Page 11 of Claimed By the Duke of Ice

“When do you think he will allow us to visit?” Letitia asked, drawing Grace out of her thoughts.

“I am not sure,” Grace confessed, “but hopefully not long after the wedding.”

“Now, now,” her father interjected, looking at Letitia. “We shall need to give the newlyweds some time to adjust. Perhaps we will visit in the late fall once the harvest has ended.”

“But that’s months away, Papa,” Letitia whined, clinging to Grace. “We’ve never been apart that long.”

“All will be well,” Aaron comforted, his deep voice gentle as he spoke to his daughters.

“Do you really think him suitable, Papa?” Grace found herself asking. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at her curiously.

“What do you mean, child?” Aaron asked, his great brows furrowing in concern.

Grace thought back to how Nathaniel had obviously avoided any form of physical touch, but she couldn’t find a way to put her feelings into words.

“Never mind,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. “Perhaps I am just nervous.”

“That is perfectly natural,” Matilda interjected, leaning over to place a comforting hand on her little sister’s shoulder. “Even with Simon, I still felt a wave of doubt.”

“You did?” Simon asked, turning to his wife with a look of feigned hurt.

They all laughed softly as Matilda smiled and kissed her husband sweetly.

“Yes, darling, but look at how happy we are,” she replied then turned back to Grace. “Nerves are perfectly normal, little sister,” Matilda said comfortingly. “But you needn’t worry. It usually means something wonderful is coming.”

CHAPTER SIX

“So, this is actually happening,” Aunt Tabitha asked, her tone dry as she stared coldly at her nephew.

“As I said it would,” he agreed, signing the last bit of paperwork required for their wedding. “We have permission from the church and a date for the ceremony.”

“Which is?” Aunt Tabitha asked warily.

“This Friday,” Nathaniel explained. “It will be small. Just you and Grace’s family will be in attendance. The Rowleys have agreed to cater a small reception afterward, and by Saturday, Grace and I will be on our way to Ninter.”

“But that’s only three days away!” Tabitha exclaimed. “You barely know this young lady. Are you sure you don’t want a longer engagement? There are still months left of the summer season. You could find someone better suited and change your mind!”

Nathaniel looked up from the paperwork, his gaze hardening as he turned his focus toward his aunt. She had made her displeasure for his decision well known, and he handled her criticism well—up until now. He was growing weary of her judgment, not just of him but of Grace and her family.

“Grace Rowley will be my wife, Aunt,” he said stiffly, “and your new niece-in-law. Whether you like it or not. I suggest you get used to the idea and save yourself some sorrow.”

Tabitha glared back at him hatefully. “Her family is no good, Nathaniel,” she stated flatly.

“Actually, I found them all to be quite charming,” Nathaniel replied passively, looking back down at his paperwork. “A little overly affectionate, maybe, but charming. Perhaps you should visit them. I’m sure my future bride would appreciate an audience with you.”

Suddenly, Tabitha grinned mischievously, and she changed her tune.

“You are right, Your Grace,” she replied sweetly. “I think I shall pay her a visit.”

Nathaniel looked after his aunt curiously as she quickly left the room then shook his head as he returned to the paperwork. He wished he didn’t have to do this part, and he had a feeling Grace felt the same. It wasn’t the marriage he was overly worried about but the process of the wedding. He wanted it done with as soon as possible, for each day that passed, his curiosity over his new bride grew, and he knew that they wouldn’t be able to get time alone until this part was over. It was only after such proceedings that he would be able to explore exactly why his body didn’t recoil from her touch.

* * *

Grace hurried to the parlor upon hearing that Nathaniel’s Aunt Tabitha, the Dowager Countess of Kenstrat, had arrived to pay her a visit. As she entered, she took in the older woman’s beguiling stature and immediately felt intimidated.

She was beautiful in the way ice was beautiful. Cold but alluring. And dangerous. Very dangerous if not approached properly. Grace curtseyed to her deeply and murmured greetings as she was soon joined by her mother and two other sisters.

“Dowager Countess,” Susan greeted respectfully, “what a pleasure it is to have you in our home. Please, do come in and have a seat. I shall have some tea prepared quickly.”

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