by Jenna Hart
Serena's stomach sank. Someone had seen her leave the study alone after Hadden.
"Lady Stratdale, that is enough!" Judith raised her voice, causing Winter to grab Serena's hand. "My daughter is innocent in this, and I would appreciate you not mentioning her name again. Now, good day to you. I'm sure you can see yourself out."
Both Serena and Winter heard their mother's dismissal and moved to hide.
"Well, I've never been treated in such a fashion!" Lady Stratdale huffed out of the room, just as Serena and Winter dove behind two of the large plants leftover from last night's ball.
"What did she mean secret rendezvous, and don't you dare tell me you have no idea what she is talking about!" Winter's eyes narrowed on her sister.
Serena knew she wouldn't get away without explaining what had transpired.
"I knew it! The way he kept staring at you and moving close to you," Winter whispered loudly, causing Serena to place her hand over Winter's mouth.
"Oh, Serena! What if Lady Stratdale is right? And others find out about this?"
That was the last thing Serena wanted to think about.
CHAPTER SIX
"And they were seen moments apart, with Lady Serena still buttoning her dress back into place," Hadden listened as his valet told him the newest round of gossip moving through the London drawing rooms.
"That's it, Your Grace, what they said, word for word," Doyle said.
While servants didn't usually share the gossip they heard passed between homes, Doyle was the exception, as he worked closely with Hadden, attempting to uncover even the smallest crumb of information that would be useful to his employer's quest.
"Thank you, Doyle, that'll be all for now," Hadden said.
This was not good. If the servants knew about this, then their employers also knew.
How far it had spread, he wasn't sure.
Picking up a large stack of invitations, he let them drop back onto the desk. He never wanted to see another ball invitation in his life, but he knew he would need to continue to work the social gatherings.
Last night's memories came back again.
He had fought them all morning while trying to finish responding to letters and invitations and while trying to fall asleep last night. Unable to do so, he laid awake, wishing he could feel Serena's lips again on his and taste her sweetness.
Her kisses were intoxicating, spiced sweetness that begged to be drunk. A drink he would thirst for forever.
A knock at the door jarred interrupted Hadden's thoughts.
"Come," Hadden called, leaning back into his chair.
Doyle entered, carrying a folded note in his hand.
"This just came for you, Your Grace," Boyle said, walking over to hand Hadden the note.
"It's from the Marquess of Danerly."
Seeing the look on Hadden's face, Boyle bowed and left the duke to read the message in private.
Averton,
In light of recent events that have come to my attention, I request an immediate audience with you. If you choose to ignore this, I shall have no choice but to call you out.
As I have been most amicable to you, given the situation with my daughter, it will do well on your character and station to meet at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
Lord Edward Marcus Danerly, 6th Marquess of Danerly
Hadden stared at the note, unsure of what precisely he needed to do.
He knew very well what Danerly wanted to discuss with him. He couldn't even blame the man if he did want to shoot him.
Hadden knew what he had to do. He mustered up every ounce of pride he could, and went to face Serena's father, already knowing what the outcome would be.
"By God, you'll marry her this time," Edward roared at the younger man before him. "You have cost my daughter enough. I'll not sit by this time while you slink away. You should have left her alone, and this wouldn't be happening."
Hadden sat still in the large armchair, his stomach turning inside. He had arrived shortly after receiving the message from Edward.
Edward's study was a jarring reminder of what happened between him and Serena only a few days before. And Hadden wanted desperately to get out of the room.
He knew Edward was right. Serena's reputation was now completely shattered and beyond repair. She wouldn't be able to come back from this, even with her family's power.
If he walked away, she would face the wolves alone. She didn't deserve that. Still, it didn't make the fact that he would have to marry her any more comfortable.
"I'll still settle her dowry," Edward said, picking up a piece of paper and reading it, an attempt to calm himself. "You'll find it's more than generous."
"That won't be necessary," Hadden said, standing.
He would do what was needed, but in name only, not willing to risk forming an attachment of any sort to Serena. No matter what he wanted. Not with Charlotte still on the loose.
"I'll send my man around this afternoon with the papers," Hadden said. "Everything should be in order, and the sooner this is over with, the better."
Edward looked at the young man who would soon become his son-in-law. He was everything a father would want for his daughter. Powerful. Titled. Wealthy.
But there was something else about the duke that Edward couldn't place.
Something that told him his Serena wouldn't have an easy marriage with this man. Not that he thought Averton would ever harm her. No, he would never push for the wedding if he felt that.
There was a wall built around the man that was plain enough even for Edward to see. One that wasn't there before. Edward feared this new wall might be too high for his daughter to climb.
"I plan to take Serena to Averton Park just so you're aware," Hadden said quietly, turning his attention to Edward. "She'll be safe there."
Before Edward could ask what he meant by that remark, Hadden left the study, only to find the foyer filled with Serena, her mother, and sister.
Aside from the Hessians on his feet, the expensive Italian linen shirt, and his elegant cut navy overcoat, one would never have mistaken him for a gentleman of the ton, much less a duke.
