Page 52 of The Duke Meets His Match

“I’m not sure I wish to recallthatparticular picture,” Susan said with a smile. “And I take your point, Aunt Margaret.”

“You may wish to feel like a bride, but you will also be Aylesham’s duchess, and there’s no getting around that fact,” Aunt Margaret said. “You may as well pick the gown that informs Society that a Duchess of Aylesham has arrived and is a force to be reckoned with.”

Susan sighed. “I will allow that the rose silk seems more like the gown of a duchess, but I’ve always thought thatifI were ever to marry ... I would prefer a simple gown—I don’t know why. Funny, I had forgotten all about that. It’s been a long time since I’ve held on to such girlish dreams.”

“The cream one it is, then, and you’ll look exquisite in it. Aylesham won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

“Excuse me, milady,” Mrs. Tompkins said after stepping into the room.

“What is it, Tompkins?” Aunt Margaret asked.

“Foster handed me this letter, just arrived from the Duke of Aylesham, and told me to bring it straight in to Miss Jennings.”

“Thank you, Tompkins,” Susan said, taking the letter from the maid. What could possibly be the matter now? Yesterday, during their conversation, George had told her he would not disturb her today so she could rest and reflect on all that had happened this past week and that he would call on her tomorrow and they would spend time truly getting to know each other better.

She broke the seal and opened the letter. Its contents were brief and to the point.

“What is it, my dear?” Aunt Margaret asked.

“The duke has informed me that there has been a new development in our nuptials, and he is calling on me—us—within the half hour to explain it in person.”

“Gracious! Whatever could have happened?” Aunt Margaret exclaimed. “I say, when I invited you and your young sister to spend the Season here as my guests, I never dreamed you would bring so much excitement with you! I feel like a veritable girl again. It’s quite invigorating!”

"Oh, Aunt Margaret!” Susan said, taking the older lady into her arms for a brief hug. “What a dear you are! I have known you but a week but feel as though I’ve known you forever. How glad I am that I’ve had you to rely on these past few days—more fantastical days I’ve never experience before in my life.”

“The girl who caught a duke without even trying,” Aunt Margaret said with a chuckle.

Without even wanting to, Susan added silently to herself—although his note had made her prickle with anxiety. Was he now going to end their betrothal? The idea of a new development left Susan feeling uneasy, and she realized ...

Oh, good heavens, she didn’t want her betrothal to the duke to end! Shewantedto marry him. How could a person be so certain of something so life changing in such a short amount of time? Was her heart overruling her good sense again as it had when she had been a naive young lady and she’d become smitten with Lord Frome?

“You’re woolgathering when you should be seeing to your hair,” Aunt Margaret said.

“My hair—oh, yes.” Susan absentmindedly patted her head. She had been pulling gowns on and off; her hair was certain to be a mess.

“Tompkins, perhaps you can assist Miss Jennings with her coiffure,” Aunt Margaret said.

“No, I’ll—I’m fine,” Susan said. “No need; thank you, Tompkins.”

“I’m happy to help,” Tompkins replied. “If it sets your mind to resting.”

“Very well. Thank you.” Susan was usually able to remain matter-of-fact and practical, but right now, she was feeling fraught. She must rein in her emotions.She was not a quavering female who threatened the vapors at every whim.

She sat at her vanity and stared at her image in the mirror while Mrs.Tompkins saw to her coiffure. There was a new development regarding their nuptials, George had said in his letter, and he wanted to explain it to her and Aunt Margaret in person.

Her mind coursed through the various options of what that development might be and chose the worst options possible upon which to dwell. The PrinceRegent had decided to push George more forcefully into marriage to PrincessSophia Augusta was one option. Or perhaps George had finally met the princessand had decided to do the bidding of the prince ...

She shut her eyes and rubbed her temples. She thought she might be sick—what a humiliating thought! There was no use in speculating, she told herselffirmly. She would know all soon enough.

Aunt Margaret came up to her and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Foster informed me that Aylesham is downstairs, my dear. Are you ready?”

She wasn’t.

“Yes,” she said.

***

George had spent altogether too much time pacing about this very parlor over the past week, yet here he was again. Pacing.

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