Page 71 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Then it is lucky for both of us that I do not desire that.” Olivia shook her head. “Not with any part of my soul.”
“Then you forgive me?” Nigel asked.
Olivia’s heart felt as though it would burst. “If you truly want my forgiveness, then I have two requests:
“We get married today —”
“We can get married right now! I have the Special License!” Nigel waved a piece of paper in the air.
Olivia teased, trying not to laugh, “I am not getting married in the dead of night. If you are to be my husband, we shall do this properly.”
“Iamto be your husband.” Nigel grinned his charming grin, and Olivia’s heart melted.
“Besides, I want you to see how stunning I am in my dress.” Olivia blew Nigel a kiss.
“I think you look radiant in everything you wear.” Nigel frowned. “But that is only one request.”
“The second is that you never, ever attempt to write poetry again!” Olivia laughed. “And with that, good sir, I bid you good night. I am getting married in a few hours!”
And before Nigel could say anything else, Olivia shut her window and moved away. A moment later, Jane burst through the door, still in her night gown with her mother close behind.
“I told you that there was hope! I told you so!” Jane threw her arms around Olivia laughing.
“You did; you most assuredly did.” Olivia felt as though her heart would burst with happiness.
“Well, I am glad it has all worked out, but I think we all could have done without the Duke’s poem.” Lady Cotswalts’ eyes twinkled with amusement. “It is a good thing that I did not stopany of the wedding preparations though unfortunately we will be rather a smaller party than originally planned.”
“You didn’t cancel any of the preparations? But why?” Olivia canted her head. “Did you truly have that much faith in us?”
“Of course. You two were made for each other.” Lady Cotswalts winked at Olivia. “And if you had not reconciled, well, everyone loves a good party. And I would have made it one to remember.”
“I’m sure it will be a wedding to remember.” Olivia beamed at Jane and Lady Cotswalts.
“You should try and rest, dear girl. You must look your best for tomorrow.” Lady Cotswalts gestured to the bed, stifling her own yawn as she did. “We will be able to do precious little at this time of night. I shall have messages sent out to Emberly House in the morning and tell them that the wedding is back on.
“It will be too late to invite the ton to the ceremony, but we can ensure they attend the ball afterwards.” Lady Cotswalts gently guided Olivia to the bed.
“But I’m not tired.” Olivia tried to say, but a yawn made the words somewhat unintelligible. “Perhaps I am a little tired.”
“Rest. In a few hours, you will be married to the love of your life.” Jane tucked Olivia into the bed.
“What if I wake and this has all been a dream?” Olivia felt a tiny prickle of fear.
“It is no dream, I assure you,” Jane replied. “I will see you in a few hours.”
“I cannot wait.” Olivia’s cheeks ached from the broadness of her smile. “And one day, I shall be a bridesmaid at your wedding.”
“Of course, you will,” Jane whispered.
Olivia closed her eyes, and as sleep claimed her, one thought filled her mind.In a few hours, I will be the Duchess of Glassley, and I will start the rest of my life with the man I love.
Chapter Twenty-Four
A Wedding to Remember
Nigel had been forced to return home by Alexander after he had thrown a bucket of cold water over him. The last of the drink had left him, and as he stood, staring at himself in the mirror, he tried to smooth his ruffled, sandy hair.
Alexander appeared behind him, already wearing his own formal wear, and held out Nigel’s top hat to him. It was the same one he had had to return for all those weeks ago when he and Olivia were still at one another’s throats. Nigel smiled as he took it from him.
