much deeper than that.” She hesitated, her eyes filling with tears. “I made a vow to our dying mother, Christina, to always look after him. And I took that vow very seriously indeed.”
“I understand,” said Christina softly, reaching out and taking Lydia’s hand. “I would have done the same thing in your position. I think I always knew you were doing what you did out of a fierce love for him.” She smiled slowly. “And I was a complete stranger to you, after all, living under this roof in odd circumstances. You were right to be wary, even if you did take it to the extreme.” She laughed.
Lydia looked mortified, her colour deepening. But then, they started laughing together.
“You look beautiful,” declared Lydia at last, wiping tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes. “I do not think I have ever seen a more beautiful bride, Christina. Sebastian is going to be thrilled. And I am so happy to be your bridesmaid, along with Frances.”
At that moment, Frances entered the room, clutching her bouquet, her eyes shining. “The coach is here.” She stopped short, staring at Christina. “Oh, you are exquisite! Are you ready?”
Christina turned back to the full-length mirror.
A petite woman with golden hair swept up into an elegant chignon, with pearls in her ears and gleaming around her neck, gazed back at her. She was wearing a cream silk and lace gown with a long train. She barely recognized herself.
“I am ready,” she whispered, swallowing a lump in her throat. She turned, reaching out to take the hands of her bridesmaids, drawing them into a circle. She was starting to feel very nervous now. “Thank you for sharing this day with me. Thank you for supporting me.”
The ladies squeezed her hand. They kissed each other. And then, her mother was there, urging them into the carriage. At the bottom of the steps, her father was waiting. His eyes moistened when he saw her.
“You have found your place, my girl,” he said softly, kissing her on the cheek. “And I could not be prouder. I am sorry for all I did so long ago … for betrothing you to that dreadful man …”
“It is alright, Papa,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “It led me to Newquay Hall … and Sebastian. It led me to my destiny.”
“He is a good man,” declared her father with a smile. “One of the best. He took you in and cared for you. He rescued you from that brute Powell. And then he paid off my debts, under pain of death that I would never force you into a betrothal again …”
“He did what?” Christina’s jaw dropped.
“He never told you?” Her father shook his head incredulously. “Although I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me. He is such a humble man, never wanting praise or reward for anything he does. A true prince among men.”
At that moment, Lydia and Frances arrived, bundling them all into the open landau, declaring they would be late if they didn’t leave now.
Christina climbed into the carriage, her heart filled with so much pride and joy that she could barely contain it.
She had thought that she couldn’t love him more than she did. But it seemed that she was wrong. Was there no end to the kind, generous things he had done for her?
She really was the luckiest woman in the world. And when he finally slipped the ring onto her finger, and she became his wife, she would be luckier still. Tears pricked her eyes.
