Page 65 of Healing the Duke's Desires
Sarah chimed in, her tone thoughtful. “It is rather unfortunate that some are willing to trade genuine love for social standing.”
Emily couldn’t agree more. “Love should be about connection, shared dreams, and affection, not about titles or wealth.”
Alexander, holding Emily’s hand, agreed. “Absolutely. Love should be the foundation of any relationship.”
“Well, I suppose it is true what they say, that there is someone out there for everyone,” Emily concluded. “A life with that man would have been torture for me, especially when my heart belongs to someone else.” She and Alexander exchanged a tender glance. Sarah interrupted her.
“You know, since we are talking about the marquess and, well… remembering the past, I have also heard something,” Sarah said pensively, almost hesitant whether she should share what she knew with others.
“What did you hear?” Emily asked curiously, wondering what loose ends were left to tie up.
Sarah hesitated again, then decided to share the unsettling piece of information. “I overheard a conversation at the gathering yesterday,” she said choosing her words carefully. “It seems that the Duchess of Montpelier was furious to find out you and Alexander are getting married.”
“She was?” Emily echoed. Slowly, all the pieces of the puzzle in her mind were starting to come together. Now she could understand why the duchess had told her all those things about Alexander and his late wife. She was merely endeavoring to keep Emily away from him.
“Indeed.” Sarah nodded. “Apparently, her plan to ruin your reputations failed spectacularly.”
Alexander’s brow furrowed. “Plan? What plans could she have had?”
“It seems,” Sarah continued, “that the duchess was behind some of the rumors and gossip that fueled the scandal surrounding your supposed affair. She wanted to discredit you both, to tarnish your reputations.”
Emily was taken aback. “I cannot believe anyone would stoop so low.”
Alexander didn’t say anything at first. He seemed lost in thought, then he spoke up. “People who are unhappy in their lives usually want to transfer that unhappiness to others. They think others don’t deserve to be joyful.”
“She seemed so nice,” Sarah mused.
“It actually all makes sense,” Alexander said gravely.
“What do you mean?” Emily asked, her eyes on him.
Alexander inhaled deeply. “You don’t know this, but before I met Amelia, Caroline was quite smitten with me. I’m afraid that it’s my fault she has gotten involved in our relationship,” Alexander admitted. “I’ve tried to keep her at a distance, Emily, because I knew that she was a calculating person, but I never thought she would dare to interfere in anything between you and me. I am sorry, but once again, all of this is my fault.”
Emily smiled at him. “That is all in the past, Alexander.”
“And you cannot be held responsible for the actions of someone else,” Henry told them wisely. “I have only seen her twice, but she has struck me as someone with a taste for manipulation and drama. Unfortunately, such traits often lead one down a destructive path.”
Sarah reached out and gently squeezed Emily’s hand. “The important thing is that the truth prevailed, and your love has triumphed over any attempts to damage it.”
They collectively agreed, recognizing that love and truth were far more potent than the lies and schemes of those who sought to tear them apart.
Emily didn’t like that the shadow of such negative events clouded over their time together, but at the same time, she was glad the truth had finally surfaced. It all made sense now. Perhaps the Duchess of Montpelier was still in love with Alexander, and it was well known that love made people do crazy things.
Emily glanced at Alexander with a smile. She marveled at the man before her—the kind, supportive soul who had stood by her through it all, the person who had chosen her heart over the judgments of society. In his eyes, she found a reflection of her own emotions—gratefulness for the love they had found, awe at the trials they had overcome, and the promise of a beautiful future together.
It was a moment of deep realization—a clarity that she was incredibly lucky to have found this extraordinary love, to have Alexander by her side. As her heart swelled with this understanding, she silently vowed to cherish him and the love they shared every single day.
Chapter 37
Emily sat at her vanity table, her reflection framed by golden tendrils of sunlight that filtered through the open window. The day had finally arrived—the anticipated day when she would marry the man she loved, her heart brimming with excitement and a touch of nervousness. She wanted everything to go perfectly. Nothing could go wrong. They both deserved that.
She looked at her reflection in the looking glass. Her wedding gown was a vision of timeless elegance, a dress made of the finest ivory silk, which seemed to glow with a delicate luminosity.
The neckline was a classic scoop, gracefully accentuating her collarbones and shoulders, while the sleeves, long and fitted, showcased her arms with a subtle femininity. Delicate lace trims adorned the edges of the sleeves, creating a soft, ethereal contrast against the silk.
The bodice was carefully crafted, cinched at the waist to accentuate Emily’s slender figure. The lace overlay on the bodice extended to her waist, creating a delicate V-shape that drew the eye to her midsection.
Intricate floral patterns adorned the lace, intertwining with embroidered pearls that added a touch of opulence and grace. Emily felt like a princess wearing it, but more than that, she felt that the gown allowed her love to shine through on this most important day of all.
