Page 27 of Duchess By Accident
“And I need to know what they already see.” Natalie chewed on her lip thoughtfully. “That sounds difficult.”
“It is. But it is vital.” Lady Cotswalts pointed to her own wedding ring. “Your wedding is your chance to have control. It is your day, and you get to shape the narrative.”
“No I do not. Duke Blackwood has final approval.” Natalie pointed out. “He is the one who holds the purse strings. And he is only too happy to have his final say.”
“He cannot control everything, you have his permission to choose your dress.” Lady Cotswalts pointed out. “Do not throw away your chance to take control over some petty little skirmish. You have a chance to reclaim your reputation and your life. You just need to play your cards right.”
Natalie nodded, and felt hope flow through her. She began to pace, possibilities tumbling through her mind as she thought about what Lady Cotswalts was saying.
“I get to decide what they see. I can show them anything I want and still make the Duke understand that I will not be controlled by him.” Natalie muttered to herself, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “But what do I want them to see?”
“What do they expect to see?” she asked
“Some desperate woman.” Natalie said scowling. “Someone who would be cowed easily.”
“Then show them that is not who you are.” Lady Cotswalts said.
“Thank you, Lady Cotswalts. I should have sought your advice sooner.” Natalie said.
“I know. And perhaps next time you will.” Lady Cotswalts smiled at her and began to walk away. “I am looking forward to your wedding, dearest Natalie.”
“I promise, it will be a day to remember.” Natalie called after her.
She would give the ton something to talk about. She would leave everyone speechless.
Including the Duke.
Chapter Eight
“The roses for the goats have been prepared and delivered as instructed your Grace. Lady Babbington has been sat next to Marquess Brightwell as requested. We have escorted several attempted trespassers from the premises and the musicians are just tuning their instruments.” Mr. Kember explained as he made the final adjustments to Adrian’s tailcoat.
It was the day of the wedding and Adrian was in his bedroom, staring out at the huge tent that had been erected in the garden. The finest florists in England had arranged the garlands that hung from the awning, the rows of seats were arranged perfectly, each with a guest already assigned.
“Excellent work, Kember.” Adrian looked at his reflection and ran a hand through his brown hair, giving it a lightly tousled effect. “And I trust you have arranged the pineapples along the aisle as requested?”
“Yes.” Mr. Kember nodded.
The pineapples had been a request from Lady Natalie, one of her many eccentric decisions. She was undoubtedly aware of just how expensive and difficult to find the fruits were to find, and he had enjoyed presenting them as though she had requested nothing more difficult than an apple. With each one, Adrian had delighted in not just agreeing to the request, but adding to it, sensing that each time he did it only served to irritate her more.
“Excellent. Have the Lady Natalie and her retinue arrived?” Adrian glanced at the grandfather clock on the wall. “The ceremony is due to start in ten minutes.”
“They are here, Your Grace. The carriage you sent for them returned several minutes ago. And I escorted her ladyship to the drawing room with her wedding party.” Mr. Kember bowed to Adrian. “And the adjustments to the height of the tent have been made. It stands at only eight feet. If that will be all, Your Grace, I shall see to the rest of the preparations.”
“Yes, thank you Kember.” Adrian left his room, and walked down the corridor to Melody’s room, knocking once before entering.
His daughter was sitting by the window, staring wide-eyed at the tent in the garden.
“How do I look?” Adrian twirled for her, spreading his arms wide.
Melody gave him an appraising look and then nodded her head. “What about me? Nanny Green says we must all look our best today.”
“You, little one, look resplendent as always.” Adrian gestured to her new sky blue dress. “The modiste has outdone herself.”
And for a fraction of the cost of my dear fiancée’s dress—the price was more than a king’s ransom.He knew Lady Natalie was doing it to make some kind of point, hoping to goad him into anger with each of her increasingly ridiculous requests. He found that he enjoyed their little game of extravagance, finding ways to meet her demands and make them even more magnanimous had been far too amusing.
He shook himself and returned to the present, noticing a tension in Melody’s face.
“You do not have to come if you do not wish to.” Adrian gestured towards the outside. “You can wait in the house.”Safe, away from all the prying eyes.