His hair was disheveled, and a new growth of dark hair lined his angled jaw.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Serena said, color slowly rising into her cheeks. "We were just on our way to Lady Harris's."
Hadden didn't respond, his mouth set tight.
"How is your morning?" Serena asked, forcing a smile.
"One might say I've had better days, but instead, it appears congratulations are in order, Lady Serena," Hadden said, after a few moments of silence.
"I'm sorry, your grace. I'm afraid I don't understand. Congratulations for what?" Serena asked, confused.
"Yes, congratulations on what?" Lady Danerly asked, the high pitch of her voice grinding against both Serena and Hadden's ears.
Hadden's eyes locked with Serena's. "We are to be married in three days.
"Married! To whom?" Lady Danerly screeched, causing Serena to wince at her mother's distress. "Surely, your grace, you are not suggesting my daugh-"
"Precisely, Lady Danerly, you are correct. Your daughter and I are to be married. It seems the only way to appease the new situation."
"EDWARD!"
Judith made her way into the study. "You will explain this at once!"
"Judith, they must marry," Edward said, resting his hand on his head and closing his eyes.
"If this is about Lady Stratdale," Judith said, "you can't very well believe that."
"He's admitted to it already, Judith," Edward said, looking his wife in the eyes. "It's true. Now, we must prepare as best we can."
"I don't understand," Judith said. "How could she allow this to happen?"
Serena's mother began to sob, and she could hear her papa trying to comfort her.
Both Serena and Hadden stood still in the foyer, staring at the study, listening to the odious discussion between Serena's parents regarding their future nupt
ials being the only way to preserve their daughter's last remaining bit of decent reputation.
"It's safe to say someone else saw us," Hadden said, breaking the silence between them. "Although I don't recall seeing anyone when I left."
"Nor I," Serena said quietly. "Lady Stratdale informed my mother that someone had witnessed us leaving moments apart."
"What's done is done," Hadden said. "The resolution will appease everyone in the end, and we shall continue about with our lives."
Serena nodded, accepting the fact that she would indeed have to marry him, but she didn't quite share Hadden's level of stoic optimism.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next two days felt like an eternity for Serena. Not that she had much time to think about her impending nuptials.
Mademoiselle De Ellen arrived shortly after Hadden's announcement to fit her for her wedding trousseau, as her mother began her assault on the shops of Bond Street to procure the items that De Ellen would not have time to create.
Neither woman had allowed Serena a moment alone since.
What would typically take weeks to prepare and create, the talented De Ellen promised to deliver in the matter of mere days- the most exquisite wedding dress imaginable.
Serena managed to convince the modiste to create something simple for her instead, choosing to embrace the circumstances of her new engagement.
There would be no extravagant church ceremony, no reception party filled with family, friends, and well-wishers. None of the events that generally surrounded a wedding, particularly a wedding one of the most powerful dukes in the country and the daughter of an influential marquess.
There would be none of that, and Serena saw no need for a massive wedding gown.
She would marry the duke in her parent's ballroom with only a select number of attendees present.
A most unconventional choice, sure to prompt more rumors about the troubled pair, but then again, from the beginning of their first meeting, nothing had ever been socially conventional between Serena and Hadden.
A few days ago, Serena wanted to make him the laughingstock of the ton and exact a small bit of revenge for her wounded self-esteem.
Now, she sat in her mother's sitting room, choosing between two shades of purple silk De Ellen would use to fashion a dressing robe for her wedding night.
Serena sighed and gave the French woman a forced smile. "The lavender is fine."
She could feel the pull of a headache starting, and Serena rubbed her temples, trying to ease the dull ache.
She had been imprisoned inside the sitting room for hours, going over piece after piece of clothing. New dresses. New boots. Hats. Gloves.
Anything a new duchess would need, and anything already created in Serena's size, regardless of who it was intended for, De Ellen brought with her.
Serena was more than satisfied with the new wardrobe her mama had just procured for her for the Season, but neither her mama or De Ellen would hear of anything but more new items.
"It is the last piece, Lady Serena," Mademoiselle De Ellen said, placing the piece of silk on top of the mountain of fabric she had built. "It will be ready in the morning, along with a surprise for you. For now, I must go."
Placing her fingers in the air, she motioned for her four assistants to follow her out, leaving Serena alone in the quiet.
Serena laid her head back, closing her eyes.
I will get through this if it kills me!
"My lady," Alice burst in, interrupting her thoughts. "I knocked twice, miss, but you didn't hear me. Sorry to interrupt."
"Alice, I'm sorry. I was…never mind."
"You have a visitor," Alice said, wringing her hands behind her back. "It's the duke, miss. Hershel said to bring him to you, but I wanted to check on you first."
"Right. Thank you. Yes, please, show him in," Serena said, her stomach knotting. Serena knew she looked beat, but there wasn't much to be done.
Hopefully, he would not stay long.
"Wait. Alice, do I look terrible?" Serena asked, hoping for once Alice would lie to her.
