Page 90 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Aflurry ofactivity consumed Sera’s bedchamber, with the four wives of the Second Sons preparing her for her wedding as Aunt Phyllis watched in approval.

Adalyn touched Sera’s shoulder. “I am going downstairs to make certain everything is prepared in the garden for the ceremony.”

“Thank you for organizing everything in regard to this wedding,” she said as Adalyn kissed her cheek.

Though she had only known Adalyn and Louisa for a short while, Sera already felt close to them. She knew in the years to come she would be celebrating many occasions with them, along with Minta and Tessa, as their families grew.

Adalyn waddled away and once the door closed, Tessa said, “I believe she is carrying twins. She wasn’t nearly so large when she was carrying Edwin. And she still has until November.”

“Do twins run in her family? Or Everett’s?” asked Louisa.

“Not that I know of,” Minta said. “That would be more likely with Sera or me since we are twins.” Minta rubbed her belly, which was just starting to protrude. “I had not given a thought to having more than one babe. I suppose I should have thought it is a possibility.”

Aunt Phyllis put her arm about Minta’s shoulders. “One day at a time, my darling. I remember when your mother had the two of you. It became obvious in those last few months that there would be more than one of you. Try not to worry.”

Tessa smoothed a stray lock of Sera’s hair, securing it with a pin. “Well, what do you think?”

Sera gazed at her image and saw not only how well Tessa had dressed her hair—but that she glowed with happiness.

“You did an excellent job, Tessa,” she praised and stood, smoothing her gown.

“We should all go downstairs and give Sera a few moments to collect herself,” Louisa advised.

They each came and embraced her, wishing her the best, and then Sera found herself alone. She savored the quiet, knowing the rest of the afternoon would be busy.

But what she looked forward to was tonight and being with Win.

He hadn’t come to her bed last night. He had told her she needed to get her rest—because he was going to keep her awake until dawn, making love to her in every way she could imagine.

A knock sounded on the door and Sera went to answer it. Uncle West stood there, beaming at her.

“Ah, Sera. You look lovely,” he praised. “And so very happy.”

“I am happy, Uncle. More than I could have ever imagined possible.”

“Are you ready to be escorted to your groom?” He offered his arm to her.

“I most certainly am,” she said with enthusiasm.

As they made their way down the corridor, he said, “I am pleased His Grace will become your husband. I like him, Sera. He is a good man.”

“He is, Uncle West. The very best.”

“Your parents will like him, as they will Lord Kingston. I am sorry they had to miss both their daughters’ weddings.”

“They will return to England next spring. Mama’s last letter guaranteed they would be here no later than May.”

“Then they will meet their first grandchild,” he said. “Who knows? You may have one of your own by then.”

It was her greatest hope. She had wondered if she and Win had already made a babe.

They descended the stairs and several of the servants were lined up to see her. She smiled at them and thanked them for preparing everything today. Then Uncle West led her from the house and toward the Woodbridge gardens. Sera spied an arch and they walked through it, down a path strewn with petals. When they reached a gazebo, she saw a group gathered.

Her eyes went straight to Win. He was so tall and broad and so very handsome that it made her teeth ache, as if she’d eaten too many sweets. Freddie and Charlie stood on either side of him, both grinning from ear to ear. Charlie even waved to her as she floated down the path. He had lost a tooth the previous evening and as he smiled at her, she saw the gap.

Uncle West handed her over and Win clasped her hand in his, warm and reassuring. They spoke their vows before the clergyman as their friends and family looked on. The minister pronounced them man and wife and Win framed her face in his hands and kissed her for a long moment.

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