Page 21 of The Duke and the Scarred Bride

While Lieutenant Colonel Weston was no longer in active service, he still worked with the Armed forces, obtaining intelligence about the French. And while the life of a spy was not as violent as that of a soldier, it was still as treacherous.

“You do not seem interested in getting to know me, Your Grace.”

Louisa’s voice nudged Percival back to reality. When he looked up, he saw the look of concern in her eyes behind her bright smile. She must have noted his somber mood and was trying to cheer him up, and for that he was grateful.

“I know enough,” he said, gazing intently at her. “I know your name, your love for your family and sweets. I would know more.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

They eventually moved closer to Isabella and Duncan, and Percival waved over the serving maid and paid for the refreshments the entire party had consumed.

“You did not have to,” Louisa murmured after he had bid her sister and her husband goodbye.

“I wanted to,” he reassured her. “I guess this is goodbye,” he said when his hired hackney arrived. “I will see you at the wedding.”

“I will see you at the wedding,” she echoed, waving as the vehicle pulled away.

In a few days, she would be married to this mysterious man, and she had years ahead of her to peel back the layers of his personality if he would let her.

She suspected she was up for a challenge, and for the life of her, she felt no fear, but rather a sense of anticipation.

Chapter Seven

“You look ravishing, my dear,” Lady Langham cried, wiping the corner of her eyes. “I believe you’re the most beautiful bride ever.”

Louisa rolled her eyes at the exaggeration, but as she sat at the vanity and stared at her reflection in the mirror, she was inclined to agree. She could hardly recognize the beautiful lady staring back at her—her maid had truly overdone herself.

Her wedding gown was a beautiful velvet sapphire-blue piece, the colour suiting her pale skin. The silver beadwork on the fitted bodice and the hem of her dress reflected the sunlight, giving her an ethereal glow. It was almost hard to believe that such a beautiful gown was made on such short notice. It must have cost her family a fortune.

Her hair was swept up in an elegant updo, a few strands let down to frame her face. A silver tiara was placed over it, just above theveil they would lower over her face later. It, too, glinted with the sapphires that lined it.

She felt like a queen—a very beautiful one at that. Her maid had cleverly hidden her scar with well-placed powder, and if one didn’t look too closely, they wouldn’t see it at all.

With the scar a little less noticeable, she looked nearly perfect, but it was unnerving. She had come to see her scar as a part of her she didn’t need to hide, so with it being barely visible now, she couldn’t help but feel plain.

Considering that she had little to no rest while trying to make sure everything was perfect for the wedding in such short notice, she must say that it was worth it.

“Your Duke would be struck dumb when he sees you,” Isabella commented, hugging her from behind and bending to place a kiss on her cheek. “You look absolutely beautiful, Louisa. I am almost jealous.”

“I prefer my husband speaking, thank you very much,” Louisa replied with a teasing smile, and Isabella laughed in response.

“You look absolutely ravishing, dear sister,” Selina gushed, tears gathering in her eyes.

“Thank you,” Louisa said, feeling the build-up of moisture at the back of her eyes. To distract herself, she asked, “What aboutmy favourite nephew? Do not tell me you left him with the wet nurse.”

“As if he would agree,” Selina sniffed. “He is having the time of his life in his father’s arms. Sometimes I am positive that he forgets I exist—except when he is hungry, of course.”

Louisa laughed at the look of frustration on her sister’s face. At that moment, when nervousness and anxiety would have made mincemeat out of her, she was grateful to Selina for making her laugh.

“Thank you,” she whispered to her, and she just nodded. “How did you know I was nervous?”

“I am married, remember?” Selina smiled. “It is only normal.”

“I feel like my stomach is going to explode.”

“It will calm down once you see him. Although we should prepare you for your wedding night, so you do not faint.” Selina laughed, while Isabella snickered.

Their mother reddened but nodded nonetheless.

Louisa had not told them that her marriage with the Duke would never be consummated, but she kept silent as they lectured her, sometimes going so far that her mother had to shush them. She was flushed by the time they finished and unable to see her sisters or their husbands the same way.

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