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

by Debra Elizabeth

  “I will,” Warwick said.

  The vicar turned to Amelia. “Amelia Clara Beckwith, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

  The love shining in Warwick’s eyes brought tears to her own. When a tear slid down her cheek, he reached out with such tenderness and wiped it away. Amelia’s heart soared with emotion. She loved this man more each day. How had she gotten so lucky?

  “I will,” she said.

  “Your Grace, please take her hand,” the vicar said, “and repeat after me.”

  Warwick held Amelia’s hand in his own and repeated the vows: “I take thee, Amelia Clara Beckwith, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

  “Miss Beckwith, please repeat after me.”

  Amelia repeated her vows: “I take thee, James Edward Harlow, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I give thee my troth.”

  “Your Grace, do you have a ring?” Mr. Grant asked.

  Warwick handed the gold band to the vicar for the blessing and then placed the ring on Amelia’s hand and said, “With this ring, I thee wed; with my body, I thee worship; and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

  The vicar concluded the ceremony: “As James and Amelia have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to the other, and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of a ring and by the joining of hands, I pronounce that they be man and wife together. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

  The vicar produced the church registry from his London parish. Warwick and Amelia signed, along with their witnesses, Rose Ridley and Camden Darkin, Duke of Wetherby.

  Everyone headed back inside, while Warwick and Amelia lagged behind. When they were alone, Warwick pulled her into his arms. “My darling Cl… Amelia.”

  Amelia smiled. “I believe I’d rather you called me Clara. It’s the name I had when we fell in love. Amelia is my past, and I only want to think of our future together. A future filled with love and happiness.”

  “That suits me well,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. “I can hardly wait until we can be alone together.”

  “Oh, James, I feel the same, but it would be rude not to at least make an appearance at the wedding breakfast, don’t you think?”

  Warwick nodded. “Whatever my lady desires,” he said, offering his arm and leading her inside.

  The dining room table was loaded with food. “Mama, this is enough to feed an army,” Amelia said, kissing her mother’s cheek.

  “Mrs. Buxley was excited to hear you were marrying today. I couldn’t have stopped her even if I was inclined to try.”

  “Please excuse me. I’d like to pay my compliments to her,” Amelia said, leaving the dining room and heading for the kitchen.

  All the activity in the kitchen stopped when Amelia entered. Mrs. Buxley and the two kitchen maids curtseyed.

  “Your Grace, I do hope everything meets with your approval,” she said.

  “Everything’s wonderful, and I wanted to convey my thanks to you personally, Mrs. Buxley.”

  The smile that graced the cook’s face made Amelia happy. “I’m glad you’re pleased, Your Grace.”

  Amelia hugged the older woman and the maids before making her way back to the dining room, where she sat next to Warwick. “May I have everyone’s attention?” she asked, clinking a spoon against her wine glass. “I’ve made a decision I’d like to share with you. You all know me as Amelia, but when Warwick and I fell in love he knew me by the name Clara. When I lost my memory, Warwick suggested a number of names for me to choose from, and when he suggested Clara, I knew that was the name I wanted. I guess somewhere in my lost memory, I remembered it was one of my given names. So from this day forward, I’d prefer to be known as Clara, as we start our new life together.”

  Warwick lifted his wine glass. “I’d like to make a toast. To my beautiful wife, Clara, Duchess of Warwick, the woman who has brought happiness and light into my world.”

  “To my love, James, the Duke of Warwick,” Clara said, raising her own glass.

  Everyone raised their glasses and toasted the happy couple.

  “Please forgive me if I slip up, my darling girl,” Grace said. “It’s certainly a change, but I’m happy with whatever name you choose, as long as I know you’re happy.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  After more than an hour of chatting and eating with their guests, the happy couple made their excuses and left for the Warwick townhouse.

  Chapter 17

  BROOKES OPENED THE DOOR WHEN the carriage pulled up. “Welcome home, Your Graces.”

  “Thank you, Brookes,” Clara said, handing him her gloves and bonnet.

  Mrs. Tuttle bustled forward. “Welcome home, Your Graces. Would you care for a tea tray?”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Tuttle. That will be lovely.”

  Warwick escorted Clara into the parlor. “Are you hungry again, my dear?”

  Clara shook her head. “Not at all, but I’m sure Mrs. Williams has prepared some treats for us. We must at least sample some, don’t you agree? I wouldn’t like to offend her my first day in my new home.”

  Warwick chuckled. “My wife is not only beautiful but very wise.” He pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips against hers, savoring their sweet taste. He ran his tongue along the seam, and when she opened for him, he deepened the kiss.

  A knock on the parlor door interrupted him, and he stepped back. “Come.”

