Page 52 of The Duke's Tempting Bride

“I just can’t believe what she tried to do back there. If we hadn’t of been together already last night, I might have even believed her. Even though I know your character to be true and honest, I know that Vivian is a seductress when it comes to courting,” Diana explained.

“That still doesn’t answer my question, Diana. Are you alright?”

“I will be fine. When my lady’s maid explained what you had planned for today, I was so very excited. I think spending time in the village is a great way to celebrate our marriage because I believe the people should be more familiar with you. Indeed, even your tenants.”

“I remember you mentioning this to me in the past, and that is why I had the idea. But, are you up for such a trip? Are you sore or hurt?” Fitz asked, lowering his voice. Diana smiled up at him, thankful for his concern.

“A bit sore, but nothing a bit of fresh air can’t mend. And I have convinced myself that getting to eat one of the baker’s minced meat pies will be the perfect remedy.”

“Then we shall have lunch in the village and do well to increase the economy for a bit,” Fitz said, lending her his arm, which she gratefully took. He led her into the dining room then to the applause of everyone present.

“The blushing bride has finally woken after such an exhausting night of dancing,” Lord Douglas teased.

“Tis the reason why I don’t believe I would fare well in Town, Lord Douglas,” Diana said as she let go of Fitz’s arm and curtsied to the room. “I’m so used to the country that I’m afraid I’d become quite a bore in Town.”

“Well, if you ever do decide to come to Town, we’d love to keep you company,” Lady Douglas offered.

“And you’d be sure to visit with your sisters,” Melissa was quick to add. Diana just observed her for a moment before moving around the table to her parents.

“Are you ready to go to the village? It’s been so long since we all went together,” Diana said, addressing her mother and father.

“As much as we would like to go, my dear, we have decided to stay behind. There has been much excitement as of late, and we feel it would be best to simply rest today. We shall plan another time to go, though,” Lord Casey said in a reassuring voice.

“Of course, Papa. You and Mother rest here at the manor and perhaps help watch over any of the children who decide not to join us. That should be delightful,” Diana said.

“Splendid idea, my dear,” Lady Casey said, squeezing Diana’s hand before she was helped to her feet by a footman and escorted to the drawing room.

Once the carriages were prepared, Fitz escorted Diana from the house and towards the waiting vehicle. They were joined by Lord and Lady Douglas, whose three sons had decided to remain behind as well and play with the other children. It had been Fitz who had promised them special treats upon their return if they behaved well for the other adults. They had excitedly agreed.

“You must tell me more about the village, Miss Casey. We have visited Fitz plenty of times before at his manor but haven’t spent much time with the locals,” Lord Douglas suggested once the carriage began to pull away from the house and head down the lane.

“It is nothing comparable to Town, I’m sure, but it’s quaint, and the locals are very friendly. Our neighbourhood is filled with many amiable families that no doubt will come to witness the marriage ceremony tomorrow. One of my favourite places to visit in the village is the bakery. Mr Bradly is an expert at his craft, and you will find many delightful things in his shop. Then, there is Mrs Jenkins, a wonderful seamstress. She has all sorts of fabrics and ribbons.”

“I look forward to seeing your gown tomorrow, Miss Casey. There is nothing more splendid about a wedding than the wedding gown,” Lady Douglas mused.

“I still have fond memories of you in your wedding dress,” Lord Douglas said to his wife, clasping his hand in hers and squeezing it lightly as she giggled, her cheeks turning pink. Diana wondered if there was some sort of implied meaning to the exchange, and after experiencing intimacy for the first time, perhaps she could understand the meaning of his words.

They talked with enthusiasm as they travelled the short distance to the centre of the village. Diana was quite excited because she always enjoyed going to the village, and for once, she didn’t worry about a single thing. She knew her parents would be well looked after, and she was with the man she was quickly falling in love with.

Her siblings were all present for the first time in years, and though Vivian had done a very deceitful thing that morning, trying to pretend very dramatically, Diana wasn’t going to allow her actions to bother her.

When the carriage came to a halt before the village’s inn, the footman came around to pull open the door and allow Lord and Lady Casey to step down first. Diana used this moment to ask Fitz a question that had been on her mind while they’d been travelling.

“I feel a bit silly asking such a question, but if there is something I see today that I wish to purchase, might I request such a thing from you?” Diana said in a nervous voice since her ability to spend money hadn’t yet to be addressed. Though Fitz had given her father a suitable fortune to ensure he and her mother were comfortable, she herself hadn’t asked Fitz for any money for her own personal use.

Fitz chuckled as he leaned forward and placed a tender kiss to her forehead. “My dear, no question is ever silly. I want you to always feel comfortable speaking freely with me. And since I have a small purse on my person, I will be glad to purchase anything you see fit.”

“Thank you for reassuring me, Fitz. It means the world to me,” Diana said before she stepped down from the carriage and waited for Fitz to follow her. The other carriages arrived shortly behind them, and as a rather large group, they began to visit the many establishments in the village to the surprise of all the business owners.

When Diana and Fitz stepped into the bakery together, Diana took a nice long, deep breath as she inhaled the familiar aromas. It felt like coming home as she walked up to the counter to see what fresh baked goods had been made for the day.

“Miss Casey, what a pleasure to see you today,” Mr Bradly said as he came up to the counter from the back kitchen. Diana watched as the baker looked at Fitz and seemed to blink a few times as though he wasn’t sure he was truly seeing what was in front of him. Diana had to stifle a giggle as Mr Bradly quickly bowed before the Duke.

“And a pleasure to see you as well, Your Grace,” Mr Bradly added. “You honour me with your visit to my humble bakery.”

“Miss Casey has spoken highly of your baked goods. A trip to the village was warranted when I heard great things about your minced meat pies,” Fitz said.

“Then you shall feast on my finest,” Mr Bradly said as he hurried away from the counter, quickly speaking to his assistant and wife in the kitchen. The rest of the wedding party slowly made their way into the bakery. Some looked around and left while others waited to see what Diana and Fitz were up to.

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