Page 35 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess (Wallflower Season #3)

Finally, the guests finished their breakfast and departed to their respective bedchambers to nap.

A ball had been planned for Julia and Harry’s wedding and would still take place that evening.

Additional guests from nearby estates would attend.

Kate allowed May and Viola DeClancy to take over the arrangements, surprised by their generosity.

Eliza Chambers pulled Kate aside from the well-wishers and said, “I hope Nicholas and Julia will be happy.”

“They will be,” Kate said. “But what about you, my dear Miss Chambers? Your father will force you to marry, and you will be miserable.”

Eliza shook her head. “I have accepted a position as a governess for Lady Uxbridge’s widowed brother.

The woman is a terrible gossip, but she has a tender heart.

Her brother lives somewhere in the wilds of Scotland.

It will be cold, dark, and miserable, but I will be unattached and blissfully happy.

I leave shortly, so I’m afraid I will miss the ball this evening. ”

“I am sorry that we will not have a chance to become better acquainted.” Kate hugged her. “Good luck, Miss Chambers.”

“And to you, Your Grace,” Eliza hugged her back.

Andrew grabbed her hand and pulled her away. “We should rest before the ball this evening.”

His blue eyes smoldered and Kate blushed. She knew he had no plans to rest. He led her upstairs to her bedchamber. Sally tried to follow behind to assist her, but Andrew gave her a warning look and Sally laughed and scurried away.

“I think I’ve demonstrated that I can undress you quite well myself, wouldn’t you say, wife?” Andrew’s voice was husky.

Kate gave him a haughty look. “I shall insist on having all my needs met, husband.”

He tugged her close and growled, “You aren’t going to bend easily to my will, are you?”

Kate reached up and cupped his jaw with her hand. “Never.”

He leaned down and captured her lips with his own. He lifted his head and said, “You are more than a wilting wallflower. You are spice and fire mixed with a hint of honey.”

Kate pressed herself against him. “Is this a bad thing, Your Grace?”

Andrew tugged the tie of her dress, then lifted it over her head. She reciprocated by unbuttoning his coat and removing it before flinging it on the chair. “You will make the maid quite cross-throwing things about the bedchamber.”

Kate didn’t respond. She unbuttoned his shirt next and allowed it to join the coat on the chair.

When she reached for the button of his trousers, he stopped her.

He fingered her undergarment, then lifted it over her head.

He then tugged open his trousers and kicked them off along with his boots.

“If I ruled this country, I would insist that you never wear a dress again.” Andrew kissed her neck.

Kate giggled. “That really would make the gossip pages. Mad Duchess runs about Renwood Castle with no clothes.”

“My gossip shall read Dashing Duke chases after his bride with nary a stitch of clothing.” He kissed her collarbone.

“You are quite dashing.” Kate gasped as his lips traveled lower. “Can we do this every day?”

Andrew lifted his head and his eyes glinted mischievously. “Every day. Several times a day. Your wish is my command.”

“I wish for you to kiss me,” Kate whispered.

“Wish granted.”

Kate slept with her legs entwined in his.

Andrew looked down and was pleased to see that even in sleep, she had a smile on her face.

He wanted her to be happy. He was still in awe of the fact that he had not only won her heart, but he had asked her to marry him.

Even more amazing was that she had agreed.

He was blissfully happy, a state he never thought he would feel.

His mother’s departure during his childhood had always cast a dark cloud on his existence. More than he had realized until today.

His thoughts drifted to his childhood, and he recalled his mother’s quiet tears and her reassurance that everything would be fine.

He wondered now if his mother had been forced to marry his father for convenience rather than love.

Was that why she would secret herself away and claim a headache rather than endure their presence?

It made him both sad and angry. Sad for his parents to not have known the love that he now shared with Kate, and angry that it had hardened his heart for so long.

He breathed in the scent of Kate’s hair. It was lemon and sunshine with a hint of freesia. It calmed him and he pulled her closer. She stirred in her sleep and lifted her head.

“Sh. Go back to sleep,” he whispered against her hair.

“I love you,” she murmured.

“I love you, too.” And he did. Closing his eyes, he fell asleep with her gathered tightly next to him.

Sally awoke them later by knocking on the door before entering. At the sight of them entwined on the bed, Sally covered her eyes and turned.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace, but it is time to get ready for the ball. Guest will be arriving shortly,” Sally said.

