Page 8 of His Godsent Duchess
Glancing to her left, she caught sight of the girls, Cassidy and Amelia, then two older ones she guessed were Kitty and Agnes. Their eyes were large and hopeful, and the grins on their faces positively melted Christina's heart. Their innocent joy contrasted sharply with the somber mood that surrounded her.
She reminded herself that she was marrying Kilton because she wanted to help them remain spirited and not have their light diminished by their stern father. The thought gave her a flicker of resolve, anchoring her amidst the torrent of emotions. Her eyes moved to the woman standing beside the children. The governess? The woman's face was cold, and her dark hair was brushed back into a tight knot at her nape, giving her a most severe appearance.
A slight cough drew Christina's attention to her right, where she found her mother glaring at her. Helen's eyes bore into her with an intensity that demanded compliance. Helen made a small, insistent gesture with her hand, waving for Christina to pay attention to the parson.
The parson's voice rose with authority, "I now pronounce you man and wife." The finality of the words echoed in Christina's mind, a bell tolling for the life she had known.
More knots tightened in Christina's stomach as Kilton turned to her. His movements were deliberate, each one amplifying her anxiety. She swallowed, hoping for a smile, but he merely inclined his head.
Cheers erupted, primarily from her family. The sound was loud and dissonant, overwhelming her senses. Her parents looked overjoyed, and Christina could not dismiss the feeling that they were happy to be rid of her at last. Her mother's smile was wide and unrestrained, her father's eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
As they turned to walk down the aisle together, Christina felt the weight of her new life pressing down on her, the cold touch of her husband's arm reminding her of the uncertain future ahead. The world seemed to close in around her, her shoulders heavy with resignation.
The girls surrounded them, their voices a cheerful cacophony as they spoke all at once.
"Oh, Father, can we?—"
"Did you see?—"
"May we show?—"
The governess immediately cut through the noise with a sharp command. "Girls, that is enough! Maintain your decorum and remember your manners." The girls immediately quieted, their faces falling into rueful expressions. Their earlier excitement dimmed, replaced by a subdued obedience. Christina's eyes narrowed slightly, noting the change in their demeanor.
The governess looked to Kilton and curtsied in an almost exaggerated manner. "My felicitations, Your Grace. This is a most festive occasion." She fluttered her lashes ever so slightly, and Christina blinked. The woman's behavior struck her as incongruous, unsettling in its sycophancy. She turned to her husband to see whether he was taking part in this impropriety. His gaze was on Christina.
Although his demeanor was still carved in stone, there was a gleam in his eyes that made heat crawl up her cheeks. She was suddenly aware of his warmth, and how tall and strong he looked.Gather your wits about you, Christina.
Her parents approached. Her father congratulated Kilton with a firm handshake. "Well done, Kilton. A splendid match, if I may say so."As though you did not force this match, dear Father.
Her mother wore the brightest smile Christina had ever seen. "Oh, my dear. You make a lovely bride," she said, her eyes shimmering with satisfaction. At last, Christina though,I have done something ‘right'.
Annie then stepped forward and hugged Christina tightly. "I am so happy for you, Sister," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine affection. The embrace was warm and firm, holding Christina in the midst of her emotional storm. Christina's throat immediately tightened. She did not want to leave Annie. Not like this—and certainly not in their parents' clutches.
Joanna and Juliette were next, their faces alight with excitement. "Christina, you were marvelous!" Joanna exclaimed. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she clasped Christina's hands in hers. "Simply stunning," Juliette added, squeezing her hand. The shared enthusiasm brought a fleeting smile to Christina's lips.
Kilton cleared his throat and gestured to his daughters. "Allow me to introduce my daughters. This is Katherine, the eldest."
Katherine curtsied politely, her smile shy. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace." Her voice was soft, almost tentative, and Christina instantly noticed how alike Katherine and Cassidy looked, both with blonde curls and bright green eyes. There was also something akin to sadness in her eyes that reminded Christina of Annie.
"And this is Cassidy," Kilton continued.
Cassidy followed suit with a curtsy and a grin. "Delighted, Your Grace." Her energy was infectious, and Christina found herself returning the smile.
"This is Amelia," Kilton said, as Amelia curtsied.
"An honor to meet you again, Your Grace." Amelia was a spitting image of the Duke, and so was the little one that stepped forward, clutching a yellow rose. The resemblance was striking, from the dark hair to the determined set of their jaws.
"And lastly, Agnes," Kilton finished, his voice dropping as though he was relieved to be through with the introductions.
Agnes stumbled through her curtsy, her eyes bright. "Very pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I plucked this especially for you." She held out the rose with a look of pure innocence and pride.
"Oh, that is very sweet of you." Christina took the rose and raised it to her nose. "I shall treasure it." She smiled warmly at them. The simple gesture touched her deeply, a small beacon of kindness in the sea of formality. "It is my pleasure to meet all of you. I hope we shall become good friends."
"I am sure we shall!" Agnes said. Her enthusiastic response was met with nods from her sisters, and Christina felt a glimmer of hope.
Christina drew Annie toward her. "Allow me to introduce my dear sister, Annie."
"We have already met her," Agnes giggled. "She said her name is Lady Annabelle."
