Sarah was about to protest but Paul shook his head slightly indicating that he was handling the situation himself. 'If only it were as simple as that, your grace, then there would be more happy marriages and less discord. Love is like a disease and one cannot know when one might catch it. Sarah and I were struck down so quickly we had no time to consider the consequences.'
'If my daughter is set on this union then I'll not stand in her way. You have my consent but not my blessing.'
'Thank you, your grace.' He bowed and withdrew leaving Sarah to continue the conversation in private.
'Mama, when you get to know him better you'll see that he's the perfect match for me. I know I told everyone that I had no intention of marrying for another year at least but as Paul said, things changed when he arrived in our lives.'
'I must own that you look radiant, my dear, and your happiness is paramount. Despite my reservations I think that perhaps you have met the gentleman who will make you happy. You will be pleased to know that I do not for one minute consider that he is marrying you for your fortune.'
'Neither do I, Mama. I think seeing how Richard so quickly accepted him into the household and dispensed with formality reinforced my belief that Paul's lack of fortune was no barrier.'
Her mother looked towards the terrace and for the first time that evening her smile was genuine. 'We dined outside last night and it was most enjoyable. I see Richard has arranged for us to do the same tonight. I could become accustomed to al fresco dining whilst the weather is clement.'
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of her younger sister accompanied by a nursemaid. Beth rushed over to her and Sarah held her close.
'Richard said I can come down for a little while and congratulate you on your betrothal to Mr Marchand. Will you live in the Dower House with him when you're married?'
'I don't know, sweetheart, we haven't had time to discuss it yet. Would you like to see outside where there's been a table laid for dinner?'
'I would, I would. Can I stay for dinner?'
Richard overheard this question. 'You can remain for the first course, Beth, but after that you must go up. Remember, you've already had your tea and won't want to sit through three courses with us.'
Beth pouted and glared across the room. 'Why is Miss Westley not talking to me? She shouldn't be spending so much time with Doctor Peterson.'
Fortunately, her voice didn't carry. 'Beth, if you're going to behave badly you can retire immediately.'
Her sister snatched her hand away and stamped her foot. Were they going to get the unedifying spectacle of a tantrum?
Richard stepped in. He put his arm around her waist and before she could protest had whisked her from the room. The nursemaid was obliged to run in order to keep up with them. Miss Westley had been so engrossed in her conversation that she was unaware of what had transpired.
'I'll go up with her, Lady Sarah, forgive me for not paying more attention to my charge.'
Amanda shook her head. 'No, remain here with us. Richard will deal with it.'
In fact he was back in less than one quarter of an hour. 'Beth sends her apologies for her bad behaviour. I told her that if she's good tomorrow, she can join us on the terrace.'
Foster announced that dinner was served and Paul led her out and took his place beside her. She scarcely knew what she ate but she was sure the food was delicious.
When the final dish was removed Paul suggested that they take a stroll around the garden whilst it was still light enough to see.
'There's a summerhouse in the rose garden which will be perfect for us to sit in and discuss our future together.' There was no need to ask anyone's permission – from now on the only gentleman to whom she must refer was him.
They walked hand in hand neither feeling the need for conversation. The evening chorus from the blackbirds filled the air and was a perfect accompaniment to their walk.
'Here we are, we can sit on the stone bench.'
He quickly spread his handkerchief for her so that she wouldn't mire her gown. The heady aroma of honeysuckle and roses surrounded them. With a sigh of pleasure she leaned against him and he put his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.
'Are you quite sure about this, darling? We're barely acquainted – is that sufficient time for you to commit yourself to spending the rest of your life with me?'
'I might ask you the same question. In the normal way of things, a young lady would perhaps spend an hour or two in the company of her future husband and would always be chaperoned. I consider that we've spent more time together than is usual, not less, as you've been living in the same house as me.'
'It might seem that way, but we've actually only spent a few hours together. I know that I'll never change my mind but I want to give you the opportunity to do so before you make a lifelong commitment.'
'How can you say that? You told my mother that we're meant to be together that we're irrevocably in love. Why are you changing your mind?'
'Darling, I've not changed my mind. I'm six years your senior, have far more experience of the world than you, I don't wish to rush you into anything you might regret.'
She could think of only one way to convince him she was more than ready to take this step. She pressed herself against him, linked her hands around his neck and pulled his head down so she could kiss him.
He resisted her scandalous advance for a few seconds then lifted her onto his lap and she was swept away, forgot everything but the joy of his lips on hers. His heat burnt through her thin gown. His hands were caressing her face, her back, whilst his lips travelled from her mouth to the curve of her bosom.
Then he released her abruptly and was on his feet standing with his back to her. His breathing sounded laboured – her own was little better.
'Go in, my love, before I do something that we'll both regret.'
'I don't wish to wait to marry you.'
Slowly he turned to face her, but remained more than an arm's length from her. 'I know that, sweetheart, but I must do the right thing for both of us.'
She ignored his raised hand and stepped closer to him. 'If you don't agree to marry me this summer I shall come to your bedchamber and force you to do so.'
His eyes darkened but he didn't act on his desire. 'I surrender. If you did that your brother would run me through. Shall we marry and make the garden party our celebration?'
'Mama will have a conniption fit, but yes, that would be absolutely perfect.'
*
The duke and his duchess had, unknown to the couple, been standing close by listening to this exchange. His grace turned to her with relief.
'A second wedding within a month, my love. Your sister is more like you than I realised.'
'I think it behoves you to set more men to finish our new home as this one will be somewhat overcrowded, especially if both Sarah and I are blessed with babies next year.'
'If you and I are not parents it won't be for lack of application on our part.'
They strolled in but once inside they increased their pace and were running by the time they reached their apartment.
THE END
The third and final book in this series will be published next summer. Will Sarah and Paul marry as planned or will one of them regret their hasty decision? Is Patrick O’Riley safe from arrest? Do Miss Westley and Dr Peterson find happiness together or is their romance not to be?
All will be revealed in The Duke's Dilemma.
If you enjoyed this second instalment would you please write a short review on Amazon for me? Many thanks.
Fenella J Miller
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The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 17
