Page 81 of The Duke of Kisses
“Fanny hopes the same thing,” David said, his eyes meeting hers. “But we may never know.”
“If I can provide assistance in any way, I hope you’ll let me know,” West said, reaching for a cake. “Do you plan to speak to your uncle?”
“I’m not sure that would be wise.” David gave his head a shake. “Uncle Walter is particularly sensitive about the topic. He doesn’t ever wish to discuss it and grows quite agitated when it’s mentioned.”
Fanny pressed her lips together. “Are you certain he’ll come to accept me?” She’d worried about his family throughout the journey.
David looked at her with defiance and love. “He doesn’t have any other choice. You and I have nothing to do with what happened thirty years ago. And I rather like your logic—that Fate has brought us together to heal the wounds of the past.”
Ivy picked up another cake. “I like that too.”
David finished his glass of whisky, then announced that he would take his leave.
“Take one of my horses,” West offered. “You’ll never make it before dark in your coach.” That was probably true.
“Thank you,” David said, rising.
West stood with him. “I’ll take you to the stable.”
Fanny rose, and David took her in his arms for a fleeting kiss, his lips just barely grazing hers. “I’ll see you soon,” he said. “Tomorrow.”
“I hate that you’ll be away from me,” she whispered.
“Not for long. I’ll obtain the license tomorrow, and then we’ll be wed whenever you like.”
She nodded. “I’ll talk to Ivy about that right now. Please be safe.”
“Nothing will keep me from you, Fanny. Don’t ever doubt that.” He smiled down at her before kissing her again. Then he turned and joined West, who was waiting near the door.
When they were gone, she sat down with a weary, lonely sigh.
“I’ve never seen you so happy,” Ivy said, finishing a third cake.
“Quite ridiculously so.” Fanny grinned as she turned to face her sister. She gave her a quick, sudden hug. “I just needed to do that. It’s been a very trying week.”
“It sounds like it. I’m so sorry you had to face our parents alone.”
“I’m so sorry they’re our parents. When I think of what they did to you, I really hate them.”
“I know, but you mustn’t harbor animosity in your heart. Let me do that.” Her lips curled into a devilish smile that made Fanny laugh.
“You’ve more than earned that right.”
“Was Jacob really pleasant to you?” Ivy asked, clearly circumspect.
“Yes. In fact, he was the only one who was supportive of my workhouse idea.”
Her eyes practically fell from their sockets. “You told them about that? I can well imagine what they might have said. Goodness, Fanny, were youtryingto annoy them?”
“Perhaps I was. As I said, I can barely think of them without growing angry. I suppose I might make a point of pricking their tempers. Not that it’s difficult.”
Ivy nodded in agreement. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. Let us talk about your wedding instead.”
“Yes, let’s!” Fanny was eager to make plans. “We’d like to marry at the parish church in Clare.”
“That’s where West and I were married.”
“I wish I had been there,” Fanny said wistfully. She hated that she’d missed so much time with Ivy.
