Page 13 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction (Dukes of Passion #3)
CHAPTER 13
“ Y ou look beautiful!” Caroline said, fixing Marina’s veil. “I’m still shocked you’re marrying the Duke of Blackmere, especially after calling him your worst enemy just weeks ago.”
Marina caught her friend’s gaze in the small chapel’s antechamber mirror. “Life takes unexpected turns, does it not?”
She smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from her cream silk gown, a simple but elegant creation that the Duke had delivered to her house only mere hours ago.
Four days had passed since Leo’s startling proposal, days filled with hasty preparations and an underlying sense of unreality. The special license had been obtained with remarkable speed through Leo’s connections, and now, here she stood, minutes away from becoming the Duchess of Blackmere—a transformation so sudden that Marina had scarcely had time to process it.
“It does indeed.” Caroline’s voice softened. “Though I hope this particular turn brings you happiness rather than merely convenience.”
Marina’s engagement had initially shocked her friend, but Caroline quickly helped with the rushed wedding preparations, despite her initial worries for Marina.
“Happiness is a luxury some of us can’t afford,” Marina replied. Noticing Caroline’s expression, she quickly added, “However, enhanced security and mutual respect are still important.”
A gentle knock interrupted their conversation. Harold’s kind face appeared around the door. “The clergyman is ready when you are. And may I say, you look every inch the Duchess you’re about to become.”
Marina’s throat tightened, and she felt tears well in her eyes. “Thank you, Harold. Both for your kind words and for agreeing to give me away.”
“The honor is entirely mine.” He offered his arm with a reassuring smile. “Now, shall we make your duke wait any longer?”
Marina took a deep breath and placed her hand on Harold’s arm.
She had faced worse challenges than walking down an aisle to marry a man who was at least offering her protection when she desperately needed it.
“Let’s go.”
Morning light filled the small chapel. Despite the hasty arrangements, someone had made sure that fresh flowers adorned the altar and pews. Their small number of guests turned at her entrance.
The Marquess of Blytheton looked surprisingly dignified in formal attire. Also in attendance were the Dukes and Duchesses of Irondale and Ashthorne, whom she’d only known anecdotally. When she looked toward the altar, she saw Leo, tall and commanding in his impeccable dark coat.
His expression was unreadable although something flickered in his eyes that might have been appreciation.
Marina kept her steps steady as she reminded herself that this was a business arrangement and nothing more. The flutter in her stomach at the sight of him was nerves, not anticipation.
The ceremony itself passed in a blur. Marina spoke her vows clearly, conscious of the small audience witnessing this unlikely union.
When Leo slipped a ring onto her finger—a magnificent sapphire surrounded by diamonds that had arrived just yesterday—the weight of it seemed to anchor the moment in reality.
This was happening. She was becoming the Duchess of Blackmere.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the clergyman said. “Your Grace, you may kiss your bride.”
Marina’s breath hitched. She hadn’t considered this part of the ceremony although of course it was tradition.
Leo’s eyes met hers, and then, with surprising gentleness, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers in a kiss so brief it was over almost before it began.
“Duchess,” he said, offering his arm.
“Duke,” she replied with equal formality and placed her hand on his sleeve.
They proceeded out of the chapel to the congratulations of their small party. Everyone made their way to Leo’s townhouse where a wedding breakfast awaited.
The dining room had been transformed. There were elegant floral arrangements on the tables, and champagne was already poured in crystal glasses.
“To the Duke and Duchess of Blackmere,” Lord Blytheton proclaimed, raising his glass. “May the nights ahead be as interesting as the stories that first brought you together.”
A shocked silence followed his toast.
“I mean—the-the events that brought you together,” the Marquess corrected himself, aware he’d narrowly revealed the Duchess’ secret.
“Always tactful, Blytheton,” Leo mumbled to him.
Marina felt a blush creep up her cheeks but managed a composed smile. “Thank you for your unique good wishes, Lord Blytheton.”
