Page 3 of His Forsaken Duchess
Her marriage to the Duke of Haremore was an arrangement of convenience, devoid of the complications and risks of affection. It was precisely what she wanted: a life of freedom within the respectable bounds of marriage.
Grace studied her for a moment, then reached out to take her hand. “Are you ready, my dear?”
“I am,” Audrey replied with a firm nod.
Rising gracefully, she allowed her gaze to sweep over her reflection in the tall mirror. The sight of her elegant dress, perfectly styled hair, and the heirloom pearls gleaming at her throat filled her with quiet satisfaction. She smiled to herself.
Today will be unforgettable.
Grace took her arm, and together they descended the grand staircase. At the foot of the stairs her father, George Winslow, the Earl of Stonebridge, was pacing the marble floor of the front hall. Lilianna and Clarise hovered near the door, theirexcitement palpable as they whispered and exchanged furtive glances.
The Earl turned sharply at the sound of footsteps, his gaze landing on Audrey and Grace. His expression was inscrutable as his eyes scanned Audrey’s form, taking in every detail of her attire.
Audrey felt a flicker of unease, her hands tightening briefly around the folds of her dress. Was that approval in his eyes, or disapproval? She could not tell.
“What took you so long?” he asked brusquely, breaking the silence.
Grace responded sweetly, her voice as smooth as silk, “It is Audrey’s wedding day, My Lord. Perfection cannot be rushed.”
He grunted, his eyes lingering on Audrey for a moment longer before he turned and strode toward the open door.
“The carriage is waiting,” he announced, before stepping outside.
Audrey drew in a measured breath, lifting her chin as she followed, her stepmother’s arm still linked with hers. Her sisters’ excited chatter and the crisp autumn air outside promised a day unlike any other.
Let it begin.
The church was everything Audrey had envisioned. Pale pink and white peony garlands were draped elegantly along the pews, their soft fragrance mingling with the cool air of the nave. The sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast a golden hue on the assembled guests. Her family and closest friends were all watching as she entered on her father’s arm.
The Earl of Stonebridge walked stiffly beside her, his grip firm and perfunctory, as though this was any other duty he was obliged to perform.
Audrey kept her head up high, her steps measured. Her eyes, however, were fixed on her betrothed. The Duke of Haremore stood at the altar, his back straight, his black wavy hair catching the light. Broad shoulders and a tall, commanding figure completed the image of a man the ton would envy.
She allowed herself a private smile.
An enviable prize, indeed.
The entire room would marvel at her good fortune, and tonight, at the reception, she would bask in the admiration of everyone.
The Duke turned as she approached, and her smile widened, warm and inviting. He was handsome, strikingly so, with sharp cheekbones and the deep, earthy brown eyes she had heard so much about. But his face was unreadable, his expression as unyielding as stone.
Audrey’s steps faltered slightly, though she quickly recovered, masking her surprise.
As she came to stand beside him, she muttered under her breath, her tone light but pointed, “Do smile, Your Grace. Everyone is watching.”
His eyes flicked to hers, holding them for a long moment. No smile came. He turned away without a word, fixing his gaze on the vicar. Audrey stiffened, her hands tightening around her bouquet.
What a brute!
She exhaled slowly, reminding herself to be patient.
Perhaps he is nervous. Weddings do seem to unnerve men of a certain temperament.
The ceremony began, the vicar’s solemn voice echoing through the church. Audrey repeated her vows with poise, each word deliberate and clear. When the Duke spoke, his voice was steady, yet there was no warmth, no indication that he felt anything at all. As the vicar pronounced them man and wife, Audrey barely resisted the urge to glance at him, seeking even the slightest shift in his demeanor. None came.
When he offered her his arm, she took it, her gloved fingers resting lightly on his sleeve. Together, they walked back downthe aisle, the murmurs of the guests a soft hum in the background.
“The arrangements came together beautifully,” Audrey said softly, glancing up at him. “The wedding breakfast will be a splendid affair. I took great care to ensure that everything was perfect.”
