Page 101 of The Duke's Vice

Charlotte rested her head on the back of the chair. “We can’t do anything right the first time around. Both of your sisters walked down the aisle twice. Twice, Beatrice! I’m surprised people even showed up to this wedding and just didn’t wait for the next one.”

Beatrice heaved a sigh of relief before breaking into a fit of giggles.

“Mama. There will only be one wedding for me. And considering I didn’t want any at all, I say one is enough.”

Charlotte looked unconvinced. “Both of your sisters thought the same thing. Both of them walked down the aisle to men they barely knew or didn’t want, only for the man they did want to come barreling into the church and whisk them away while I’m left to explain to the congregation.” She looked up to Beatrice with wide eyes. “I can’t do that again!”

Beatrice swallowed. She never gave much thought to how her sisters ended up with their husbands but her mother was right. They both denied themselves of the truth and at the last minute fate stepped in and they married the man they were meant to be with.

Her lip began to tremble. “There is no other man for me, Mama.” She moved to the table where the vases of flowers stood. She needed to keep herself busy or unwanted thoughts would ruin what little hold she had on her emotions.

“That’s what I thought with your sisters.” Charlotte added.

Beatrice took a deep breath to steady herself. Her eyes drifted to the window and out to the beautiful summer morning. It looked so peaceful outside. Far different than the turmoil that was crashing around within her.

Soon, Beatrice. Get through this and your peace will come. You will be outside in the free air soon.

She watched as carriages pulled up and guests exited to make their way inside the small chapel. Lines of people in their best dresses and suits greeted each other and commented on the celebration.

People were completely oblivious to her heartache and the fallacy that was to become her marriage. She felt as if she were in the wings preparing for her biggest performance yet. She had played the curious younger sister, the coy debutante, the rebellious young woman, and now, the dutiful wife.

Her eyes landed on a lone carriage off to the side. The hired hackney looked out of place next to the prestigious and well kept carriages of theton.

Beatrice cursed her heart for wanting it to be Ezra.

I am not my sisters. He is not going to come in at the last minute and save me.

“I wonder who that belongs to?”

Her mother’s voice made her jump. Charlotte was now standing directly behind Beatrice looking out into the courtyard.

Beatrice shrugged. “I have no idea. You took over the invitations. The Queen herself could show up and I would be none the wiser.”

Charlotte laughed. “Oh, could you imagine? That would be a sight. Still, I doubt the Queen would be traveling in a hired hackney.”

Just then the door to the hackney opened and a gentleman stepped out. He was about Ezra’s size and Beatrice’s heart stuttered.

Her chest began to rise and fall with her quickened breaths.

Could it be?

The man turned and extended his hand to help a woman out of the carriage. She was a petite young woman with a bright, beaming smile on her face.

The couple turned and Beatrice’s hopes were once again dashed. The man was broader than Ezra with lighter hair. He escorted the woman past the window and into the chapel.

Beatrice cleared her throat. “Who were they?”

Charlotte was back to blotting her dress with a freshly wet handkerchief. “Hmm? Oh, sorry, my love, was trying to salvage this dress before I go out there and everyone sees.”

“I was just asking who that couple was. I didn’t recognize them.”

Charlotte waved her off. “I promise you, I only invited people we know. I learned my lesson with Sarah’s first wedding. Inviting the wholeton,” she scoffed. “Only to have them see her left at the alter. What a horrible experience.”

Charlotte walked over to the door and peeked her head into the vestibule that lead to the nave. From there she could see directly to the front of the church and the alter.

Beatrice smiled softly at her mother. “He still there?”

Charlotte turned and clapped her hands. “He is! We may be able to do this in one shot after all!”

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