Page 91 of The Duke Says I Do
To the devil with them all. Except Kate. She wanted Kate to understand and approve. “He’s not like that at all. When you come to know him, you’ll love him, too.”
“He and Juliet always struck me as the ideal couple. Not you and him. Granville isn’t looking to you as a stand-in for the woman he really wants?”
Portia tried not to wince. She’d have to get used to hearing about Juliet and Alaric. To think, one of the things that she’d always valued about Kate was her plain speaking.
“No, he really loves me.” Portia doubted her ability to become a suitable duchess, but she didn’t doubt Alaric’s love. Which was lucky, given Kate’s misgivings. She spread her hands in an expansive gesture. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m so happy, I feel like I could fly. I’ve never been so sure of anything as I am that Alaric is the only man for me.”
Kate grimaced. “Dear Lord, forgive me. Here I am trampling all over your news. I’m the last person to question a match between apparent opposites. Everyone thought Leighton came down terribly in the world when he married me, after all. If you’re contented with your choice, then I’m overjoyed for you.”
Portia smiled. “Thank you. Thank you for believing in me.” She leaned forward to embrace her friend.
The hug helped. It really did. By the time they drew apart, they both wiped away tears.
“You’re a smart woman. If you say Alaric Dempster is the man for you, he gets my endorsement.” Kate gave a husky giggle. “But you do have to tell me everything. Shall I pour us some tea? I might ring for a fresh pot. That one will be stewed now.”
Portia was back to smiling. “I’d love a cup of tea and a good chat, but time’s of the essence and I need your help.”
Kate went back to looking shocked. “Dear heaven, did you say you were getting married…today? It’s already ten o’clock.”
Portia laughed. “I did. Alaric is at St. James’s right now, arranging the ceremony. I assume he’ll send a note, once he’s spoken to the rector.”
“But…but what about banns and guests and a dress and a reception and—”
“Alaric has a special license. My dress is in Betty’s bag.” A new gown that she’d bought last week with a view to dazzling Alaric. “I’m hoping you and Leighton might consent to be our witnesses. In fact, I‘m hoping you’ll let me get ready here.”
“What about your father?”
“The plan is to tell him tonight after we’re married.”
“Just before you move into Dempster House?” Kate asked drily.
Portia shrugged. “You know what he’s like. Alaric and I want today to be about us.”
Kate’s smile was brilliant with approval. “Then let’s make it thus.”
Portia beamed at her friend. “I can be married from your house and you’ll attend the ceremony?”
“I’d be honored. So will Leighton.”
“Thank you.” Portia hugged Kate again. “There’s nobody I’d rather have with me on the best day of my life.”
Kate stood and crossed to pick up Richard, who was gurgling happily in his cradle. He was a restless baby, so Portia was grateful that for the moment, his mood was sunny. “Let’s findLeighton and tell him his presence is requested, then you and I will go upstairs and make you look utterly spectacular.”
Portia rose as well. “You’re going to be my attendant as well as my witness?”
“Just try and stop me.”
***
A footman opened the door when Granville arrived at the Shelburns’ mansion. He’d known Leighton Anstey, Lord Shelburn most of his life but had never paid a social visit. They moved in different circles, especially in earlier days when Shelburn had been more famous as a rake and a reprobate than today’s blissfully happy family man. Granville had only been inside the house once before, when he attended the recent ball to dance with Portia.
Now he mounted the steps two at a time to collect the bride he loved with all his heart.
The footman brought him into an attractive morning room, where the Shelburns sat with Portia. She surged to her feet and rushed over to take his hands. “Alaric, I thought you’d send a message.”
He smiled at her. He’d been smiling all day, he was just so damned euphoric. “I decided to come myself. By heaven, you’re gorgeous. I’m the luckiest man alive. That’s a lovely dress.”
Portia glanced down at the ice-blue satin gown that brought out the color of her beautiful eyes. “This old thing?”
