Page 12 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“That is good.” He murmured absently and then he realised what his grandmother had just said. “You have spoken to her then?”
“I was visiting with her this morning.” The Dowager Duchess took another sip of her sherry. “She was worried about a reading of the banns, it seems her father is still rather against the whole thing, so I assured her it would not be an issue.”
Frederick nodded. “She did seem worried that he might be an obstacle to our union.”
“And so he might have been. It is rather lucky the two of you found one another, for if she had chosen someone like Duke Havilliard she might have had to go through the reading of the banns.”
“She was going to marry Tolly?” Frederick felt something stir within his chest.Poor Tolly, I suspect he would have found himself rather blown away by the force that is Andrea Cowper.
Benedict Tolliver, Duke of Havilliard was one of his oldest friends. “I was planning on having him be my best man.”
“There is nothing to stop him doing so. After all, as far as I know they never even got around to introducing themselves.” His grandmother laughed. “Though, no doubt her Father would have hated their union just as much as yours.”
“Apparently, he wanted her to marry Lord Crossley.”
It made no sense to him. Lord Crossley’s poor character aside, the man was a baron with not even a tenth of the wealth Frederick held to his name.What kind of man would want such a thing for his daughter?
“The kind of man for which polite society has no words.” His grandmother’s eyes darkened.
Frederick had not realised he had spoken aloud, but before he could ask the Dowager Duchess to elaborate she continued, “And I will note, that she still does not have an engagement ring, Frederick.”
His grandmother gave him a stern look. “Need I remind you that it is tradition that the men of this family give their intendeds such a ring?”
Frederick ran a hand over the stubble on his jaw. “I suppose there is still time to get to Mosley’s.”
Mr. Mosley was a jeweller in the village on the Caverton estate and crafted some of the most beautiful jewellery in the country. Frederick tried to think if he had ever seen Lady Andrea wearing jewellery.What kind of ring would she want?
He shook himself. The ring scarcely mattered, nothing between them would be real. Why even their kiss had been for show! He pressed a hand to his lips, the memory of her jasmine scent lingering despite the passage of time.
“It certainly felt real.” He murmured, remembering how their bodies had melted into each other.
He could almost feel the warmth of her spreading through his body again, his arms wrapped around her, lips pressed together.
“Pardon?” His grandmother’s voice broke through his memory.
“Nothing.” His cheeks coloured, and he shifted uncomfortably.Stop thinking about the kiss.
His grandmother pursed her lips, and he tried to placate her with his usual easy smile. She looked unconvinced, drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair as she watched him.
Frederick swallowed, but resisted the urge to tug on his collar. His grandmother would probably ask what he was thinking about and he had no wish to share those details with her.Besides, she will take it entirely the wrong way. Just because it was enjoyable does not mean it meant anything. She is probably just a good actress.
“Is there anything else you wished to speak of, grandmama?” He poured her another measure of sherry.
“Your clothes. For the wedding.” She gestured to him. “When are you going to get to the tailor?”
“The tailor? I had thought to wear something I already own.” Frederic shrugged.
“You cannot be serious? Frederick, you will go to the tailor at once and commission at least one new set of tails. Preferably two.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“I have already told you that I am in need of agoodwedding, Frederick. I know that the fashion of the ton for men is rather drab, and I am eternally grateful that you seem all too happy to embrace colour, but I want you to be resplendent when you are married.” She smiled fondly. “Your grandfather wore the most beautiful outfit, I swear seeing him in it made me love him all the more.”
“You are such a romantic, grandmama.” Frederick smiled.
“I know. Sometimes it feels like romance is wasted on the young.” She made a shooing gesture with her fingers. “Get yourself to the tailors. And whilst you are in town, perhaps you could pick up my hat from the modiste. She is only next door.”
“Is there anything else you wish me to fetch for you?” Frederick teased. “Perhaps the latest Byron poems?”
