Page 81 of Married to the Cruel Duke

“Are you feeling all right, your grace?” Mary asked as she valiantly attempted to do the fidgety woman’s hair.

“Of course I am. I’m just eager to get down stairs so I can make sure everything is ready.”

“You checked most of it before you came up and everything was on track then, wasn’t it?”

“I suppose, but there is always more that needs done.”

She frowned. “I’m not sure if that’s true.”

“Of course it is.”

“But at a certain point, aren’t you just making work for yourself so you have something to worry about?”

Rebecca frowned. “I think everything I can think of to worry over very much worth worrying about.”

Mary made an odd face. “What ever you say, your grace. I just want you to know I am sure everything will go wonderfully for you.”

“Thank you,” she sighed. “I just hope you’re right.”

Mary just smiled for a moment before stepping back. “There, I’m all done with your hair. Do you need anything else before you go down?”

“No, I think that should be everything for the moment, but thank you for asking.”

“Then I will see you after the party. I can’t wait to hear how it went.”

“As though you won’t hear about everything from the rest of the staff long before you see me.”

Mary hid her smirk with a curtsy. “I hope you have a wonderful evening, your grace.”

“Thank you. So do I,” Rebecca said before making her way down stairs.

She paced from the parlor to the dining room over and over again, making sure everything was perfect. She checked the place settings, the seating cards, parlor’s set up, she even went down to the kitchen once to make sure all was well there. She was on her tenth check of the dinning room William came over to her.

“There’s nothing to be so nervous about,” he assured, placing a hand on her shoulder. You are going to do great.”

“I hope you’re right,” she sighed leaning into his touch.

“Of course I’m right. Do you want to tell me what part in particular has you so worked up.”

“I think it’s just a bit of everything.”

He frowned. “So there’s nothing in particular you’re worried about.”

She hesitated.

“You can tell me, whatever it is, I’m here for you.”

“I know. If I’m honest, I suppose I’m just a bit worried about my family.”

“I can understand that, but you don’t need to be so worried. Things will be different here.”

“I hope you’re right, but what do we do if they try and cause a scene?”

“If they try something like that, then we’ll handle it.”

Rebecca paused, nodding for a moment. A frown creased her face. “It means a lot knowing you have my back in a situation like that, but even if they try, we should do our best to avoid stooping to their level.”

“What do you mean when you say that? They are your family and this is your party so I want to know what you would want if something happens.”

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