Page 55 of A Duke for Hire

“Quite the contrary,” Tristan replied, pulling his eyes to the paper in his hand. “First off, he wanted you to know that he has obtained the special license, and that you shall be married to him this coming Friday, at St. Mary’s Church at nine in the morning. There will not be time for a reception, he is regretful to say, as he must get back to Merrivale by midday. However you are welcome to invite your friends to his estate at their earliest convenience.”

Seraphina felt slightly disappointed at the lack of reception, but she nodded.

“Very well. Anything else?” She asked.

“Oh, plenty,” Tristan agreed.

“I have spoken to my parents and their invitation to stay with them still remains. However, His Grace has reserved a suite for you at theCrown Hotelif you feel you need a different option.”

Seraphina gaped.A suite at the Crown?It was the finest hotel in London, and though she had never been there herself, it was rumored that that they only had three suites in the top three stories, all of which took up the entire floor.

“In addition to that,” Tristan went on, “He has also made appointments for a jeweler and cordwainer to come here within the next hour so that you may choose jewelry and shoes. He made a note to insist that you choose several of each, not just for the wedding but for your new wardrobe.

“A hat maker and a fan designer will be arriving to wherever you may be staying on Wednesday to obtain your orders which will be ready before you leave for Merrivale on Friday.”

Tristan folded the list back up and tucked it back into his jacket.

“So,” he went on, “I must now ask you where you will be staying so that the stylists may arrive to the proper address.”

Still taken aback by such news, Seraphina turned to Theo for help.

“It is your choice, my darling,” Theo replied with a warm smile. “I would certainly not be offended if you chose theCrown Hotelover our house. Think of the experience you would have!”

Seraphina did think about it, and quickly made up her mind.

“Please tell His Grace that I am most touched by his care, but I would like to stay with Theo until Friday,” she said, reaching for her friends’ hands. In unison, all four of them reached for her. “I want to spend as much time with my ladies as possible.”

“Of course,” Tristan agreed.

Starting to feel giddy for the wedding, Seraphina then asked, “And what of my intended groom? Will I be seeing him at all before our nuptials?”

Tristan’s smile faltered a bit as he shook his head.

“I am afraid that our dear friend will be quite busy this week,” he replied, “Hence part of the reason I offered to come speak to you. He truly is up to his neck in meetings. Despite the talk circulating around him, quite a few gentlemen have been absolutely begging for his help with their ventures. When they found out he was going back to Merrivale on Friday, they descended upon our office like vultures.”

Seraphina felt a sliver of disappointment shoot through her upon receiving the news. She had been hoping to see him at least once more before the wedding. If for any reason to at least see that he was still sure that he wanted to go through with it. Yet she supposed with all the effort he was going through to make sure she was ready, he surely was too.

“Very well then,” She responded with an understanding smile. “Would you please let His Grace know that I am most thankful for his generosity, and that I shall see him on Friday at the church at two o’clock, sharp.”

“You know I will,” Tristan said as the bell on the door jingled again.

“Ah. It appears the jeweler and cordwainer have arrived,” he went on, waving them toward the front sitting room. “Well I shall leave you ladies to it. It seems you have a very busy night of choosing ahead of you. And Seraphina?”

“Yes?” She asked, looking back up to Tristan.

“One last thing. Hugo said to spare no expense. Hewantsyou to have what you want.”

Tristan paused, then took a step closer to her so he could speak in quieter tone.

“This man is far more wealthy than anyone in this town is willing to admit. He said to buy what makes you happy.”

A thought entered Seraphina’s mind, and she bit her bottom lip as she contemplated asking it. As if sensing it, Tristan waited patiently, despite no doubt having more important things to do.

“Ladies, come with me,” Madame Ollier urged, sensing a private talk was coming, “Let us put together a tray of tea and treats before we get back to our work.”

Seraphina gave all the women an appreciative smile, and was thankful for the comforting squeezes they each gave her hand before they disappeared into the back.

“Has he…” she ventured, already bracing against the answer, “Has he spoken to my parents at all?”

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