Page 76 of The Duke Meets His Match

Epilogue

Monday morning arrived at last,along with low clouds and the threat of rain, which meant that Susan’s hair was curlier and more temperamental than usual, even with her recent trim. The extra humidity didn’t dampen Susan spirits though.

“What an extraordinary head of hair you have,” Aunt Margaret said, not for the first time, as she reviewed Susan’s most recent attempt to tame it. “How I wish my own hair were half as lush as yours.”

“She gets it from her father’s side of the family,” Mama said. “Maternal great-grandmother. My side produces hair as straight as a poker.”

“It has a mind of its own most days, you know,” Susan said, trying to hide her amused smile. “Even after the trim it received from the talented Miss Lily.”

“Much like the person who possesses it,” Mama said.

“Perhaps I shall simply let it fall freely,” Susan said, turning her head from side to side as she viewed her reflection in the mirror. “I’m not sure it can be tamed today, of all days.”

Mama and Aunt Margaret gasped in unison.

“Tochurch, Susan?” Mama exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. “People will think you’re awanton.”

“At the very least, they may think you are being rather too bold for London Society,” Aunt Margaret added. “Doremember that Lord and Lady Bledsoe and, well,otherswill be there, even if St. George’s isn’t full to the rafters, as it should be for such an event. You want to make a good first impression as Duchess of Aylesham, do you not?”

There was a knock on the door of Susan’s dressing room. “Yes?” Susan asked. “Who is it?”

“Miss Lily here to see you, Miss Jennings,” a female voice replied through the door.

Susan shot a feigned look of exasperation at Aunt Margaret, although, truly, she was glad Miss Lily was here to help her look her best on her wedding day. “Come in, Miss Lily,” she said.

Aunt Margaret gave a dramatic shrug as Miss Lily quietly entered the dressingroom and began to assess Susan’s hair in its present condition. “Well? I knewyou would never ask me to engage her services, even though Aylesham wouldcertainly have footed the bill, although I wouldn’t have sent him the bill anyway,as it would be a gift on my part, now, wouldn’t it?”

“Gracious!” Mama exclaimed. “Thurlby and I will pay for this woman’s services. There is no need to—”

“Hush now, Lady Thurlby,” Aunt Margaret said. “I suppose it was vulgar on my part to mention money. But you arenotto worry one single bit. You are the mother of the bride, and I asked Miss Lily to assist you in looking your very best too.”

“I deem it an honor and privilege, my lady,” Miss Lily said. “Although you already look very elegant.”

“Thank you,” Mama said, patting her hair in a self-conscious manner. “Perhaps I could do with a few more curls about my ears.”

Miss Lily deftly styled Susan’s hair and then proceeded to work her magic on Mama. God bless Aunt Margaret for sending for Miss Lily, and God bless Miss Lily for her talents. It was quite remarkable to see how easily she managed to make Susan’s hair behave.

“Now for your gown,” Aunt Margaret said. She had asked Tompkins to assist Susan today, and Susan would be wearing her favorite gown of the manyMadame Veronique had created—the deep-cream silk with a touch of goldembroidery at the neckline and around the sleeves.

“Oh, that’s lovely, Susan,” Mama said. “You look absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you, Mama,” Susan said.

“And the final touch. Allow me,” Aunt Margaret said, picking up the ruby necklace that lay on the vanity. Aunt Margaret carefully placed it around Susan’s neck and fastened the clasp. “Perfect.”

Susan could scarcely believe that the image she saw in the mirror was reallyher. “I truly wonder if you simply keep your magic wand hidden, Aunt Margaret. But magic or no, I thank you with my whole heart. For everything.”

“Now, dear, let’s not get all teary-eyed when we must save those tears for the actual ceremony,” Aunt Margaret said, pulling out her handkerchief she had tucked into her sleeve and dabbing at her eyes.

Susan and Mama both laughed, but Mama dabbed at her own eyes also.

“We need to go now, my dear,” Aunt Margaret said, sniffing once and tucking her handkerchief away. “It’s time to make you a duchess.”

Susan collected her shawl and bonnet and followed Mama and Aunt Margaret out the door. She was going to become a duchess today, true, but more importantly, she was going to become a wife. George’s wife.

There were two carriages waiting out front when they arrived—Lady Walmsley’s and George’s. Papa stood nearby, waiting for them. Susan couldscarcely remember a time when her hardworking papa had looked so dashing and dignified, dressed to the nines as he was this morning in a gray coat with a silver brocade waistcoat and perfectly knotted neckcloth.

“How splendid you ladies look!” he exclaimed. “My own lovely bride, ournew, dear friend, and my beautiful, clever daughter. Now, off you go to thechurch, Alice,” he said to Mama, kissing her cheek and offering a cordial bow over Aunt Margaret’s hand. “Susan and I shall follow in Aylesham’s carriage.”

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