Page 79 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“It was a lovely ceremony,” she told him as he led her out of the greenhouse they had decorated for the wedding.
When Seth had stated that he wished to have his wedding at Morland estate, Julian had been immensely confused as to why.
“I want to show mother that we are doing fine, you and I. You are happily married and I am about to make my way down that same route. I know that she was worried about us, when she passed away. She probably feared that we would’ve met the same fate she did – living out her days lonely and unloved – if we did not end up like our father. And none of that happens. I want to share it with her, like I get to share it with you.” Seth explained hopefully.
Julian had been silent for a moment, then he sighed.
“You have become disconcertingly mature, as of late. But all right. If you really wish to have it done here, then I will help you make the necessary preparations to accomplish that. You are right, mother deserves to witness this. Perhaps it will give her some peace of mind.”
The greenhouse had been the most ideal location to host the few guests that were to be in attendance to the wedding, and Anna’s maids worked tirelessly to put things in order for the occasion. Now that the ceremony had ended, all that was left wasthe wedding breakfast, which was to take place in the ballroom within the house.
Anna hoped that everyone involved would feel satisfied with the course of things so far.
“You are right. It was lovely, although I nearly ruined it for him.” Julian sighed.
“You were only trying to protect him, as you have done, countless times before. He understands that, and everything was fine in the end. Do not worry, dearest.” Anna reassured, soothingly rubbing his arm.
As they entered the house, Ellen rushed past them with a tray, only to stop when she realized who she had walked past. Slowly, she walked backwards until she was in front of her duke and duchess, bowing deeply.
“My apologies, Your Graces. I was merely in a hurry and I failed to notice you immediately.” She apologized.
“Where were you going to in such a hurry?” Anna enquired, concerned.
“The nursery, Your Grace. It seems Nicholas has awoken from his nap and is a bit fussy. I was just bringing him some food, in case he is hungry, Your Grace.” Ellen explained.
Anna had suggested that since the wedding would take place within their property, Nicholas should be kept in the nursey to be taken care of by the maids, while the events took place. Since the maids have looked after him properly before, she believed it would raise no issues.
Marjorie had done her best to be trusting, but she then insisted on being with her son until she was absolutely certain he was in good hands – which was a little over five minutes after the wedding ceremony was to have started.
But clearly, she seemed to have gained some trust in Ellen and the other maids sometime during the ceremony, because when Anna and Julian accompanied Ellen back to the nursery, the bride greeted them with a bright smile.
“How on earth did you get him to sleep so well? I was worried he would cry the entire time I was gone.” She asked the maid, gently patting Nicholas on the back.
“He likes it when Regina sings to him quietly, my lady. It never fails to lull the little one to sleep.” Ellen explained, setting the tray of food for the child on a table.
“Thank you. I cannot express just how thankful I am, honestly, but please know I am truly grateful. I shouldn’t have held any doubts, knowing that you were the ones who looked after him when I left him here. But I still worried, because I felt like I had committed an unforgiveable sin leaving him behind. And I’m trying to do better –”
“Marjorie,” Anna shushed her quickly, gently stroking her arms. “Do not harbor such thoughts on such a lovely day. You just married the love of your life! Seth is in the ball room, waiting to dance with you and Nicholas is doing fine. Leave the past where it is meant to be and enjoy the present.”
Marjorie nodded, smiling as Nicholas turned his head, seemingly searching for something or someone.
“I think he’s looking for you, Your Grace,” she laughed, holding Nicholas out to Anna. “He grew even more fussy than he had been the moment he heard your voice. Would you like to hold him?”
Anna looked down at Nicholas, her heart fluttering when he reached out of her with both arms, his face alight with joy.
“Y-Yes, I’d love to,” Anna mumbled, lifting the boy into her arms.
Nicholas blinked as he was moved into the embrace of someone other than his mother and when he looked up, the babble of glee that left his lips told Anna that he definitely recognized who was holding him.
With a watery laugh of delight, Anna held him closer, not surprised to realize that her adoration for the boy had not waned in the slightest.
“Aren’t you just the loveliest darling?” she muttered, bouncing him slightly in her arms.
Nicholas certainly agreed and he tried to let her know as vocally as he could – at least for someone his age – reaching out to pat her face with his open palm. Holding him like this, Anna recalled just how much she wanted a child of her own, how she yearned to start a family with her husband and fill their home with such adorable laughter.
As though Julian knew the thoughts swirling in her mind, as she looked up at him, he mouthed a single word to her that renewed her hope.
“Soon.”
