Page 56 of A Scarred Wallflower for the Duke
Georgina gave her sister a smile that made Vincent’s chest swell. “Yes, Lydia. We do.” Lydia grinned, clasping her hands together in front of her heart. “Although,” said Georgina, “I suspect we shall all have some explaining to do.”
“Indeed.” Vincent’s eyes darted around the group. “But perhaps we can put off explaining ourselves for a little while yet.” He felt a conspiratorial smile on his lips as the thought came to him. “Might I suggest a double wedding?”
ChapterThirty
Georgina and Lydia stood side by side, looking at their reflections in the mirror. Their wedding gowns were works of art. The seamstress had met every one of Lydia’s demands, even down to the silver stitching and the delicate floral embroidery. Georgina’s gown was much simpler, trimmed with the finest lace she had ever seen. When she had chosen the gown in the seamstress’s parlor all those weeks ago, she had not for a moment ever believed she might actually be wearing such a thing. Now it felt as though the gown had truly been designed and made for her alone.
“Can you believe it?” Lydia gushed. “We actually made it. I must admit, there were times that I did not imagine we would be so lucky.”
Georgina laughed. “Yes, I think I vaguely remember those times, Lydia. They usually happened around midnight when I was trying to sleep.”
Her sister giggled. “I’m sorry.” She flashed Georgina a smile. “I do not know what I will do now that I shan’t have you in the next bedroom, ready to solve all my problems in the middle of the night.”
“Well,” said Georgina with a smile. “With any luck, you shan’t have any more problems in the middle of the night.” She smoothed the silky skirts of her gown, turning in the mirror and admiring the way they skimmed the floor.
She ran a finger over one of the pearly scars on her cheek. Today, it did not feel like an imperfection. Today, it just felt like part of herself. Part of what made her who she was.
Lydia smiled at her sister’s reflection. “You look perfect, Georgie.” She reached for Georgina’s hand. “I am so grateful we have the chance to be married on the same day.”
“I am too.” Georgina grinned. “Provided we make it through the ceremony without any heads rolling.”
“And that,” Lydia said with a wry smile, “is no certain thing.”
A knock at the door made them turn. Their grandmother appeared in the doorway. At the sight of her granddaughters in their wedding gowns, a rare smile appeared on her lips.
“Goodness,” she said. “Look at the two of you. Your father would be so proud.” She stepped up to Lydia. “To think you are about to become a duchess. How utterly wonderful.” She turned to Georgina, taking her hand in both of hers. “And you, my dear. I am so grateful that fate has surprised us and found you a husband. Lord Renshaw is a very lucky young man.” There was a waver in her voice, and Georgina could tell her words were genuine.
“Thank you, Grandmother,” she managed, unable to look her in the eye.
“It is almost nine,” said the Dowager Viscountess. “We had best be on our way.” She gave a warm smile that almost looked out of place on her usually-stern face. “We do not wish to keep your future husbands waiting.”
* * *
Jane Wyatt could not help but feel a hearty sense of accomplishment as she took her seat in the front pew of the church. She had done her duty. She had seen her granddaughters to the altar. And what fine matches she had made for them!
To think, my Lydia will be a duchess!
And as for Georgina, well, Heaven knew how fortunate she was to have found a man like Renshaw, who was willing to take her as she was. Whatever strange quirks the fellow had that attracted him to his wife-to-be, she did not care. She was just grateful that Georgina would not be condemned to a life as a spinster.
Fate does often deliver the unexpected.
Jane smiled as Lord Renshaw and the Duke made their way into the church. As the door opened, she could hear the excited murmurs of the well-wishers waiting outside. The two men exchanged the briefest glances, the briefest smiles, then took their places on either side of the altar.
Jane found herself smiling at the Dowager Duchess of Levinton. That, of course, was the one downside to this union—that that insufferable woman would be a part of their family forever. Still, it was a sacrifice Jane was willing to make, in order to have a duke in the family.
The congregation rose and Georgina and Lydia appeared in the doorway, arms looped through their brother’s. Marcus’s chest was puffed out with pride as he walked them down the aisle.
They reached the altar, and…What are they doing?
The sisters crossed in front of each other, Lydia stepping to the left to stand by Lord Renshaw. And Georgina stepped to the right, looking up at the Duke with bright, sparkling eyes. Murmurs rippled through the congregation. Jane saw the Duke reach for Georgina’s hand and give it a tiny squeeze.
“Excuse me.” Everyone turned to see the Dowager Duchess on her feet. “What is this? There has been some mistake.” Her eyes were wide as they darted back and forth between the two couples.
“There has been no mistake, Mother,” the Duke said firmly. “I can assure you.”
The Dowager Viscountess stared, her heart beating hard. What was going on? This did not make sense. “But there—”
“Grandmother,” Marcus said brusquely, “you heard the Duke. There has been no mistake.” Jane had never heard her grandson speak with such authority before. She would almost have been proud of him if she were not so damn confused.
