Page 76 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
“You have to do it at every party.” Dowager Randall guided her charge away.
It was quite surprising how things could turn out. He did not come here tonight thinking he would be leaving with a prospective betrothal, yet here he was. Edward did not know what to do with himself. He and Lady Anderson meshed so well that there was little reason to delay. With the season halfway over, there was very good reason to get a match set if he saw promise in it.
***
Weddings were things of beauty and joy, or so Emmeline thought. She had been fitted for dresses until she thought she would scream. The season was nothing to the nightmare of a wedding. To think that girls are led to believe that all their worries go away as soon as they have a man who is willing to marry them.
Truth be told, Emmeline had seen less of Lord Torrington after their betrothal became official than before the engagement party. When she did see him, she clung to him as if he might vanish. Although it amused him, it reminded her of how her mother used to always reprimand people for overt signs of affection.
Emmeline tried to remind herself that Lord Torrington’s name was Nash. He reminded her to call him that in private, but she was so used to addressing him formally. She had heard Harcourt call him by his given name for eons, but she still called him Lord Torrington.
She sat in her room day-dreaming that the wedding was over and she was home. That was the moment she stopped short. Emmeline cursed herself for forgetting. “I have not talked to Nash about the arrangements after the wedding.”
“What was that?” Jasmine looked up from where she was busily packing suitcases for after the wedding.
Emmeline put her hands over her face. “I have been so busy getting ready for this accursed wedding that I forgot to talk to Lord Torrington about what happens after the wedding as far as living arrangements.”
“Oh, you mean, Scotland,” Jasmine said as she finally seemed to catch up to Emmeline’s train of thought.
Emmeline was beside herself with worry suddenly. She had not mentioned it. All Lord Torrington’s mother talked of was their home being her home, but she had a home.
“Do you not think that His Grace is aware you wish to return to Scotland?” Another suitcase filled, Jasmine dragged it over and set it with the others before turning back to Emmeline.
To tell the truth Emmeline did not know. “I have been so caught up in the feelings for the man, that he may have taken it to mean that I would like to stay here in London.”
“It is a long way for a married couple to be parted,” Jasmine agreed. “Although it is certainly not unheard of.”
Emmeline did not know if Nash would be amenable to that or not. He had business here in London. He had family here in London. “How could I forget it?”
“Love does odd things to a person, MIss. Do not hold yourself above it.” Jasmine gathered up another armful of dresses and started on the last suitcase. “You might have to leave some of these dresses to be sent to you later.”
Emmeline looked at the stack of dresses. “I know that we are not the same size, but any you would like to take and alter you can. I especially approve of the ones that Miss Durant had sewn.”
Jasmine laughed. “I do not think that they would be very practical for my duties. Besides, you might need them.”
“Speaking of Miss Durant makes me hope that she leaves us be.” Emmeline despised even saying the woman’s name, lest it summon her like some spirit.
Jasmine shook her head as she folded a dress crisply. “I should think that she would want to maintain what reputation she has.”
“I should think so, but she does strike me as a little vindictive. Perhaps her selfishness will prove helpful and she will seek to protect what she has.” Emmeline sighed as she heard footsteps coming up the hallway. “That will be Gerald.”
“Do not look so gloomy, Miss. It is nearly time for your wedding. It is meant to be a happy thing, in case you were unaware.”
“Oh, now she is a jester,” Emmeline retorted with laughter.
Gerald’s stern voice called out as he rapped on the door. “The carriage will be waiting when you get to the steps, ladies!”
“Thank you, Gerald!” Emmeline called back. She took a deep breath and had a look at herself. There would be nowhere to change once they arrived, so she had been forced to put her gown on ahead of time.
“I do hope it doesn’t rain.” Jasmine worriedly looked out the window.
Emmeline sighed. “Do not say that.”
“Well, if it does rain then that is a good omen.”
Emmeline rolled her eyes. “How is it good to be drenched on your wedding day?”
“Because when you tie a knot in a wet rope, the knot is stronger.” Jasmine was swiftly beside Emmeline as she took her role of lady’s maid quite seriously. She herded Emmeline out of the door as she picked up various things along the way they would need.
