Page 29 of The Duke’s Ultimatum (Unrelenting Lords #1)

CHAPTER 29

E leanor stood at the back of the church, looking down the aisle at the congregation settling into their seats. Their wedding wasn’t planned to be a major societal event, yet there were enough dukes, marquises, viscounts, and other members of the peerage to create quite the gossip.

Her eyes landed on a familiar person, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on where she knew him from. The man turned his head, and she realized it was Derek’s solicitor and friend, William Pranton.

A strange stirring happened in her chest. Did that mean the Duke was here? One would think he would be here because society called for it, and after their talk last night, he seemed adamant in seeing this marriage through.

However, there was something in his eyes today that Eleanor couldn’t stop thinking about. It was as if his eyes were sending a secret message for Eleanor to decode before time was up. Looking at the filling church, Eleanor felt as if time was running out.

Perhaps if he showed up again, so she could get one more look at him, she would be able to decipher what his eyes were trying to tell her. If anything.

“Ready?” Charlotte’s voice startled Eleanor.

“I’m sorry,” Charlotte said while she reached out to steady Eleanor. “I thought you heard me coming.”

Eleanor shook her head while her hand rested on her racing heart. “Sorry, I was just looking to see who all is here.”

Charlotte stood next to her daughter, looking out amongst the pews. “It seems like anyone who is anyone is here. Simon and his mother were very particular about who was in attendance. He’ll be very out of sorts when he realizes His Grace isn’t coming though.”

Eleanor’s mouth ran dry at the mention of Derek. She licked her lips. “He’s not coming?” She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping her voice didn’t sound as desperate and disappointed as she felt.

Charlotte shook her head but kept her eyes on her daughter. “Apparently a business matter came up that he had to see to today of all days.”

Eleanor swallowed and dropped her eyes. “Oh. It must be very important then.” Eleanor couldn’t tell if she was relieved or upset Derek wouldn’t be in attendance. She settled on relieved. If she had to do this, it would be easier if temptation was not present.

Charlotte did not look as forgiving. “Nothing is as important as my daughters, Eleanor. I know I may play the role of the over-bearing mother who just wants to see her daughters married to important men, but just like the role you play in society, I am more than mine.”

Eleanor looked at her mother, confused as to where this was coming from all of a sudden.

“I know, Mama. You just wanted the best for us.” Eleanor looked down the aisle and saw Simon standing there next to one of the men she met at a ball earlier in the season. He looked calm, perhaps a bit nervous, but that was to be expected of the groom. “And it looks like your wish is coming true for me.”

Charlotte followed Eleanor’s gaze down the aisle and made a noncommittal noise. “Yes, well. Remember what I said to you—keep the faith and trust the process. I just know everything will work out in your favor.”

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “That sounds very cryptic. Are you well?”

Charlotte’s eyes brightened, and a smile spread across her face. It was as if the curious conversation never happened. “All is well. You are getting married today! I just wish your father were alive to be here.”

Eleanor softened at the mention of her father. “Me, too.”

Charlotte kissed her daughter’s cheek and extended her arm. “Shall we?”

Eleanor assumed she’d walk down the aisle herself; it wasn’t necessarily a custom for fathers, or another male relation, to walk a woman towards her soon-to-be husband, but Eleanor was grateful for the support.

As her mother lead her down the aisle, both of Eleanor’s feet felt like leaden pipes that were being dragged. Her back began to ache with how straight she was walking. She shifted her shoulders, hoping to relieve some of the pain.

“What are you doing?” Charlotte whispered from the corner of mouth while smiling to the peerage she was passing in the pews.

“My back hurts,” Eleanor whispered back.

“Oh heavens, don’t tell me Mary tied your corset too tight. We can’t have you fainting like when you met the Duke.”

Eleanor forced the corners of her mouth to upturn. Truth was her corset was a little too tight. She probably should have said something when Mary tightened it, but her mind was elsewhere this morning.

Tiny beads of sweat began to form on her brow, and she itched to wiped them away. Her eyes landed on Simon, standing straight as an iron rod and patient as can be. He didn’t seem as nervous as he did before. He looked almost bored.

Eleanor began to chew her bottom lip. She didn’t feel very inspired to continue walking towards someone who looked like he’d rather be anywhere but waiting for his bride to reach him, so they could marry.

What would it be like to walk towards Derek standing there?

That simple thought took her mind to places she promised she’d never entertain again in her thoughts. Questions like what would he look like waking up after a long night’s rest, or how would he hold a child, or what does he look like when he’s fully relaxed and being himself flooded her consciousness. She had seen glimpses of the real Derek, but what would he be like if she were able to see him like that every day for the rest of her life?

Her mother nudged her. “If I knew Simon’s church’s aisle was this long, I would’ve worn different shoes.”

“We’re almost there, Mama.” Eleanor nodded to Caroline, who was beaming a bright smile back at her.

Eleanor refocused on Simon, reminding herself that thinking of another man while she was quite literally walking towards her soon-to-be husband was very likely the most despicable thing you could do. Especially when the man in question did not want you, and you felt as if you were beating a dead horse. The man all but said the words…

Eleanor’s feet stopped. Her mind raced to replay last night’s conversation.