Before Alice could answer, the door pushed open, and Hadden barged in. His eyes widened in disbelief at the mountain of fabrics gathered around the room before he regained his composure.
"Lady Serena," Hadden said.
"Your Grace, so nice to see you again," Serena said, standing up to curtsy. She hated the formality, but she wasn't quite sure what to say or how to act, given their circumstances.
"Again, please call me Hadden," he said, looking up at the ceiling, his hands clenched behind him. "I believe we are past the formalities."
"Alice, please send for tea," Serena gently instructed her maid, who appeared frozen in place.
"Right away, miss," Alice said, hurrying out of the room, closing the door behind her, without looking back.
"I wanted to speak with you, before tomorrow, before our wedding," Hadden said, sitting down across from Serena.
"I also want to apologize for this happening, this wedding." Hadden rubbed his hands together, looking Serena directly in the eyes. "I should not have allowed what went on the other night to happen between us. I should have controlled myself."
Serena could feel her face turning pink, the memory of what had transpired between them was still fresh in her mind.
"There's no need to apologize," Serena said, standing up.
Serena wasn't sure what it was, the tiredness of the past two days, or the fact that everyone wanted to talk about her and what she should do and what they think she had done, but she felt a flood of emotion wash over her, a firestorm.
She wouldn't be the pitied victim. Not again. "I believe I participated as much as you."
Serena raised a blonde brow and crossed her arms in front of her, staring back at her future husband. "At least we know our wedding night will be anything but boring."
She had never said anything so bold to anyone. Ever.
"Wha-," Hadden coughed, his green eyes round with shock.
Alice came back, bringing a pot of tea with some small white cakes, giving Hadden a chance to think of something to say to Serena's remark.
For once in his life, he was at a loss of words.
Not that the thought of a night with Serena hadn't crept into Hadden's mind. His surprise came more so from her casual mention of it as if it would be an everyday, ordinary occurrence.
"Tea?" Serena asked, moving away to the table to fix a cup for herself, having sent Alice back out. "Brandy, perhaps?"
What had come over her?
"I, no, thank you. Brandy? No. I won't be taking much more of your time today," Hadden said, standing, raking his hand through his hair.
"I just want you to understand something. Although we will be married, I will be away a lot, and you will be free to pursue whatever you wish. I have very pressing matters that require my attention."
He watched as she moved about the room, her cream-colored gown clinging to her curves. Her hair was down around her shoulder, causing long blonde curls to sway as she moved.
He could see the round of her full breasts rise and fall with each of her breaths.
Damn, he wanted to take her right here. To hell with waiting. She had mentioned their wedding night, and she was right. It wouldn't be boring, not in the least.
Unfortunately, it could never happen. Hadden had decided that he could marry Serena in name only.
It would appease the gossips to a certain degree, and Serena's future would be secured. Still a degree of unfairness to her, but better than leaving her to fight another round of gossip.
“Thank you for making that clear," Serena said, sipping her tea, watching him intently. "Given our circumstances, as you pointed out, I would expect nothing less."
Taking a last sip of tea, Serena set her cup down and curtsied to Hadden. "I'm sure you have very pressing matters to attend to, so please do not let me keep you from them. Good day, Hadden."
Knowing Serena had dismissed him, he took his leave, st
opping to look back at Serena, who had resumed her seat amongst the mounds of soft pinks, lavenders, and blues, for a few moments before leaving.
The next time he would see, she would be dressed in white, exchanging marriage vows with him.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The wedding of Hadden William Bearingston, 8th Duke of Averton to Lady Serena Elise Danerly, left much to be desired in the eyes of London society.
Although the Marchioness of Danerly did everything within her power to ensure her daughter would have the best wedding she could, the Danerly ballroom didn't have quite the same effect as a grand church ceremony.
Not that the bride and groom cared either way.
Serena's mama and papa made up for most of the emotions displayed or lack thereof. Her mama cried throughout and up until the start of the small dinner party she had planned for them before they would depart for Hadden's townhouse and then on to Averton Park.
Her mama had overseen her getting ready, with Alice working Serena's curls into a beautiful crown around her head. The dress De Ellen had created was simple, yes, but it was the most beautiful gown Serena had ever seen.
Fitted white silk clung to her body, showing off her curves with pieces of silver, glittering thread trimmed around white lace. The front of the dress fit tight and flat to showcase Serena's tiny waist. The sleeves sat low on her shoulders, creating a heart-shaped neckline that showcased the top curve of her breasts.
"Oh, you're an angel," Winter gushed, her smiling beaming from ear to ear.
Serena felt anything but angelic as she stood to face the small gathering before her.
Her mama had only invited a select few, including Lord and Lady Harris, and of course, Lady Emily Mauldin and her parents. For Hadden's side, his brother, along with the Marquess of Sutton and the Marquess of Ryden, were present.
Serena held her breath during the officiation, her mind simply forgetting that it was a required task to breathe.
She heard Hadden whisper to her to breath as the clergyman finished the ceremony.
