Page 9 of Duchess By Accident
For a moment, she thought the man would strike her. His face was purple with rage, but instead, he ground his teeth together and gestured for the minister to begin.
She was sure she would pay for her quip later, but she did not care.I will break you.He would not break her, she would not let him. But that did not mean some part of her was not already fracturing.I will not let him see that.
Natalie let the words wash over her as the priest began to speak. She chided herself over and over. After all, it was her temper that had got her into this mess. She might have been able to refute the Marquess’s claims if he had not had her scandal in his back pocket.
“Therefore, if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.” The priest said, his words reverberating around the room.
No one said anything. The Marquess glared around, as though daring someone to speak. But no one did. Natalie felt the last shred of hope fade as the minister opened his mouth to continue.
“Well, if there are no objections, let us-_”
But the priest’s words were interrupted as the door to the church burst open. Sunlight streamed through it, almost blinding Natalie. There was something familiar in the languid, self-assured movements on the figure nearing her, though before she could identify him, a silky, smug voice rang out throughout the church.
“I am afraid I cannot allow this wedding to proceed.” Duke Blackwood strode down the aisle, looking as though he were on a pleasing promenade about a park..
He wore a magnificent dark blue coat and finely cut breeches which showed off his powerful physique. With each step, he seemed to grow taller, filling the space in the church and commanding everyone’s undivided attention.
Natalie only just managed to stop herself from gaping, trying not to think of how otherwordly and almost magical the sunlight silhouetting him made him look. Murmuring filled the church.
“Is that the Duke of Blackwood?” a voice whispered.
“What is he doing here?” another asked.
As the Duke drew level with her, he winked at her, and she resisted the urge to hit him with her bouquet. All softness and wonder faded in an instant.
“I see you are still every bit the rake the sheets promise you to be.” She whispered, her lips scarcely moving.
He raised an eyebrow at her. “And here I was, thinking you would see me as your gallant knight.”
“I had not thought you had such a penchant for theatrics.” She whispered so quietly her lips scarcely moved.
“You have seen nothing yet.” His eyes flashed, his own lips barely moved and then he turned from her to face Lord Bolton.
“What is the meaning of this?” Lord Bolton strode towards Duke Blackwood.
Natalie bit her lip to keep from laughing. Lord Bolton barely came up to Duke Blackwood’s chest. Duke Blackwood surveyed the man with such disdain that Lord Bolton took a step backwards.
“I have heard you are a little slow on the uptake, Lord Bolton, so I shall speak plainly, lest I stress your intellect to the point of breaking.” Duke Blackwood said calmly, his voice full of mockery.
There were a few notes of laughter from the pews.
“You utter-” Lord Bolton began, but Alexander stood in front of him and silenced him with a look.
Natalie smiled as she saw the anger and fear on the man’s face. She watched as Alexander turned to face Duke Blackwood. To her surprise, she realised that her brother was a few inches shorter than the Duke.
“Who are you?” Alexander asked. “And on what grounds do you object to this union?”
“I am Adrian Stone, Duke of Blackwood. And I bring proof that a marriage to this man would be a union that would defile this most holy of institutions.” Duke Blackwood turned to face the rest of the church, his voice seeming to draw their attention like moths to a flame. “This man lacks the moral fortitude to be a husband. He is overcome with lust and is the paragon of sin.”
“What are you talking about?” Lord Bolton hissed, stepping down from the dais and approaching Duke Blackwood.
“I believe it is ‘what are you talking about,your grace’. And I think you know exactly what I am talking about,LordBolton.” The duke’s lips curled smugly with his emphasis on Bolton’s lower rank. “Your eleven children, by no less than seven different women, all of whom were former maids in your employ.”
There was a gasp from the crowd and muttering spread through the congregation. Natalie did her best to keep her face neutral.Eleven children?She saw a look of horror on the minister’s face, as he clutched the bible to his chest and shook his head.
“These women are destitute. Their lives are ruined and their children starving.” Duke Blackwood clenched his fist, and Natalie heard an edge to his voice.
He is actually angry, truly angry.The realisation struck her like a hammer. Though the Duke seemed cold and aloof, Natalie could see the muscles of his shoulders tense, the tightness of his fists.
