Page 42 of Tempted By an Unconventional Lady
Chelsea giggled. “It seems only yesterday when we were under the tree, discussing it. The time has flown by so quickly.”
“Because this is the life you are due,” Charlotte said. She sat in the chair next to Chelsea’s, admiring the fine way the maid dressed her.
“And this time tomorrow,” Chelsea said in a whisper, “I shall be a true woman.”
She giggled and Charlotte joined her. “I am surprised you are not already,” she whispered back, leaning in so that the maid did not hear. “If I were in your position, I am not sure I would have been able to resist.”
Chelsea raised her eyebrows. “And risk losing all his respect? Never.”
Charlotte blushed. She would never be as good or wholesome as Chelsea. It was yet another reason a man such as the duke could never show any interest in her. Not truly. She was someone who played cricket with the boys and kissed near strangers in gardens. Not someone graceful and elegant like her friend.
“You are a better woman than me,” Charlotte replied.
“Oh, but that’s not to say we haven’t found ways of… staving off our desires, if you catch my drift. The fact that the man spent years as a pianist is quite evident. The strength he has in those long fingers of his…”
Charlotte let out a raucous laugh, making the maid jump. “Perhaps you are not quite as pure as I had thought, Chelsea Hurtle. It is a good job you are marrying today for if you were not, I would fear for your honor!”
“You know me better than anyone,” Chelsea said. “You of all people should know purity isnotmy middle name.”
The girls broke into giggles.
“It doesn’t matter any longer, though,” Charlotte said once her laughter had subsided. “For in a matter of hours, you shall be a married woman, and I will be your old spinster maid friend.”
***
Alexander settled himself into the pew of the chapel, Stewart next to him, and he fidgeted with the hem of his waistcoat.
“Is it normal to feel nervous at someone else’s wedding?” he asked.
Stewart raised an eyebrow. “No. That’s just you, I’m afraid. Perhaps it’s because you’ve got love on the brain.”
“I donothave love on the brain,” Alexander snapped, causing Stewart to laugh.
“All right then, not love, but plans of your own to marry. You know it makes perfect financial sense.”
“Indeed,” he muttered and decided not to pursue the conversation further. He truly had no idea which was the truth.
When the organ music started playing, the door to the chapel opened. Alexander tensed for a moment, but then he couldn’t resist turning around. Chelsea looked beautiful as he had known she would. A bride is rarely ever anything but beautiful, and she had that natural beauty that so few women could claim.
But it was her bridesmaid who truly took his breath away. Miss Charlotte was arresting, captivating him in the pale peach gown that skimmed the floor. Her chestnut hair swept over her forehead, pinned loosely so that it fell around her face. Her eyes were alight with life and passion, her cheeks rosy from happiness. She was unconventional in every sense, even with her beauty, and Alexander found himself breathless at the sight of her.
She is everything I could ever want and more.
As they moved down the aisle, passing him, Miss Charlotte’s gaze flicked in his direction. It was barely a second, but it was long enough. He smiled, unable to stop himself, and her already rosy cheeks brightened with her blush.
She looked away, pressing her lips together to prevent herself from smiling. And that’s when he knew. That’s when Alexander realized that he would do whatever it took to take this woman and make her his. In that moment, he knew with absolute certainty that he wanted her.
“I dare say Lord Leming looks nervous,” Stewart said in a whisper, leaning in close to Alexander.
Alexander returned his gaze to the front, the world seeming to reappear in front of him after being so consumed by Miss Charlotte. He chuckled.
“I do believe he is. There is something delightful in seeing an otherwise strong man being weakened by the love of a good woman.”
“Indeed.”
The guests’ chatter settled to a murmuring silence as Lady Chelsea drew up next to her husband-to-be. The shared a look of pure love before turning to face the priest.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here on this auspicious today to witness the union of Lord Leonard Leming and Lady Chelsea Hurtle.”
