Page 113 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“Oh goodness!” Dahlia leaped from her chair and ran towards her husband’s chambers. “Peter!”
The adjoining door, which was now always kept opened, showed an empty room.
“Oh, where is he? Peter!”
The door to the master’s bedroom opened to reveal Peter almost, but not yet completely, attired for the dinner party that they hosted for their visiting family and friends.
“Do not tell me that it is time to go down, wife, when you yourself are not yet fully dressed.” He pulled her to him and kissed the tip of her nose.
“Peter!” Dahlia said blushing and looking over his shoulder at Peter’s valet who moved around his bedroom. “Evans is right there.”
“So is Biddy.” He smiled, pointing at her.
“But you have made me forget what I was about to tell you!” Dahlia pulled away from him and went to Biddy, who handed her the package.
“Thank you, Biddy.”
Her lady’s maid curtsied and turned to leave when Dahlia caught her arm. Biddy turned, an inquiring look on her face.
“Biddy.” Dahlia blinked at the sudden wetness in her eyes. “This would not have happened if not for your help. Yours and Benson’s and John’s. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you were there for me. My achievement is yours, too. Please know that.”
“Oh, Your Grace.” Biddy put her hand over Dahlia’s, which still grasped her arm. “It has been my joy to see you turn into what you are today. A more deserving person, I have never met. I am happy for you, Your Grace.” She smiled and added, “I only ask one thing of you, Your Grace.”
“Anything,” Dahlia said. “What is it?”
“That you let me read your new book!”
Dahlia’s lips curved into a smile.
“You shall have you own copy.” Then leaning closer to Biddy, she whispered something in her ear which earned her a gasp and a sniffle.
With a huge smile, Biddy made her leave, allowing husband and wife their private moment.
When she turned back to Peter, she held the package in her hands. Her eyes shone with pride and happiness.
“It has arrived?”
Peter’s eyes widened. He caught her in his arms, package and all.
“Why did you not say so at once?” He closed the door to his bedroom and led Dahlia to his desk. “Come, will you open it now?”
Dahlia nodded, her body fairly vibrated, and she could hardly keep still.
Then taking a deep breath to calm herself, she slowly, almost reverently untied the strings and then unfolded the wrapper. When the package was completely opened, Dahlia’s eyes shone with tears.
Her new book,A Proper Wallflower’s Guide for a Young Lady’s First Season, by Dahlia Thornscroft, lay crisp and perfect on top of Peter’s desk.
They both looked at the precious book. It represented so much. Dahlia’s journey as an author and her foundations, Peter, her family, and her friends.
With trembling hands, Dahlia turned the pages. She ran her fingers over the print and stopped when she found the page she sought. She handed Peter the book.
To every young lady who feels that she is insufficient, know that you are not. You were made exactly right, more than enough—abundant. May this guide you on your first experiences as young ladies of society.
To my parents, thank you for taking me with you. To Celine and Helena, your love and friendship I shall always need. To Mary and Claire, my inspirations. To Benson, Biddy, and John, whose friendship and loyalty made this book possible, this author would not have been an author without you.
To Peter,the onewho showed me the way,the onewho showed me beauty where I thought there was none.
“Dahlia. My beautiful Dahlia”
