Page 104 of Her Infuriating Duke

“Me too. When Simon disappeared after the party, I was worried he would take you with him out of spite. I won’t lie, the idea of coming back to this big empty house, just mother and I without you here was almost unthinkable.”

“I was worried he would ask, but it isn’t like he could have forced me. You didn’t need to worry. Even if he tried, I would have quit before I went with him.”

“I know you would try, but I didn’t know what he could offer you.”

“No amount of money would make me consider staying with him.”

Amber laughed. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Even if you weren’t, it’s too late to do anything about it now. You’re stuck with me, whether you like it or not.”

“Then it’s lucky for both of us that I do.”

The pair shared a giggle as Rose put the finishing touches on Amber’s hair.

“I still can’t believe how generous the Duke was!” Rose exclaimed.

“I know, he paid off Simon’s debts so Mother could keep the house, and all he had to do was agree never to come back!”

“How lucky for all of us,” Rose finished her ensemble before stepping back with a sigh.

“All right, you look perfect.”

“I thought we were done with the excessive praise.”

“I never agreed to that.”

“Then perhaps I should make it a rule when we move into Easton Manor.”

“You wouldn’t say something like that to me!”

“Who knows? Maybe I will. They say marriage changes people,” Amber insisted, crossing her arms.

“I don’t think it will.”

“I suppose only time will tell.”

“Speaking of time, it’s about time for you to get in the carriage, isn’t it?”

“Is it that time already? Time sure does fly.”

“I’m surprised. I thought you would be so nervous that the seconds would creep by.”

“I’m not nervous,” Amber said with an easy smile.

“Not even a little?”

“Not even a little. In fact, I’ve never felt surer of anything in my life.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, go on. I don’t want you to be late to your own wedding.”

Amber leaned in, pulling her maid and friend against her in a tight hug. “Thank you, for everything.”

“I’m just doing my job. You deserve to be happy.”

After a moment, Amber pulled back. “Right, I suppose I should get going.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

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