Andrew pulled on his trousers and boots, and then grabbed his shirt and coat. “I shall retire to my bedchamber long enough to change for the evening. I shall have the servants move my things to your bedchamber tonight, Kate.”

Kate murmured her agreement. She was still drowsy from their lovemaking and her nap. Sally led her to the bath she had drawn in the dressing room. Sally washed Kate’s hair and when she finished, rubbed it vigorously to dry it before Kate sat down next to the fire in her dressing gown.

“Thank you for what you did, Sally,” Kate said.

“Pardon?” Sally said, confused.

“For helping Julia.”

Sally seemed pleased with her mistress’s thanks, and she bobbed her head and said, “It was as it should be.” Her expression darkened.

“You’ll pardon me for saying this, but the Earl tried to take liberties with one of the maidservants.

She ran off before he was able to go too far, but we are happy to see the back of him. ”

Kate was shocked. She had no idea what a scoundrel and cad Harry was. She prayed Andrew would not be too hurt by his cousin’s behavior. Her husband deserved to be treated with respect and honor.

My husband. Kate touched her finger to her bottom lip where he had nibbled on it earlier that afternoon.

Later, Kate descended the stairs to where he stood waiting. When she joined him, he whispered, “You look ravishing, wife. I may have to take you back upstairs and remove that gown.”

She tapped him lightly on the arm with her fan and whispered, “You are incorrigible.” Then she giggled and said, “In a little while. The guests would be shocked if we failed to show.”

The floor of the ballroom was crowded with guests.

Side by side they walked in and greeted their friends and members of the ton.

Everything and everyone glittered and shone.

Women wore their finest jewels and gowns, and men looked handsome in their coats and brightly colored cravats.

Everyone chattered happily at the happy news of their marriage.

In the corner, the Dowager Duchess of Devonport and Dowager Duchess Pembrooke sat with their heads close together. They resembled two magpies perched on a branch. The Dowager Duchess beckoned them over and bid them be seated.

“I wished to speak to you both before it grew later in the evening, and I retired. Andrew, I’m unhappy that you failed to confide in me.” Her gaze was sharp.

Andrew lowered his eyes. “I’m sorry, Grandmother. I didn’t realize I loved her right away.”

The Dowager Duchess harrumphed and said, “Foolish man. The rest of us saw what the two of you were too blind to see.”

Kate’s jaw dropped. “You knew that I loved him, Grandmama?”

“Of course, child. Why else would you bicker with him so much with a smile on your face?”

Andrew laughed softly. “We aren’t as smart as we think we are, Kate. These two know us better than we know ourselves.”

“I have something to give to the two of you,” the Dowager Viscountess said, her eyes filling with tears.

“Grandmama, are you okay?” Kate reached out and laid her hand on her grandmother’s lap.

“I’m fine, Kate. These are happy tears.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a small box. She handed it to Andrew.

Andrew opened it and his eyes widened. “Are these what I think they are?”

The Dowager Viscountess nodded. “They are.”

Kate was confused. She leaned over and looked in the box and her hand went to her mouth to stifle a small sob. “Grandmama, are you sure?”

“Yes. Your parents would want you to wear them. Andrew, would you do me the honor of placing that ring on my granddaughter’s finger?”

With shaking hands, Andrew pulled an ornate gold band with twining leaves studded with small diamonds from the box. “I believe this was your mother’s wedding band.”

Through tears, Kate nodded. “It was.”

Andrew slipped it on her finger. It fit perfectly. Kate clutched her hands to her chest and smiled. She reached into the box and picked up a larger matching band. Andrew held out his hand and she slipped it on his finger. Like her own, it was a perfect fit. Kate gave him a misty smile.

“Now, you are officially married,” the Dowager Duchess declared.

Andrew stood and drew Kate up next to him. He cleared his throat and then raised his voice to draw the attention of the gathered guests. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Andrew said. “Let me introduce my wife, the Duchess of Devonport.”

Lady Uxbridge began to clap and soon the others joined in. Andrew and Kate stepped into the crowd.

Gazing up at her husband, Kate smiled, her eyes filled with tears. “Husband, will you dance with me?”

“For the rest of your life,” Andrew said.

The End?