Page 82 of The Duke of Kisses
“I do too. I should have come for you sooner. I was just so afraid to go back there.”
Fanny took her hand. “Which is completely understandable. They treated me far better, and now I’m afraid to return!”
“No, you aren’t afraid,” Ivy said softly. “You’re far stronger and braver than I.”
“That’s absolutely false. You’re the strongest person I know. To have overcome what you did and look at you now… A duchess.”
“It’s certainly not what I expected. And I did try to dissuade West.”
“So you’ve told me.” Fanny laughed “I can barely imagine it, though. You’re clearly meant to be together. Just like me and David.”
Ivy tipped her head to the side. “Is that what you think?”
“Oh, I know it’s true. I never told you this—and you mustn’t be angry—but I met David at Christmastide. Do you remember the day I went for a walk and came back all dirty because I’d slipped in the snow?”
“Yes, I remember that day. You were gone a very long time. Because you met David?”
Fanny nodded. “I was lost.” Her tone was sheepish, and she felt heat climb into her face. “David helped me find my way back. And then we pretended there was mistletoe.”
Ivy picked up her glass of lemonade. “I see.” She took a sip, then set it back on the table before the settee. “So when you met him in London, you already knew each other.”
“Yes, but I thought he was a steward. And he thought I was a housemaid.” She held her hand to her mouth to keep her laughter in check.
Ivy was also amused, her lips curving up. “Why did you tell him you were a housemaid?”
“He didn’t believe I lived at Stour’s Edge. And then I thought it would be rather scandalous for me—Fanny Snowden—to be alone with him, so I said I was a housemaid.”
“Clever. Well done of you,” Ivy said. “And why was he a steward?”
“For much the same reason. That and he’d only recently become the earl after his father had died, and he said he didn’t feel much like an earl yet. He and his father were rather close.”
“That sounds nice. West loved his father very much too.” Ivy patted her hand. “I’m glad you told me this. I did wonder that you were maybe rushing into something or that David was maybe not good enough for you.” Now it was her turn to look sheepish. “I’m afraid I was worried you might repeat my mistakes.” She held up her hand. “And don’t tell me if you have with regard to sex. If you and David have already done that, it’s not my place to advise you. I’m just glad you’re getting married soon. And how soon is soon?”
Fanny suspected her cheeks were probably crimson. “He’s going to purchase the license tomorrow. Then I suppose we just pick a day and arrange it with the rector. Thank you. For everything.”
“I’m so glad you’re happy and that you’ll be living nearby.”
Fanny was glad for that too. She just hoped things would go well when David arrived at Huntwell. If they didn’t… Well, she didn’t really want to think about that.
“You look concerned all of a sudden,” Ivy said.
“I’m just thinking about David and hoping his mother and uncle aren’t too upset. He just lost his father last fall. I’d hate for him to lose them too.”
“He’ll do whatever he must for you, Fanny. Just like you’re willing to turn your back on our parents in the name of love—for me and for David. If they’ll accept you and let love conquer the hate, they’ll be happy too.”
Fanny hoped her sister was right.
* * *
Despite riding instead of taking his coach, David still arrived at Huntwell after dark. Thankfully the moon was nearly full to illuminate his way.
Arnold, his butler, greeted him at the door. “Good evening, my lord. We weren’t expecting you.” He looked past David toward the drive, where a groom was taking West’s horse to the stable.
“I didn’t send word ahead,” David said. “My apologies. Are my mother and uncle here?”
“Your mother is. Mr. Langley is at the dower house.”
David had expected that, and in truth, preferred to have a conversation with his mother first. He wasn’t entirely sure how to deliver the news of his betrothal to Uncle Walter given how he reacted whenever Aunt Catherine came up.
