Page 68 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

"Help me."

She nodded and took the garment from him, pushing him to sit at the edge of the bed. He obeyed and had a look on his face that reminded her of Diana as a child.

She smiled fondly and ruffled his hair with her hands as she would a child. She wondered for a brief moment if this was how his child would be.

When she was done tying it, she stepped back to admire her handiwork and smiled to herself.

"You look handsome."

He smiled and rose to fix his hair in the mirror.

"Thank you." He said.

She half expected a compliment but he said nothing and her face fell.

"Where is my mother?" he asked, turning to her and she fixed her face.

"She’s waiting in the parlor. I’m sure guests are arriving now. We need to head downstairs."

"Alright." He told her, leading the way.

He led her down the stairs and kissed his mother’s cheek.

"You look divine." He complimented and the woman tittered like a little girl.

Victoria tried not to feel bad but she couldn’t help the pang of hurt that crossed her heart. He had not even noticed the effort she had put into her outfit but she couldn’t dwell on the negative feelings because her sister and father arrived with her sister’s baron in tow.

"Father! Charity!" She cried rushing to hug them.

"Victoria!" they answered, hugging her.

"You look wonderful!" Charity cried.

"Thank you, sister."

"How are you, Father?" Victoria asked, still nervous about meeting his eyes.

They had not really talked much since before the wedding and she knew she had shamed him immensely.

"I am well, daughter." He smiled at her. "You look wonderful. I am glad the duke is taking good care of you."

"He is." She smiled.

"Your Grace, it was a pleasure to receive an invitation to your home."

She turned back to see Robert, the Baron of Wentford, and her sister’s love, greet Anthony. He was young and handsome and had an awed look on his face as he shook her husband’s hand.

"It is my pleasure to have you here as well, Lord…"

"Wentford, Your Grace," he answered, eyes wide. "The Baron of Wentford."

Her husband nodded.

"I hope you enjoy the party." He told him.

The baron nodded and let himself be led in by an excited looking Charity and she smiled as she watched them.

They were both so excited that Charity had forgotten to introduce him to her. She would get around to greeting them later.

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