The Duke's Forbidden Love (Book 4, Age of Innocence) Page 10

  “It is indeed foolish to gamble money you do not possess. You nearly consigned your daughter to a disastrous marriage full of pain and suffering just to pay off your debts. Lincoln’s cruelty is well known in certain circles. It’s unforgivable for a father to gamble with his daughter’s happiness. I’ve paid your debts as a favor to Warwick. His happiness is very important to me.”

  “Of course. I’m deeply ashamed, and I shall spend the rest of my life trying to make amends to Amelia for my foolish mistake. I wish I’d known of Lincoln’s cruelty when he first spoke to me about courting Amelia. I would never have consented to the courtship. I would be grateful if you would outline a plan to repay you,” Dudley said.

  Wetherby stood. “There’s no need. Consider it a gift for your daughter’s happiness.”

  Dudley came around his desk and extended his hand. “Thank you, Your Grace. I shall never forget your kindness.”

  The duke shook his hand before taking his leave.

  Dudley made his way back to the parlor and joined his wife and daughter. “Amelia, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I deeply regret my part in this whole affair. The Duke of Wetherby enlightened me about Lincoln’s temper and penchant for cruelty. I never knew; trust me when I say that. I only saw the prestige of you marrying an earl and thought I was making a good match for you. I’m more sorry than I can ever say.”

  Amelia rose from the settee and gave her father a hug. “Papa, I confess that last night, my thoughts of you were most unkind. I couldn’t believe that the happiness I’d found with Warwick had been snatched so cruelly from my grasp. I didn’t know how I could survive a marriage to Lincoln, but luckily, that fate is not to be and I’m most grateful to the Duke of Wetherby for his help in this matter.”

  Dudley kissed her cheek. “Would you care to tell us about Warwick? We know nothing of him. He hasn’t been in London in years.”

  Amelia smiled. “Oh, Papa, he’s the very best of men. He and his sister, the Countess of Fulton, took excellent care of me while I was injured.” She loved talking about Warwick and told her parents how she fell in love with him.

  “I’m happy for you, my dear. Truly I am,” Dudley said.

  “Thank you, Papa. Mama, I would like to visit Rose this morning. Will you accompany me?”

  “Of course. I haven’t paid a call to Lady Ridley in a while, but it’s early yet. Let us all go to the dining room and enjoy breakfast together.”

  Amelia nodded. “I find my appetite has returned and would love a hot cup of tea.”

  Two hours later, Amelia and Grace exited the carriage at the townhome of Lord Ridley, just outside the fashionable district of Mayfair. Before they had a chance to knock, the door opened.

  “Good morning, Larson,” Amelia said with a bright smile.

  “Good morning, Miss Amelia, Lady Dudley.”

  “I pray Rose is receiving callers this morning.”

  Larson opened the door wider to allow the women entry. Once they’d divested themselves of bonnets and gloves, he led them to a small parlor in the back of the home. “Lady Dudley and Miss Amelia,” he announced.

  Rose looked up from her book and stared. “Amelia?”

  Amelia ran to her friend and hugged her. “Oh Rose, how I missed you.”

  Rose stepped back and stared at Amelia like she’d never seen her before, her shock was so great. “I can hardly believe you’re here. When I heard you vanished, I thought never to see you again. I couldn’t understand what had happened to you.”

  “There’s much to tell, but first, I’m so very happy to see you again.”

  “Larson, please inform my mother we have guests and order a tea tray,” Rose said.

  “Very good, Miss Rose,” the butler said, closing the door behind him.

  “Oh my, where are my manners? It’s lovely to see you, Lady Dudley,” Rose said. “My mother will be thrilled you’ve come to call. She’s with Cook at the moment, going over the menu for this evening.”

  No sooner had Rose spoken than Lady Ridley burst into the room, taking in the scene. Her gaze settled on Amelia momentarily before turning to her friend. “Grace, what a happy surprise. I hadn’t expected to see you today.”

  “Eleanor, I do hope we’re not disturbing you this early in the day, but Amelia was anxious to see Rose,” Grace said, walking to her friend and bussing her cheeks.

  Eleanor smiled. “It’s no bother. I’m merely surprised, that’s all.”

  The door to the parlor opened, and a maid brought in a tea tray and set it on the table.

  “Grace, Amelia, please have a seat. Rose, will you pour?”

  “Of course, Mama,” Rose said, pouring and handing teacups and sweets to everyone.

  “Amelia, dear, we were all so very worried about you when you disappeared. Your poor lady mother was most distraught. It’s wonderful seeing you look so well.”

  “Thank you, Lady Ridley. It’s been quite an adventure, but one that has ended most happily.”

  “Are you and Lincoln still betrothed?” Rose asked.

  Amelia shook her head. “No, and I’m very grateful that I’m not. The Earl of Lincoln is not who he presents himself to be in Society.”

  “What do you mean?” Lady Ridley asked.

  “Lincoln has a cruel and vicious temper that he doesn’t let slip during ton events. I’ve been the unlucky recipient of a number of his displays.”

