Page 21 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“Call me Peter. We are betrothed, after all, and shall be married in five days’ time.”
“Five days?” Caught completely off guard, Dahlia stopped walking and dropped her hand from his arm. “But that is so soon!”
“I have spoken to your father, and he has agreed that it is better to have it done with as soon as possible.”
Have it done with. Of course. That is practical. And cold. He is indeed the Duke of Ice.
Dahlia could feel panic slowly trickling in her chest, erasing the pleasant feelings she enjoyed mere moments ago. Her whole life would change in five short days. Five days.
“And what about my trousseau? I have not even given it a thought yet.”
“The Marquess assured me that the Marchioness is more than capable of completing your wedding trousseau well before then.”
“Did he?”
Dahlia felt no need to mention that her wedding trousseau had been mostly complete since she had taken the search forthe oneseriously.
“I shall take your silence as an approval of the plans.”
“Do you need it—my approval?” Dahlia said in an irritated voice that she could no longer conceal.
“Your father has given his, but I should like to have yours just the same.”
Dahlia blinked, somewhat surprised. She was not sure how to respond.
Is he actually showing some consideration towards my feelings?
She studied his face. He was even more handsome during the day. She realized that she had not actuallyseenhim in daylight before. Not liking where her thoughts were leading her, she blinked fast to realign herself.
“I… I am sure my father knows best.”
“But?”
“There is no but, Your Grace, as you?—”
“Peter.”
“Peter,” she sniffed. “I suppose five-and-twenty years’ worth of possessions can be packed in five days. And as you said, this is the only way.”
“I am glad you agree.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm again, and they resumed their walk.
Dahlia bit her lips to prevent words that she really wanted to say from coming out of her mouth. She closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath.
You can do this! You can do this!
“Your Grace?—”
“Peter.”
“Peter, I assume the call—this walk—is part of the…” She barely prevented herself from saying thefarce; instead she said, “…showthat is our engagement?”
“Itisour engagement.”
“I appreciate your efforts. Therefore, you must allow me to reciprocate.”
Peter’s eyebrows raised. She handed him the invitation she held.
“Lady Susan Adison, my aunt, is celebrating her fifty-second birthday with a dinner party tomorrow night. You must come.”
