Page 24 of Taken By the Dangerous Duke

“Well, don’t you look like a picture,” said Bertha Bolton, Margaret’s soon-to-be aunt. “I still remember my wedding day, dear. Oh, it was a beautiful occasion. You are going to remember this day for a very long time.”

“Thank you,” was all Margaret could say.

Margaret had not imagined her wedding day to be anything like this. She had not been looking forward to her wedding day. For the longest time, she had been waiting for her parents to sell her off like livestock. The wedding she had imagined was one of disappointment. Today was different from what she had imagined, but it was still a disappointment.

The wedding was to be small, and no one she knew would be there. She would have no family and no friends. At least, in the scenario when she was sold off to the highest bidder, there would be a large celebration. The duke had money, but there was no point putting it toward this. Margaret understood why they were having a small wedding, but she was still disappointed.

“Come on, let’s have a look at you, my dear,” said Bertha.

Margaret stood up in her new dress and spun around.

“Just need to add a little something,” said Bertha. She opened a small jewelry box and rummaged through it. “Hmm, what to add, what to add.” She pushed some of the jewelry aside. “Ah, yes, here we are. When I was married, I did not get to wear fancy jewelry, but you should take the chance. Here, let me pin it to your breast.”

Margaret stood in place, bewildered by the whole thing. She had barely arrived at the duke’s mansion in York when the wedding date was set, and then this woman had been thrust on her. She had to admit that Bertha was nice and kind and happy, but it was still a lot to take in all at once. She was to be married, and this woman would be a part of her family too. She had only just come to terms with running away from her parents.

“It is the right thing to do,” whispered Margaret to herself.

Of course, it is the right thing to do,” agreed Bertha, overhearing the whispers. “Marriage is one of the greatest institutions of this world. You are creating a union before God, and that is something to be honored and enjoyed.”

“I hope you don’t mind me asking,” said Margaret. “What happened to your husband, Aunt Bertha?”

“I lost him a long time ago, my dear.”

“I am sorry,” said Margaret.

“Don’t you worry about that. The Lord has a plan for all of us, and this is all part of your plan.”

Margaret did not say anything. She was not sure what Arthur had told his aunt. She was to give the duke an heir, and that was it. This marriage was not something to be honored or enjoyed, it was a means to an end. The duke would satisfy his father’s wishes, and she would be done with her parents and would be able to live a life without them or a man.

“The brooch looks good on you, my dear. Come on, the coach will be waiting. There are two things in life you should not be late for—your wedding and your funeral.”

The portly woman gave a chuckle before she led the way. Bertha was Arthur’s father’s sister, though there was no family resemblance between her and Arthur. He was tall and muscular, and she was short and stout. Arthur had blonde hair and green eyes, but Bertha had brown hair and brown eyes. Margaret had seen a painting of the duke’s father in the mansion, and he looked a lot like Arthur. Bertha did not look like either of them.

She followed Bertha through the mansion and out into the courtyard where the coach was waiting. The two women got into the coach, and they were soon on their way to the church.

“Will you pray with me while we ride?” asked Bertha.

Margaret only nodded. Bertha held out her hand, and Margaret took it. The two women bowed their heads, and Bertha muttered under her breath, much too quietly for Margaret to make out what the woman was saying. She had only just met her and did not know what to make of her, but her outlook was a refreshing change from her own parents.

Bertha was a positive woman, and she radiated goodness. Margaret might not have known her for long, but Bertha already felt like more of a parental figure than her own parents. Her father had never truly loved her, and her mother only went along with what her father said.

The two of them sat in prayer as they made the short journey from the mansion to the church. This was another difference that Margaret was getting used to—the short distances. York was a large town, but not as big as London, and everything seemed to be a few minutes by coach.

The people were different too. Margaret had only been in York for a week, but she had noticed that the people were never in much of a rush. Everyone in London seemed to be in a rush to get to places, even when they were not going to work.

Margaret felt more free here—even though she was about to be married. The thought struck her, and a lump rose to her throat. It was a crazy idea, and one that she was fully on board with now, but it was really happening, and she had to deal with it. She was going to be a wife, and soon, she would be a mother. The thought almost caused her to burst out laughing.

“Well, here we are, my dear,” said Bertha.

The coach rumbled to a stop. Bertha got out first and helped Margaret down the two steps. The emotions came in waves. As Margaret thought about being married and having a child, she was scared of it. But, then, she looked down at the long, flowing, cream cotton gown she was wearing, and she felt beautiful—excited by the thought of marrying a duke.

And then she thought about the reasons for marrying the duke, and the emotions and feelings swung the other way again. For the hundredth time that morning, Margaret realized that this was nothing like the wedding she had dreamed of or thought she would end up having.

“I will see you inside, my dear,” said Bertha.

Margaret took a deep breath. She could run now and she could probably escape the duke, but it would not be escaping. She was not being forced into this, and it did seem like the best option, no matter how ludicrous it was. So, with a resolute feeling in her heart, Margaret stepped into the church.

She instantly deflated. Margaret was not sure what she should have expected, but it was not this. Arthur stood at the front of the church with the priest; Bertha sat in the front row beside a man she did not recognize. The remainder of the chairs were empty. There were five people in the church, including Margaret.

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