Page 61 of Claimed By the Duke of Ice

“All thanks to your husband, darling,” Aaron Rowley informed her proudly, making his way toward Nathaniel.

“I took the investment advice you gave me, Your Grace,” Aaron informed him as the two men shook hands. He turned back to his wife and youngest daughter, his eyes glittering with exuberance. “And it came back to me ten-fold with a promise of more.”

Grace watched as her husband smiled widely at her father, his symptoms now much more under control than they had ever been. Joy burst through as she saw them both so comfortable and happy, followed quickly by relief that her parents’ financial misfortunes were now over.

“Your Papa hasn’t been this happy in ages,” Susan whispered as she laced her arm through Grace’s. “First, your reconciliation with your husband, and now, this investment. It’s as if everyone in London has forgotten our past. He has gentlemen calling on him daily now, begging him to return to clubs and rejoin hunts.”

“Oh, Mama, that’s wonderful,” Grace whispered back emphatically, her heart full of happiness. “And how are Matilda and Sam faring?”

Susan’s smile grew wider as she nodded toward the carriage coming up the drive.

“Ask them yourself. I think you’ll be quite happy with the answer.”

Grace and Matilda flew into one another’s arms as Matilda left the carriage, her belly much bigger now. They laughed and held hands as Grace led her up the stairs, regaling her with stories of the past month.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Matilda asked with a knowing smile. “True love overcomes everything.”

They hugged once more, but as they parted, they saw more carriages begin to come up the drive, and Matilda gave her a knowing nod.

“Go on, dear sister,” she encouraged. “Go be the Duchess you were meant to be. We shall find one another later.”

After giving her older sister one more kiss on the cheek, Grace went down the stairs and continued to welcome their guests. Eventually, Nathaniel rejoined her at her side, and all too soon, the festivities were underway. Back inside, the champagne flowed as trays of delicious treats were passed around, and a lively tune led many to the dance floor.

At one point, Grace saw her mother being surrounded by the very ladies that once teased them in London, and for a brief moment, she lost her festive spirit. She was about to intervene when suddenly a familiar face stepped in front of her, and she looked up to see Nathaniel’s Aunt Tabitha standing before her.

“My Lady,” Grace greeted her respectfully, bowing her head. As she rose back up, her eyes went back to her mother, and pride filled her as she watched the ladies all turn from her with pouting looks. She bit back a smile and looked back at Tabitha.

“It is good of you to come,” she continued. “We weren’t sure you would be joining us.” At that moment, Nathaniel suddenly appeared by Grace’s side, his hand protectively going to her lower back.

“Aunt,” he greeted stiffly, giving her a curt nod.

“Yes,” Aunt Tabitha replied, looking them both up and down with a somber look. “Well, I have come to bestow both my congratulations and apologies.”

Grace and Nathaniel shared a surprised glance before Nathaniel urged her to go on. At that, Tabitha’s cold gaze turned remorseful, and she looked at Grace.

“I am so sorry for misjudging you, dear girl,” she apologized emphatically. “It was only recently that I learned how much you’ve cared for and healed my nephew. And now that I know that, I wanted to wish you both great happiness. You more than deserve it. Please know that I will no longer get in your way.”

“That was very gracious of you, Aunt,” Nathaniel praised matter-of-factly.

“It takes true courage to apologize in such a fashion,” Grace added, taking Tabitha’s hand. “Thank you.”

“One must admit where mistakes are made,” Aunt Tabitha replied coolly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must head home. That is all I came to do.”

Aunt Tabitha went to move away, but Nathaniel reached out to her, grabbing her hand. She turned to look in his direction and saw that his hands were no longer clad in black leather.

“You’re not wearing your gloves,” Tabitha noted, surprised. For the first time, Nathaniel smiled back at her.

“I’ve not much need for them anymore, thanks to Grace,” he replied, his tone softer now. “Do not go, Aunt. We still have plenty of rooms available, and we would love to have you.”

“Yes, please stay,” Grace urged, going to her husband’s side. “The past belongs in the past. We should all move forward together now. As a united family.”

Before Tabitha could say anything in return, Susan joined them, followed by the gaggle of ladies that had once besmirched them, still vying for her attention.

“Lady Kenstrat,” Susan greeted her warmly. “How good it is to see you again.”

“You as well, Lady York,” Tabitha replied, surprised that the woman she once spoke so lowly to was now so warm and kind. “Your gown is absolutely radiant.”

“As is yours,” Susan replied, lacing her arm through Tabitha’s. She narrowed her eyes at the ladies still bunched together and waiting for her to speak with them.

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