Page 66 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Minta fastened thediamond earring her uncle had presented her to her earlobe, thinking about how much had passed in such a short time since she had received his gift.

Today, she would speak her wedding vows. She would soon become the Marchioness of Kingston. Percy would be her husband.

She longed to unlock the secrets he seemed to carry close and wondered if he would give her a chance to do so. Or would they have a traditionaltonmarriage, where she would present him with an heir and hopefully a spare—then they would go their separate ways. At one time, that is exactly what Minta anticipated for her life.

Now, she longed for it to go in a different direction.

She hoped to grow close with her husband. Be a friend as well as a wife to him. She wanted to ask his advice and hoped that he might take some from her, too.

Most of all, she wanted to love him. Her heart told her she did but she had not uttered those words to him. She feared that if she did he might flee as a frightened doe. She decided she must take her time and not rush things with him. Show him the love she felt for him in her heart. Perhaps once he accepted that, she could say aloud the words she longed to tell him.

A knock sounded at her door and she answered it, finding her aunt standing there.

“This came for you,” Aunt Phyllis said stiffly, handing her a box.

“Who is it from?”

“Him.”

As her aunt turned away, Minta caught her arm. “Won’t you come in, Aunt Phyllis? Together, we can see what Lord Kingston sent to me.”

“Very well.” Her aunt sniffed dramatically and stepped inside the bedchamber.

Minta followed and opened the velvet box, find a breathtaking diamond necklace within it, along with a note.

I hope this will match your earrings. P

She turned the box so that Aunt Phyllis could see what was inside and smiled at the gasp that came from her aunt.

“Why, this cost a fortune, Minta! As much as your dowry. Perhaps even more.”

“I don’t care what it cost,” she said. “I care about the thoughtful gesture.”

“You will be the envy of every woman in thetonwhen you wear this to the next ball. That should quiet the whispers.”

Minta frowned. “Aunt Phyllis, I am not the only woman who was caught in a questionable situation. From what I gather, this is a regular occurrence attonevents during the Season. I am happy to be marrying Lord Kingston. He is a good man. I wish you would be happy for me.”

Her aunt teared up, cradling Minta’s cheeks in her hands. “Are you truly happy, my dearest? The marquess seems such an odd duck. You are so full of life and gaiety, while he is somber.”

“We balance each other, Aunt. And he is not always so quiet and solemn. When he is with his friends, he can be most animated.”

Concern filled Aunt Phyllis’ face. “So, you do not regret this union?”

“No. I look forward to it.”

Her aunt kissed Minta’s cheek. “I am relieved. I would have been so disappointed if you were unhappy. As if I would have let both you and your mother down. She entrusted your care to me.”

“You have done a fabulous job. I have enjoyed every minute I have stayed here with you and Uncle West.”

Clearing her throat, Aunt Phyllis said, “Well, then, I suppose I should tell you of what is to come.”

Puzzled, Minta said, “I know what is to come. Percy explained about the special license. How that is what allows us to wed at the Camdens’ townhouse today.”

An odd look crossed her aunt’s face. “No, I mean after the ceremony.”

“Why, there is the wedding breakfast. You know that. You helped me plan it with—”

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