Page 63 of The Blind Duke's Ward

“Really?” Emily asked.

“I am certain. Mr. Marshall has used it many times,” Charlotte said with confidence.

“Oh, yes. Now that I think of it, it is one of his favorite words. He is very fond of tiaras and necklaces,” Gemma laughed.

Charlotte dissolved into laughter at the image of the brooding butler with pearls and a penchant for princess-ish things. All three were soon laughing.

“Thank you, Gemma and Charlotte. Thank you for being with me. I have never been so nervous, though I am trying not to be. Laughing takes my mind from what I’m about to face.”

“It cannot be worse than what has come before,” Charlotte said.

“Nothing can be worse than what you went through, living in that house,” Emily said to Gemma. “Or you for that matter, Charlotte.”

The easy, casual nature of Charlotte’s relationship with Gemma had transferred itself to Emily. The other woman had quickly accepted it, without question. She seemed to be delighted that Charlotte and Gemma regarded themselves as friends first, rather than mistress and servant.

All three had discussed how, between them, they should use her true name, not the name she had assumed. But Charlotte had explained that her new name, while taken on as part of a subterfuge, had become part of her new identity. It represented a new start in her life. So, she was Charlotte now, though both Emily and Gemma knew the truth.

“I am content with my friends and my part in the Hutton household.”

“And with a handsome young groom courting you,” Gemma put in with a smile.

Charlotte blushed.

“I did not know about this!” Emily exclaimed, turning to Charlotte. “Sister,” she said to Gemma, “how could you have kept such delicious gossip from me?”

“I wonder,” Gemma said. “After all, there has been nothing dramatic happening to any of us lately, has there?”

“Kidnapping and daring rescues pale next to the news of a friend finding love,” Emily said. “Now, Charlotte, tell all.”

“But the Duke and Master Richard are waiting for the two of you,” Charlotte protested.

“Oh, bother to them!” Gemma said at the same time as Emily said exactly the same thing.

Both looked at each other and then burst out laughing. Charlotte, blushing furiously, told Emily about the young man who had begun to court her and she listened attentively. Finally, she sighed.

“If only my own courtship could be so smooth. Father does not approve of Richard. I am dreading confronting him about it.”

“He loves you. I am sure of it. When he sees what a noble young man Richard is and how happy he makes you, I am sure he will come around,” Gemma reassured.

“But he is not noble and that is the problem,” Emily pointed out. “He may be a former officer but he was not born a gentleman. Nor even a Baronet or a Knight. He was born a miner’s son. But I do love him so. I cannot tell you how happy I was when he burst through the door of that house and carried me away in his arms.”

“It is fortunate that Elliot and Eugene were both here in York when he did. They deserve to face justice. I would not want to spare them that or see Richard accused of something,” Gemma said, frowning. “He is an impulsive man.”

“Extremely, and with a temper to match in certain circumstances. He refuses to talk about his experiences in Spain but I have gleaned that he has been through hell. Does Nathan speak of his past there?”

“Hardly. And I do not press him. He has burdens of his own to carry beyond what happened in the war,” Gemma said.

She knew of the burden Nathan carried concerning his father. Of the guilt he took on for himself. She wished there was some way that she could take the burden from him. It seemed like a great weight would be lifted from him if that burden were gone.

But I do not know how. I can only wait until he is ready to let me help him. Until he is ready to speak of it. I will be patient.

* * *

Gemma and Emily descended the stairs of the house on Mickelgate. They turned a corner and below them stood their respective betrotheds. Richard Harper wore the dark green uniform of the 95th rifles, braid covering its front, and a tall hat under his arm. Nathan wore a suit of dark bronze, brown and tan. His clothes were chosen to complement the colors which Gemma had chosen.

It was a message to the world. To the ton of Yorkshire that would be present at this event. That he and Gemma were engaged to be married. A special license had been obtained, and in two weeks’ time, they would be man and wife in the eyes of the law and society. It made Gemma blush deeply to remember their own, private ceremony. As far as she and he were concerned, they were already married.

Her heart swelled at the sight of Nathan. She felt love and pride in equal measures. Emily laughed and picked up her skirts, running to Richard who picked her up and spun her around. Gemma walked to Nathan at a slower pace. He cocked his head to one side as she approached, a half-smile on his face.