Page 73 of Cherish and the Duke
“Does it feel odd to you? It does a little to me,” she admitted. “But whatever problems come up, we shall work them out. Forme, there can be no problem too great to solve between us. I do not see how anything can be more important than spending my life with you.”
He nodded and kissed her on the nose, then took a moment to check her room to make certain nothing was amiss. “I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.”
She cast him an endearing smile. “Pleasant dreams, Gawain.”
“Same to you, love.”
Cherish, for all her common sense and shy demeanor, sparkled at the endearment. Yes, they would figure out the living arrangements and sleeping arrangements without difficulty once they settled into married life.
*
Gawain’s sleep wascalmer than it had been in years, obviously Cherish’s influence. He awoke the following morning to an incredibly beautiful day, the sky a deep and striking azure blue. A cool breeze off the misty waters also cooled his skin as it wrapped around his body.
He had returned to his bedchamber now that Lady Albin had vacated it. No doubt Reggie was thrilled to no longer have his ogre uncle sharing his quarters and ensuring he remained celibate.
Well, Reggie was not going to stray, since he appeared to have settled on Margaret. Her parents were with her at this party and no doubt closely watching their precious dove. Even if they were not, Margaret was another innocent like Cherish. Reggie would not visit her and soil her before they were betrothed.
Gawain usually took care of grooming and dressing himself, never particularly liking to be fussed over by a valet. But he did not protest when Fiona sent her late husband’s valet to him with the express direction that he look his best for his wedding day.
He allowed the valet to take extra care in his grooming. The man checked on his bathwater, and also took over the task of shaving him. He made certain Gawain’s suit was freshly pressed and in perfect condition. Tied his cravat.
Dear heaven.Gawain had been doing this for himself since he was the age of six.
The man even measured precisely how much shirt cuff to show beyond the sleeve of his jacket. After what seemed an eternity, Gawain was pronounced ready.
He strode down the hall to make certain Cherish was awake and getting ready herself. He needn’t have worried about her oversleeping this morning, for the entire household appeared to be up and already stirring like bees about a hive.
Fiona’s maids looked quite harried as they bustled up and down the hall to attend to everyone who would join them at the parish church within a few hours.
Cherish’s door was open, and he could hear her chattering with several ladies. But as he was about to stride in, Fiona and Margaret, obviously the ladies she had been talking to, came down on him like a pair of shrieking banshees and pushed him away. “Stay out!” they cried, slamming the door in his face.
“Blessed saints,” he muttered, and stalked away.
So what if he wanted to look in on Cherish? Was it not right that he should see to her care? They would be husband and wife within two hours. Would the sky fall in if he happened to catch a glimpse of ankle or a hint of creamy flesh?
With a shake of his head, he marched to Reggie’s quarters and was pleased to receive a warmer greeting from his nephew. “Uncle, isn’t this a marvelous day for a wedding?”
He smiled at the lad. “Yes, Reggie. Are you almost ready?”
“Another moment and I’ll be done.” Reggie’s valet was just straightening his cuffs when Gawain strode in. “How is Cherish?”
“I’m not sure,” Gawain said with a grunt. “I almost had my head lopped off when I tried to see her. Fiona and Margaret are standing guard and allowing no one in. I assume they will have her ready shortly.”
Reggie had a mirthful gleam in his eyes. “I love Fiona, but she can be irritatingly headstrong when it comes to having her way. She was determined to match you with Cherish, so I have no doubt she will get Cherish to the church on time, even if she has to carry her on her back.”
Gawain grinned.
Reggie’s gaze turned affectionate. “Any second thoughts, Uncle?”
Gawain shook his head. “Not a one, incredible as it seems considering my marriage-averse reputation. I am amazed how easily everything falls into place when one has found the right person to share one’s life.”
“I’m sorry it took you so long to meet her. But the important thing is that you recognized her worth and did not let her slip away.”
“Thanks to Fiona’s prodding. I suppose I needed to be set up. You took on your role with much enthusiasm.”
“Uncle, please know I was not aware of her game until it was well underway. But I will admit to heartily joining in once I learned of it. Am I forgiven?”
“I am the one who owes you the apology.”