  “You never mentioned that to me,” Rose said. “Has he hurt you?”

  “Yes. It was the reason I ran away. However, that’s all in the past now. I don’t wish to think about Lincoln anymore.”

  “What a dreadful man,” Lady Ridley said. “Are you planning to stay in London for the rest of the Season?”

  “I’ll be in London for a happy reason. I’m thrilled to announce I’m betrothed to the Duke of Warwick.”

  Rose set her teacup down. “The Duke of Warwick? The recluse? How did that come about? What—”

  “Rose, if Amelia wishes to share her story, it must be her choice. Let her catch her breath,” Lady Ridley said, interrupting her daughter.

  “Oh, Amelia, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “I’ll be more than happy to share my story, but first, the reason we came by today was to ask if you’ll stand up with me at my wedding. We will marry in ten days.”

  It took a moment before Rose responded. She looked at her mother, who nodded her consent. “Oh, yes. I shall be most delighted.”

  “Eleanor, you must attend as well,” Grace said. “The wedding breakfast will be quite small, and I would love your company.”

  “Thank you, Grace. I will be happy to accompany Rose.” Eleanor looked at her daughter. “Rose, perhaps you’d like to share your special news as well?”

  Rose sat up straighter and smiled. “I’m betrothed to Mr. Sidney Payton. The first of the banns will be read on Sunday.”

  Amelia set her teacup down and hugged her friend. “Oh Rose, I wish you happy. I knew it wouldn’t be long before some lucky gentleman saw what a wonderful woman you are.”

  “Thank you. I’m most pleased. Sidney is very dear to me. He’s been offered the position of vicar for the Northcott parish.”

  “You’ll make the perfect vicar’s wife with your innate goodness. Everyone will fall in love with you, I’m sure.”

  A pretty blush stained Rose’s cheeks. “Thank you, Amelia.”

  “Now, are you sure you want to hear my story?” Amelia said with a smile.

  Both Rose and Eleanor nodded. The ladies sat in rapt attention for the next hour as Amelia told the story of her life for the past two months, culminating in her betrothal to Warwick.

  “Oh my, I don’t think I could have done that,” Rose said.

  Amelia nodded. “I was desperate. The future laid out before me with Lincoln was intolerable
. I felt I had no other choice but to flee. Being married to him for the rest of my life was a nightmare in the making.”

  “I had no idea about the earl. It’s quite shocking to learn his true character,” Eleanor said. “I shall discreetly inform a few of my other friends who have daughters out in Society.”

  “I think it’s important for more people to be aware of Lincoln’s true nature,” Grace said. “I would hate to see anyone of our acquaintance involved with him. I’m glad you help spread the word. And now, Amelia dear, we should take our leave. There’s much to do before the wedding.”

  With one last round of hugs between them, Amelia and Grace left the Ridley home. When the carriage arrived, her mother instructed the driver to take them to Bond Street for some last-minute wedding shopping.

  Chapter 16

  THE NEXT WEEK FLEW BY in a flurry of activity between shopping trips and tea with friends. Amelia opened her eyes and smiled, stretching her arms over her head. Today was her wedding day. She would marry the man of her dreams. Warwick had captured her, body and soul, and she loved him deeply and completely.

  A soft knock drew her attention. “Come.”

  Nobbs bustled into the room. “Good morning, Lady Amelia.”

  “It is indeed a good day, Nobbs,” Amelia said, sitting up and sliding out of bed. She went to the window. “The garden is especially lovely today.”

  “I understand you marry there?”

  Amelia nodded. “Mama instructed the staff to bring in more roses, so the air will be scented.”

  “That sounds perfect. A bath has been prepared for you.”

  “Thank you, Nobbs. I think I’ll enjoy a good soak this morning.”

  “Very good. I will return shortly with tea and toast.”

  “I’m too excited to eat,” Amelia said.

  “A few bites of toast will go a long way in settling your nerves,” Nobbs said as she exited the bedchamber.

  After an enjoyable and leisurely soak, Nobbs was there with the promised tray and to help Amelia dress for her wedding day.

  “I’ve pulled the pale green silk for you, unless you prefer another gown,” Nobbs said.

  “The pale green will be perfect, “Amelia said, running her finger along the delicate embroidery on the hem. She was relieved Nobbs hadn’t pulled the ice-blue silk—the dress she was supposed to wear for her marriage to Lincoln. She never wanted to see that dress again, although it would be a waste to leave it hanging in the back of her armoire.

  “Nobbs, when you’ve finished dressing me, please pull the ice-blue silk and leave it on the bed. I plan on gifting it to Rose today for her own upcoming wedding.”

  “What a lovely gesture. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Thank you, Nobbs.”

  After primping for more than an hour, Amelia was ready to meet her bridegroom. As she headed down the stairs, she heard voices coming from the parlor.

  “Good morning,” she said as she walked into the room.

  “Good morning, Amelia,” Grace said. “You look beautiful, my dear.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  “May I make known to you, Mr. Robert Grant?” her mother said, indicating the gentleman in the room.

