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The weather on the morning of the wedding was strangely calm, totally opposite from the chaotic state of Victoria’s mind. After the intense visit she had from Anthony several days prior to the wedding, she had been a ball of intense emotions swinging between extremes of worry, desire and giddiness.

Although his reactions the days before were not those of a man that was totally reluctant, especially going by the glint of desire that shone in his eyes anytime they met.

The man could blame her all he wanted but it was obvious for everyone to see, that he wanted her just as much or even more than she craved for him, sending her gifts over the last few days that would make any woman blush..

But even while she enjoyed the gifts, she had been haunted by the image of a very angry Anthony stomping away from her Father's study.

Curious, she had inquired from her father about the contents of his discussion with the Duke, but her father had been strangely tight lipped about the matter and had claimed the discussion was related to her marriage and her dowry.

Even with how much sense it made, she sensed a falsehood. It might be foolish but she thought she knew enough about the Duke to know that he would not throw a tantrum simply because of dowry.

She sensed that there was more that her father was not telling her and the way that his eyes kept avoiding hers during her Inquiry proved her theory that he was indeed hiding something and he was clearly not ready to share.

Victoria accepted the fact that she would eventually find out from her husband in marriage. She just hoped that whatever fond feelings the Duke had for her far outweighed his resentment towards her.

It was with this resolve that she arose that fateful morning to prepare herself to walk down the aisle.

After hours of primping and being poked and prodded, the maids managed to transform her into one beautiful bride.

" You look like a princess," Diana said her voice filled with wonder.

Looking at her reflection the blurry silver In front of her, she really felt like one. Her maid who had a flair for hairstyling had managed to arrange her hair into an artful collection of curls leaving some wisps of hair to caress her face.

Even she thought she made a beautiful bride, she just hoped that Anthony thought the same.

Charity walked in behind Diana and swept her arms around her in a hug.

Victoria closed her eyes to soak in the warmth that she didn't know that she needed.

Apart from the uncertainty that she felt about her marriage to Anthony, another issue that weighed on her was how much she would miss the companionship of her sisters.

" What are you thinking so hard about that you are frowning?" Charity asked in a whisper beside her ear, wrapping her arms around her shoulders from behind

" Remember you are supposed to be a blushing bride not a frowning one" she said in an amused tone.

Victoria sighed and tried to smile

" Now you look like you have swallowed freshly squeezed lime" Charity said laughing

" Dearest Victoria, I wish you a blissful marriage with your duke and I am confident that you would happy with him"

" You truly think so?" She asked fragile hope in her voice

" Yes, the man is besotted with you. No matter what he says, his eyes do not lie" Charity answered ' I am sure the mam will be thoroughly speechless when he sees you walking towards the alter"

Victoria reached for hand and squeezed it with gratitude.

At that moment, her father came in to inform her that it was time for them to leave for the church.

When she stood in front of the giant doors of St. Alphonsus Chapel. The feeling of apprehension returned once again but when the doors opened, she took a deep breath and began the long journey towards the altar.

As she got closer to the altar, she became enraptured by the man standing at the altar, a slightly stupefied look on his face. He must have just freshly washed hair that curled at his collar, he was clean shaven and well dressed in a dark suit. He had always been handsome but at this moment in time he was simply.... arresting.

When she got to the altar and stood beside him, he leaned towards her

"You look ravishing, wife," he said in his deep voice.

" Thank you," she replied self-consciously, turning to face the bishop, feeling the heat creep up her cheeks.