Page 16 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

They stopped before the priest, and Christian gave her a sideways glance, a strange sensation building in his chest that he could not name.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”

Christian tried to concentrate on what was taking place around him, but it was damn difficult. He could feel her soft hand in his, the pale beauty of it contrasted by his darker tones. Somehow, that image made what he was about to do all the more real.

What would Marcus say if he were here? Would he approve of what you have done to his closest friend?

Christian swallowed, shifting his weight and keeping his eyes focused on the priest, trying to ignore the whirlwind of thoughts spinning around in his head.

They turned to face one another, and his stomach churned as he met her gaze. It reminded him of their first encounter in Northbridge Manor.

I have finally won. Her father has no power over me any longer. So why do I feel so guilty?

“Repeat after me…”

Christian spoke his vows as he was expected to, keeping his back straight, his gaze fixed on his bride, ensuring that no one in the congregation would see his inner turmoil.

But by the time Louise had spoken her vows and the priest pronounced them man and wife, Christian was struggling to keep his composure.

They turned to face the congregation, every eye on them as they each raised a hand to tumultuous cheers. Christian could not help but notice that Lady Northbridge had tears in her eyes—for good or ill, he did not know.

The Earl of Northbridge now stood beside his wife, clapping along with the rest of the crowd as though he had a right to be there.

In order to distract himself from the many pieces he had in play, Christian turned to look at Lady Louise.

Or rather, the new Duchess of Egerton.

She looked up at him, her expression guarded. Christian let his eyes rove over her lovely face for a few seconds before he leaned down, intending to claim her mouth with his. However, he paused when he saw her hesitate and kissed her reverently on the cheek instead.

The brief contact sent a spark of unexpected desire through him, startling in its intensity. He quickly straightened, shaken by the sensation and unsure what it meant.

As they began the walk back down the aisle, the cheers of the congregation filling the church, a surreal numbness spread through him. The weight of what had just happened settled on his shoulders like a heavy cloak, the faces of the crowd becoming a blur as his thoughts spun.

What have I done?

The wedding breakfast was held at the Duke’s townhouse. Louise could barely believe she was standing here as a newly married woman.

How quickly a life can change.

Her father had barely acknowledged her. As soon as her parents had taken their seats, and before the rest of the guests had even arrived, her father had a full glass of wine in his hand.

Louise tried to ignore the betrayal she felt deep within her, but she was unsuccessful. She longed to be alone, to escape all of these people, but there was little chance of that.

The Duke led her to their seats at the center of the table, and she sat down beside a beautiful olive-skinned woman whose gaze was kind and warm.

“It is strange to meet you for the first time at the wedding breakfast, my dear,” she said warmly.

The Duke loudly cleared his throat. “Duchess,” he said to Louise. “May I introduce my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Egerton?”

Louise looked up at him, utterly taken aback by his use of her new title. She had not been prepared for that, and the title was foreign and somewhat unsettling to hear.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace,” she offered quickly, giving the Dowager Duchess a weak smile.

The Dowager Duchess returned it warmly, but the Duke’s manner toward his mother was cold and rather stiff. Louise found herself wondering why that might be. But the Dowager Duchess was very pleasant to her—she did not seem to object to her son’s choice of wife, at least.

Looking around the room and hearing the excited chatter of the guests, Louise felt as though she were having a strange dream.

Surely she couldn’t be married to a man who talked to her so little on their wedding day, could she?

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