“Eleanor?” Charlotte leaned in with a strained smile. “Eleanor, dear? Everything all right? Just a few more steps, and we’re at the altar. Look. There’s Simon?”

Eleanor looked at her mother and smiled. “Sorry, I, um, must’ve stepped on my dress.”

Eleanor forced her feet to move while her mind rewound the conversation from last night.

“That is not what I’m asking, I’m saying if you had a choice, would I be it?”

“Those questions will only lead to heartache, Eleanor. I’m not the man for you. I never will be.”

“Says who?”

“Me.”

No. That was not it. What else was said?

“Eleanor?” Simon’s voice cut in. She turned her eyes and met his curious ones. He reached out a hand. “Are you well?”

Eleanor closed her eyes to shut all the chatter out, so she could focus on what the Duke said. Something has been nibbling at her consciousness all morning, and now, she felt as if she was finally connecting something.

She heard some shuffling and felt a hand, most likely Simon’s, take hers.

“It’s all right. She’s a bit nervous,” Simon said to a few nervous giggles in the church.

Eleanor shook her head from the murmurs. Think, Eleanor.

“I’m sorry, Eleanor. I cannot be your husband. You deserve more than what I can give you.”

Eleanor’s eyes flew open. He never once said he didn’t want her. He only said he could not give her what he thought she deserved. Oh, that blasted man always telling her what she needed and wanted. He was lucky he was not here.

Reality came crashing back down around her when Simon stepped into her line of sight. “Eleanor? We’re ready to get started.”

Eleanor blinked a few times. She turned her head to see her mother and she had walked the long aisle, and she was now, in fact, standing in front of handful of very influential and important society members. Member who were now all staring at her as if she had gone mad.

She looked back to Simon, who looked concerned but hopeful.

I can’t do this.

“Eleanor?”

“I can’t do this.” Her voice was just above a whisper as her mind and heart finally connected, making everything seem so crystal clear. The secret touches, the way he always seemed to be there, how angry he got when she flirted with other men. He wasn’t toying with her or proving a point; he wanted her as much as she did him. He just didn’t think he was right for her.

Simon laughed nervously as he raised a hand to the crowd to try alleviating their curiosity. “What was that darling?”

She looked up at him. “I can’t do this.” Her voice was clear and rang out into the congregation.

Simon had a look of complete devastation mixed with embarrassment when he took her by the elbow. “What do you mean you can’t do this?” His voice was coated in an eerie calm that caused Eleanor to take a step back.

With a slight tug, she was able to free her arm as she stepped back and repeated, “I can’t do this.” She picked up her skirts and took several more steps backwards. “I’m sorry, Simon; I can’t marry you.”

She turned and took a few more steps before the doors at the back of the church were thrown open.

“Stop!” a voice bellowed from the back of the church.

Everybody in the church turned in surprise.

Derek came running in and stopped halfway down the aisle.

Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat as she took him in. His hair was a mess, his shirt untucked and disheveled. He looked nothing like a regal Duke and everything like the man she loved.

“You can’t marry him,” Derek said, still catching his breath.

Simon charged to where Eleanor stood. “I demand to know the meaning of this.”

Eleanor shook her head slowly in disbelief. “I… He…”

Simon grabbed her shoulders, turned her towards him, and gave her a little shake. “Why is he saying you can’t marry me? Is he the reason why you said you can’t do this?”

Gasps and murmurs erupted throughout the church.

Derek took another step. “You said you couldn’t marry him?” The hope in his voice started to piece Eleanor’s heart back together.

She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He was magnificently beautiful and so real that Eleanor felt herself falling all over again.

With another shake, her focus was brought back to Simon. He leaned towards her. “Did he ruin you?” His harsh whisper pushed against her ear.

She pulled back, horrified.

Derek, who had kept walking towards her, was now in front of them. He took her hand and guided her towards him.

“Eleanor, please don’t marry him. I was a fool. I thought I didn’t have a chance with you,” he shook his head, “that I shouldn’t have a chance with you, but I don’t care. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll go to balls or the opera. Let me go to the children’s hospital with you, so we can paint pictures with them. I’ll be whoever you need me to be if it means I get to be with you. We can make this work. Please.”

Eleanor could have sworn she heard a few feminine sighs coming from the pews. She couldn’t blame them, she was completely swept away by his declaration as well.

“You don’t have to be anyone, but who you are.” Tears formed in her eyes, and finally, they were ones she welcomed.

Simon huffed, and for a moment, Eleanor forgot he was standing there. He took a step toward the Duke to square up against him. Unfortunately for him, he was woefully unmatched.

“If you think I’m going to let you come in here, disrupt my wedding, and make a fool out of me, you’re wrong.”

Derek narrowed his eyes at Simon. “We don’t have to make this any bigger than the spectacle I’ve already created which I own up to.” He looked back at Eleanor. “Let’s go,” he said with a devilish wink and smile. “Let the gossip do with this as they will.”

Simon’s hand crashed down on top of Eleanor’s free hand and held tightly.

“I don’t think so,” he growled.

Derek looked down at where Simon’s hand held Eleanor’s wrist.