“He means well, but he has as much tact as a pig in a ballroom,” Leo murmured close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
Before she could respond, Harold stepped forward to offer his congratulations while Caroline embraced Marina tightly.
“Are you certain about this?” her friend whispered. “Everything has happened so quickly.”
“It is done now,” Marina replied softly. “And it’s for the best, truly.”
Caroline pulled back, studying her with concern. “You know where to find me if you need anything at all.”
“I do, and thank you.” Marina squeezed her hands. “Now stop looking so worried. This is a wedding, not a funeral.”
“A rather sudden wedding,” said a woman’s voice behind them.
Marina turned to find the Duchess of Irondale regarding her with curiosity. The Duchess of Ashthorne was beside her, looking quiet but curious.
“Your Graces.” Marina curtsied, uncertain of the protocol when addressing her new peers. “I am pleased you could attend on such short notice.”
“And miss the chance to meet the woman who captured Leo’s heart?” The Duchess of Irondale’s smile held genuine warmth beneath her teasing tone. “Gerard and I rushed back to London the moment we received word.”
“I trust we haven’t caused you any trouble,” Marina responded, aware of the flimsy excuse masking their rushed wedding.
“Not at all,” the Duchess of Ashthorne reassured her. “I have to admit, we are all quite intrigued by the sudden romance.”
Marina hesitated, not sure how to respond. How much had Leo told his friends about their arrangement?
“Some connections are impossible to ignore,” Leo said, appearing beside Marina. His hand settled lightly at the small of her back. “Don’t you agree, my dear?”
Marina glanced at him gratefully. “I do. Sometimes you simply know.”
The Duchess of Irondale raised an eyebrow at this, her skepticism barely concealed. Still, she kept her tone polite. “Then we’re delighted to welcome you, Marina—if I may call you that? We duchesses must support each other in this world run by gentlemen.”
“Of course. Marina is fine,” she replied. “I look forward to knowing you both better.”
Alice smiled warmly. “As do we. And please, call us by our names too. Won’t you come for tea next week? I have recently had my first child and haven’t gotten to leave the house much since, but I’d love your company.”
“That would be wonderful,” Marina said, genuinely touched.
Seraphina nodded politely. “We shouldn’t keep you any longer. Gerard has been waiting eagerly to offer his congratulations.”
As the two women walked away, Leo pressed his hand gently against Marina’s back. “You’re doing very well,” he said quietly.
“Did you think I’d fall apart?” she asked, keeping her voice steady.
“Not for a moment,” he said, smiling slightly. “But be warned—Noah is on his way, and it looks like he’s had too much champagne. Expect him to be more outrageous than usual.”
Sure enough, Lord Blytheton appeared before them, his handsome face filled with mischief.
“There’s the happy couple,” he declared. “Leo, you sly dog. All those years claiming you wouldn’t marry, and then you snatch up the most interesting woman in London before the rest of us even realize she’s available.”
“Marina was never available to ‘the rest of you,’” Leo replied dryly.
“And now she never will be,” Noah said with an exaggerated sigh. “A devastating loss to mankind.” He turned to Marina and winked. “If married life becomes too dull, I’d be delighted to provide inspiration for your next literary masterpiece, Your Grace.”
“Blytheton,” Leo growled in warning.
Marina placed a restraining hand on her new husband’s arm. “I appreciate the offer, Lord Blytheton, but I suspect my duke will provide all the inspiration I require.”
The Marquess threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, I like her. Well done.”
As the breakfast continued, Marina found herself approached by the two other dukes, Gerard and Dorian, who welcomed her with surprising warmth. The warmth from them and their wives eased the tension Marina had been feeling since the ceremony.
When it was time to leave, Marina found herself genuinely touched by the support shown by this small circle of friends. Even Caroline seemed more relaxed and chatted with Alice about her new baby while Harold was with Leo and Dorian in what appeared to be a serious discussion about investments.
