Page 68 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Tate and his wife awaited Percy in the foyer. “Everything will be ready for you and the marchioness when you return later today, my lord,” the butler told him.

“I have prepared the marchioness’ suite,” Mrs. Tate added. “The first of her trunks arrived a few minutes ago and her maid is already upstairs unpacking things for her.”

“Thank you,” he told the couple. “We will see you later.”

His nerves frayed on the short carriage ride to Ev’s townhouse. As he got out of the carriage, Owen and Louisa’s vehicle pulled up behind his and he waited for his friends to disembark.

Owen shook his hand and Louisa kissed Percy’s cheek, saying, “You are marrying an exceptional woman. I know you will be very happy together.”

He hoped he could make Minta happy. He would do his best to do so.

The trio entered the Camden townhouse and went upstairs to the drawing room. Spence and Tessa were already there with Ev and they spoke for a few minutes. As they did, much to his surprise, Win came strolling through the doors.

His cousin grabbed him in a bear hug and Percy’s nerves now turned to elation.

“Why are you here?” he asked. “You have so much to do at Woodbridge.”

“Not so much that I couldn’t take the time to see my cousin wed. Owen sent word for me to come to town for the ceremony.” Win grinned. “It seems this happened rather fast. What convinced you that Miss Nicholls was the one for you?”

Apparently, Owen had neglected to mention that Percy had been caught kissing Minta at atonfunction and that a hasty wedding had been expected by Polite Society in order for Minta to maintain her good name.

“In all honesty, it isn’t merely one thing,” Percy told his cousin. “Yes, Minta’s beauty is breathtaking but I have found she is as perfect on the inside as the outside. Perhaps even more so.”

“She quickly became fast friends with the Three Cousins,” Spence pointed out. “That alone speaks well of her. It will be great fun to have Percy wed and his wife so close to the rest of ours.”

Win sighed. “Then I suppose I must give over and have Adalyn select a wife for me.”

Ev chuckled. “Oh, she is already thick as thieves with Louisa, composing the guest list for the house party in late-August.”

“Won’t all the good choices for a wife be taken by Season’s end?” Win asked.

“There are always hidden jewels among theton,” Owen said, slipping an arm about Louisa. “You will find your match, Win.”

Then Adalyn and Lady Westlake appeared. Percy knew he needed to make an effort to win Minta’s aunt over. He believed Lord Westlake had no problem with the marriage but Percy sensed Lady Westlake had quite a different opinion.

“We have been talking with Cook and making certain everything is ready for the wedding breakfast,” Adalyn shared.

“Might I have a word, Lady Westlake?” Percy asked, drawing the countess away from the group.

“What do you wish to say to me, my lord?” she asked, suspicion in her eyes.

“I wanted you to know that I think the world of your niece, my lady. She is kindhearted and sweet and I will do my best to take care of her.”

She regarded him a moment and then nodded. “I believe you will.” Pausing, she added, “I have always wanted the best for Minta and Sera. Westlake and I were never blessed with children of our own and the twins have always been as surrogate children to us. I did not want Araminta forced into a marriage. From what she told me earlier, she is more than willing to enter a state of matrimony with you.”

Lady Westlake placed a hand on his forearm. “Treat her well, Lord Kingston. If not, you will have not only Westlake but my brother-in-law to answer to once he and my sister return from Ontario.”

Percy mustered a smile. “I look forward to meeting my in-laws.”

They rejoined the others and soon the clergyman arrived. He was a jovial sort and had them take their places, saying he had seen the bride and her escort in the corridor and the ceremony needed to commence.

When the doors opened and Minta entered the drawing room on her uncle’s arm, Percy’s heart slammed against his ribs.

She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

Her azure dress hugged her curves and brought out the blue in her eyes. Her copper hair shone as much as the diamond necklace he had sent that hung around her neck. Diamonds suited her. Bloody hell, everything suited her. Minta Nicholls would always take his breath away.

No, Minta Perry, the Marchioness of Kingston.

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