  “Good morning, Miss Beckwith,” Mr. Grant said. “I’m the vicar who’ll perform the marriage ceremony.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Grant.”

  “Lady Dudley has informed me you would like the ceremony in the garden at eleven. I believe that will suit admirably, as the morning dew will soon be gone.”

  “Excellent. Warwick and the guests should be arriving soon.”

  The parlor door opened, and a maid brought in a tea tray with assorted biscuits and tarts and placed it on the table in front of the settee. She curtseyed and left the room, closing the door behind her.

  “Amelia dear, will you pour?” Grace asked.

  Amelia nodded. “I’d be happy to. Mr. Grant, how do you like your tea?”

  “One sugar please.

  Amelia prepared the tea and handed him a cup with a selection of biscuits before pouring cups for herself and her mother. She took a seat in the chair opposite the settee and nibbled on one of the sweet biscuits.

  Within a half-hour, Rose and her mother arrived. Amelia rose to greet them. “I’m pleased to see you both this morning. Shall I order more tea?”

  “Don’t go to any trouble on our account,” Eleanor said. “We had our tea earlier.”

  Amelia brought them over to the vicar. “Lady Ridley, Miss Ridley may I make known to you Mr. Robert Grant?”

  “Good morning, Mr. Grant,” Rose and Eleanor said in unison.

  “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Mr. Grant said.

  Amelia hugged Rose and whispered, “I have a surprise for you.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. Come with me upstairs.” Amelia turned to her guests. “Please excuse us for a moment. We shall return shortly.”

  Amelia led Rose up to her bedchamber. Inside, she saw that the blue silk dress had been laid out on the bed as she requested. She picked up the dress and held it up for Rose’s inspection. “This is for your wedding day.”

  Rose fingered the delicate lace at the bodice and sleeves. “Oh, Amelia. It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t possible accept it. It’s too much.”

  “Nonsense. It would make me most happy if you would accept it. It will look stunning on you, and I daresay Mr. Payton won’t be able to tear his eyes away from you.” Amelia handed the dress to Rose. “Look in the mirror and see how beautiful you’ll look.”

  Rose tentatively took the dress from her friend, held it up in front of her, and glanced in the mirror. The blue was the perfect shade to complement her complexion, and tears filled her eyes.

  “Oh, no crying. It’s a happy day,” Amelia said, hugging her friend. “Nobbs will pack up the dress and send it over later today.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Amelia nodded. “Yes. It’ll be perfect for you.” She saw no reason to tell Rose that it was the dress made for her marriage to Lincoln. It was a stunning creation and should be worn and not go to waste because of her aversion to it.

  Rose wiped a tear from her cheek. “Thank you, Amelia. I shall treasure it.”

  “Good. I’m happy you like it. Shall we join the others?”

  Rose nodded and left the dress on the bed. She linked arms with Amelia, and the two friends joined the rest of the party in the parlor.

  It wasn’t long before Warwick and the Duke of Wetherby arrived.

  The women stood and curtseyed. “Good morning, Your Graces,” they said.

  Mr. Grant stepped forward to greet Warwick. “Your Grace, I’m Robert Grant and will perform the ceremony today.”

  Warwick nodded. “Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mr. Grant.”

  Wetherby held out his hand. “Mr. Grant, good to see you again.”

  Mr. Grant grasped his hand. “You as well, Your Grace.”

  Once the introductions were finished, Warwick took Amelia aside for a private moment. “Good morning, my darling. You’re more beautiful every time I see you. I’m so happy, and after today, we will never be parted again.”

  “James, my darling. I could barely sleep last night, thinking about our wedding today.”

  “I as well. Twenty-four hours has never seemed so long,” Warwick said.

  The door to the parlor opened, and the butler announced, “The Earl and Countess of Fulton.”

  Amelia rushed to Meredith and Fulton. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”

  Meredith smiled. “We are as well. I wouldn’t miss seeing you and Warwick marry. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my brother so happy, and it’s all because of you, my dear.”

  Warwick embraced Meredith and shook hands wit
h Fulton. “I’m pleased you both came to London earlier than planned and will be able to join in our celebration today. Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”

  “Are you expecting any other guests?” Mr. Grant asked Warwick.

  “No. Everyone is here.”

  “Very good. I shall meet you in the garden, and we can begin.”

  Warwick and Wetherby followed the vicar out to the garden with Fulton, Meredith, Grace, and Eleanor following suit. Dudley stood in front of his daughter with a small nosegay of roses. “You’re a beautiful bride Amelia, and I’m happy you’ve found an honorable man to share your life with.”

  Amelia took the flowers. “Thank you, Papa. I’m very happy.”

  Dudley kissed her cheek before offering his arm. “Shall we?”

  “I’ve never been more ready.”

  Rose walked in front of them as Dudley escorted Amelia out to the garden. Amelia took her place next to Warwick, and the vicar began the ceremony.

  “Are you ready, Your Grace?” the vicar asked.

  Warwick nodded.

  The vicar opened his book and began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of these guests, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church, and is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.”

  He continued, “James Edward Harlow, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”