Page 130 of A Duchess to Fight For
Amelia knew why Frederick went to Manchester when he did; she just couldn’t figure out why he didn’t get in a carriage and come back in time for the wedding. What could possibly hold him up from making his way home?
He knew how important this wedding was to Louisa. He saw how happy she was while she planned it. It was such a joyous time for them all. Whatever was happening in Manchester must have been dire indeed. His normal business wouldn’t keep him away like this.
Again, Amelia worried that he was injured and all alone up there without his family to help. She would never tell Louisa her fear, but the closer the wedding day came, the more concerned she became. She hadn’t had any correspondence from him in the last three days.
*****
Louisa told Percy he couldn’t come over the day before the wedding. She was far too busy to see him.
He thought, ‘I’m only the groom. Not very important at all. Pushed aside for wedding plans.’
He shook his head. ‘It’s a good thing she’s coming home to a new project. This has taken so much of her time she will have to find something to occupy her. Hopefully, by the time the townhouse is done, she will be expecting, and that will occupy her time.’
Kent and Cecil weren’t around. Frederick was away still. They were all beginning to worry he wouldn’t make it. He was certainly cutting it close. That left Hobart.
“Hi, Hobart. Did you miss me?” Percy said.
“Hey, stranger. Sit down. I’ll get you a drink.”
“Frederick’s still gone, and I’ve been banned from the house. I can’t imagine the tension over there. I think it’s a good thing I’m banned from the house. I’d say or do the wrong thing. I don’t know what they are doing.” Percy shrugged. “I will never understand women. I’ll leave it at that.”
Hobart handed Percy a drink. “Join the rest of mankind. A little advice? Stop trying.”
Hobart watched Percy to read him for nervousness or fear. He found boredom instead. “Did you run today?”
“I thought I’d wait until tonight. That way, my energy drain will be closer to the wedding.”
“Are you feeling good about all of this?”
Percy nodded. “Yes, I feel great. No doubts. I want her to be my wife. I would have preferred a priest and two witnesses, but it will be over soon enough. I’m more worried about Frederick. You know me; I like to worry. I don’t think he’s going to make it.”
“Then I’ll walk her down the aisle. I’ve survived a lot in life. We will all survive this,” Hobart said.
“You will enjoy this story, Hobart. I told Louisa I didn’t want to hear any wedding plans because I wanted to be surprised. She was about to launch into something about the invitations.”
Hobart laughed. “I see your problem. Like you said, it will be over soon.”
“Tell me about you. What have you been doing the last two months?”
“Frederick has been a frequent visitor. His wife and his daughter have been driving him out of the house almost daily. He’s mumbled a couple of times about you taking off and leaving him alone.
“He’s looking forward to the quiet when you are on your honeymoon, and then when his daughter and his wife are redecorating at your townhouse he’ll have the house to himself for a couple of hours a day.
Hobart shook his head. “He should have gone to Manchester months ago when the problem first came up. At that time, Louisa then Amelia were sick.” He shrugged. “Weddings are a woman thing.
“He’s lucky he has only one daughter.”
Percy rose. “I’m going home to eat. Then before bed, I’ll run.”
Hobart said, “That’s a good idea. Go for the run then you’ll sleep better. And you won’t be as fidgety in the morning.”
*****
Percy stood next to the priest. They were waiting for Louisa to walk down the aisle. She was beyond upset that her father didn’t make it back for the ceremony. Her eyes were red-rimmed, as were Amelia’s, and her smile was not bright. It was forced. She held out hope until the last minute – until now that he would come.
Louisa and Hobart stood in the church entrance. Percy couldn’t help noticing how grief-stricken Louisa was. He looked around. There were a lot of guests here. It looked like he would have to glad-hand with every member of the House of Lords.
She wore a beautiful cornflower blue dress. The dress flattered her figure and made the colour of her eyes shine. Or, it should have. They would have shone had her father been there.