As the wedding guests departed, Marina stood beside Leo at the door and accepted more congratulations and promises of future visits.
Unexpected tears welled in Caroline’s eyes as she hugged Marina one last time and whispered, “Be happy.”
Then they were alone—or as alone as one could be in a house filled with servants.
The silence between them stretched uncomfortably as they stood in the entrance hall, no longer surrounded by their guests.
“I’ve instructed the housekeeper to prepare your chambers for you,” Leo said finally. “Your things from Mount Street arrived this morning and have been unpacked.”
“Thank you.” Feeling lost in this new world, Marina fiddled with the unfamiliar ring on her finger.
This morning, she had been Lady Asquith, and now, she was married to a man she had known for less than a month.
“Betty has been assigned quarters near yours,” Leo continued. “I assumed you’d want to keep her close.”
Marina nodded, touched by his consideration. “She has been with me for a long time. I appreciate you accommodating her.”
An awkward silence fell again. Marina glanced at the staircase and wondered if she should retire to these new chambers he’d mentioned.
“Would you care to see the rest of the house?” Leo offered, clearly sensing her discomfort. “You will need to know your way around.”
“Yes, I would.” Marina accepted his arm.
Leo proudly showcased the townhouse’s elegant rooms, pointing out a painting from Italy, family books inherited from his grandfather, and a captivating garden view, especially lovely in the morning sun. Marina felt relief as the awkwardness between them began to fade.
“The housekeeper will provide a more thorough tour tomorrow,” Leo said as they completed their circuit on the upper floor. “Including the domestic areas you’ll need to manage.”
Marina nodded, suddenly daunted by the weight of her new title. Managing a grand household, stepping gracefully into the endless whirl of a duchess’ social duties, none of this had ever been part of her world.
As though sensing her unease, Leo offered gently, “You needn’t trouble yourself too much. The staff is quite capable. They have managed splendidly whenever I’ve been away. You can take all the time you need to become familiar with everything.”
Marina released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Thank you,” she murmured softly. “It’s just all rather overwhelming.”
“For us both,” Leo agreed, his expression softening slightly. “But I believe we’ll adapt. We’re both practical people after all.”
They had reached what appeared to be her new chambers. It was decorated in soft blues and creams. Through the partially open door, Marina glimpsed Betty arranging items on a dressing table.
“I shall leave you to rest,” Leo said, stepping back. “Dinner will be served at seven if you would like to join me. Otherwise, I can have a tray sent up.”
His courtesy reminded Marina that despite the wedding band on her finger, they remained virtual strangers.
“I’ll join you,” she said. “There’s much we should discuss about… arrangements.”
Leo nodded, his expression unreadable. “Until then, Duchess.”
As he walked away, Marina entered her new chambers and closed the door behind her with a soft click. Betty looked up, and her round face broke into a relieved smile.
“There you are, My Lady—I mean, Your Grace.” The maid bobbed a quick curtsy. “I’ve almost finished unpacking your things. The wardrobe’s still a bit sparse, but His Grace mentioned something about sending for a modiste tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Betty.” Marina moved to the window and gazed out at the unfamiliar view of an elegantly landscaped garden. “It appears our circumstances have improved quite rapidly.”
“It’s a fine match, if you don’t mind me saying,” Betty ventured. “The Duke seems like a good man for all his particular ways.”
Marina turned from the window with a slight smile. “He’s offering protection when we need it most. For that, I’m grateful.”
She didn’t add that gratitude was a poor foundation for marriage or that she still struggled to understand Leo’s true motives.
As Betty helped her change from her wedding gown into a more comfortable day dress, Marina wondered what the coming days and weeks would bring.
She had survived one loveless marriage, so she knew she could endure another. But something about the way Leo had looked at her during their vows, the gentleness of his ceremonial kiss, suggested this union might differ from what she expected.
Whether that difference would prove beneficial remained to be seen.