“What is the meaning of this, Hountshire?”

Simon sneered. “You think I’m going to let you take someone of Eleanor’s caliber without any compensation.” Simon huffed out a laugh. “Come now, Your Grace,” he said with obvious sarcasm. “I thought you were a successful businessman. Surely there is some kind of arrangement we can make.”

Eleanor felt the blood drain from her face. She was never set on marrying Simon, no matter how many times she told herself that she was, but hearing how he truly felt for her made her sick to her stomach. She really was just a means to success to him. His way to be seen by the right people, to be considered important and valued.

Derek took a step towards Simon. An arm came from behind them and touched Derek’s shoulder. Eleanor and Derek turned to see William, Derek’s friend, standing there at the ready.

If Eleanor’s emotions weren’t so wrapped up in what was transpiring in front of her, she may have laughed at the comely man in spectacles rolling up his sleeves to help defend his friend.

Eleanor turned back to see the pure greed written over Simon’s face. Had it always been there? Had her guilt over her feelings for Derek overshadowed her judgement of the man?

Derek nodded to his friend before turning back to Simon.

In a low, calculated voice Derek spoke. “She is not a bargaining tool. She is more than you or anyone else in the godforsaken church sees,” he seethed. “She is grace and passion personified. The truth is no one here, not even me, deserves this woman. How dare you think you can shake me down for what? To own her? She is not a thing to be owned. In fact…”

Derek turned to Eleanor. “I just realized that I have done most of the talking. You are your own person, and you always have been. I admire your honesty, I’m in awe of your intelligence, and your compassion far exceeds mine. What do you want, Eleanor?”

Eleanor’s world stopped. No one had ever made her feel seen as this man did. He stripped all the etiquette lessons from her, tore down all the pretenses that came from living in high society all her life, saw what was left, and made her feel worthy and capable of love.

Not once in her life had someone asked what she wanted. It was just assumed she was to do what was expected of her.

For the first time, she found herself looking at her mother. Charlotte had a knowing smile on her face and gave her a little nod. Eleanor’s heart swelled. Have faith, and trust the process.

Eleanor turned back to Derek. “I want you, Derek. I’ve always wanted you.”

Derek swept her into her arms and kissed her.

The church broke out in excited chatter. Some nosy people swarmed the couple to ask their questions about the beginning of their relationship. Luckily, William and Sarah were there and did their best to dispel the curious onlookers. Even Beatrice was shooing them away with a copy of a hymnal.

Simon shouted over the din of the church, “This isn’t the last you heard of me, Graynor. Expect to hear from my solicitor.”

Eleanor broke the kiss. “Derek.” She went to turn towards Simon, but Derek held her in place. She heard of men suing for breach of the marriage contract, and she couldn’t let that happen.

Derek nodded to William, who stepped forward after politely telling an old woman to sit down lest he break her cane.

“William Pranton, Esquire. My card. We’ll be in touch.”

Eleanor watched the smooth transaction in disbelief. “You really have a man for everything.”

Derek smiled. “I told you, but there is something I have told you yet.”

Eleanor cocked her head to the side. “What is that?”

“I love you.”

Eleanor leaned up on her tip toes to capture his mouth again.

“That is one thing I will never tire of hearing, Your Grace.”

Derek raised an eyebrow. “After all we’ve been through, I think it’s finally time you officially call me by Christian name.”

Eleanor smiled. “It would be my honor, Your… Derek.”

Derek leaned down and kissed her once again.

There was applause and still some gasps and murmurs, but Eleanor couldn’t care less. Derek was right. Let the gossips do with this what they will. She was out of the marriage mart and was finally going to have the life she wanted all along.

She broke the kiss and gestured towards the back of the church. “I think it’s time we leave.”

Derek took in the chaos around him. “I think you’re right.”

The couple joined hands and ran to the back of the church. When they got outside, they found Charlotte waiting by the carriages. Beatrice and Sarah were already in one.

“Ah. I figured you two would want a quick getaway, so I took the liberty of calling for the carriages. The girls and I will take this one. You and Eleanor take the one behind ours.”

Eleanor hugged and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Mama. I had faith,” she whispered.

Charlotte laid a hand on Eleanor’s cheek. “I knew it would work out for you. Now, go on, get inside before those gossipmongers realize you’ve slipped outside.”

Eleanor climbed into the carriage. She turned to see Charlotte whisper something to Derek before she entered her carriage. Her statement gave Derek pause before he climbed into the carriage.

“What did my mother whisper to you?”

Derek shook his head and smiled. “She said I wasn’t fooling anyone, and she was right when she said you would be upset if I didn’t show up to your wedding.”

Derek and Eleanor looked at each other, baffled.

“You think she knew about us?” Eleanor asked as the carriage pulled away.

Derek shrugged. “Well, she’s not the first one to tell me my heart is louder than my mouth when it comes to you. Perhaps she did.”

Eleanor smiled. “I’m glad you came.”

“I’m glad you stopped the wedding before I got there. I was afraid I was going to be late. I promise not to be late to the next one,” Derek said with a wink that placed the final piece of Eleanor’s heart back into position.