  Mrs. Tuttle entered the room with a tea tray loaded with several different treats. “Mrs. Williams sends her regards and hopes you enjoy these.” She set the tray down and exited, closing the door quietly behind her.

  “James, shall I pour you a cup?”

  He nodded. “Yes, and you were right. Mrs. Williams has outdone herself with these tantalizing sweets.”

  Clara prepared his tea and loaded the dish with several of the sweets. “Enjoy, my dear.”

  She made herself a cup of tea.

  “No treats?”

  A slight smile lifted Clara’s lips. “Oh, I’m sure there will be treats in my future.”

  Warwick nearly dropped his plate. “My darling Clara, talk like that will have us retiring this very minute.”

  “It’s early afternoon. We cannot retire yet. What will the servants think?”

  Warwick winked. “It’s our wedding day. The servants know what we’ll be up to today. Besides, you’re a duchess now and can do whatever pleases you. And it will please your husband immensely if you weren’t overly long drinking your tea.”

  Clara giggled. “Your wish is my command, Your Grace.”

  After lingering over their tea for another quarter-hour, Warwick held out his hand. “I’d like my wife’s company as I retire.”

  Clara placed her hand in his large one, and he led her up the grand staircase. Stopping at the door to the duchess’s suite, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Do you trust me, my love? I’ll make this day most pleasurable for you.”

  Clara nodded, and they entered the bedchamber. A bottle of champagne and two glasses sat on the low table between the chairs in front
of the fireplace.

  “Would you care for a glass?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Warwick popped the cork and poured two glasses, handing one to Clara. “To the most beautiful woman in the world. I love you with every fiber of my being.”

  Clara smiled. “Oh James, you flatter me so.”

  “I speak only the truth, and right now, I’d love to see your hair unbound. May I?” When Clara nodded, he pulled pin after pin from her hair, releasing it to spill over her shoulders and down her back. He picked up a silky auburn curl and let it slide through his fingers. “Magnificent.”

  He gave her a slow and sexy smile and took the glass from her hand, placing it on the table. His gaze swept over her from head to toe. Pulling Clara into his arms, he brushed his lips against hers, relishing her softness. He spread kisses along her jawline and down her neck to the hollow of her throat. He wanted his beloved to be thoroughly aroused before he took her to bed.

  Taking a step back, he said, “Turn around for me, darling.”

  Clara’s pupils were dilated with passion, and she turned without hesitation. He pushed her hair over her shoulder. With each button he undid, he kissed the patch of skin that was exposed. The dress slipped off her shoulders and fell in a puddle at her feet. Next came her stays and petticoat, leaving her only in her shift, which was so sheer, he could see the outline of her body. He turned her again, and his eyes roamed over her lush curves. “You’re exquisite.”

  A sweet moan had him kissing her lips once more. When she parted her lips, he deepened the kiss, tasting and exploring every inch of her delicious mouth. In one fluid motion, he picked her up, strode to the bed, and gently placed her upon it.

  Her breathing was rapid as he divested himself of his jacket, cravat, and waistcoat before pulling his shirt over his head. He sat next to her, removing his boots and stockings, then stood before his wife, taking his time untying Clara’s garters and rolling her stockings down. He lay down next to her.

  “My darling Clara, you make me the happiest of men,” he said, kissing her face, her throat, while caressing her breast.

  Clara reached up and ran her fingers lightly over Warwick’s chest. “James, kiss me again, my love.”

  Warwick planned on giving his wife a wedding night that would be pure bliss and take her to heights she’d never been to before. “And now, my darling, let me show you how wonderful the marriage bed can be.”

  SEVERAL HOURS LATER, THEY were sated and tangled in each other’s arms. “Are you well, my darling?” Warwick asked.

  “Oh James. I had no idea I’d feel so loved and cherished.”

  “It’s my pleasure to make sure you feel so,” he said, stroking her cheek. “Next time, it won’t hurt, I promise.” He pulled the sheet up over them. “Sleep now, my love.”

  James watched as Clara’s breathing deepened and she snuggled into him. He could hardly believe she was finally his to love and cherish for the rest of his life. When he thought he’d lost her, he could hardly breathe. Now he looked forward to sharing every day with her and their children. His eyelids drooped, and he let sleep take him while snuggled against his beloved wife.

  Chapter 18

  THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WERE busy with shopping, the theatre, and visits with old friends—everything James had promised they’d do. One of the most memorable events was standing up for her friend. Clara hugged Rose when she and Warwick arrived at the church. “You look exquisite.”

  “Thank you, Clara. I’m so very pleased you and Warwick are able to attend the wedding.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

  “But you’re a duchess now, far above my station.”

  “Station doesn’t matter to me. You’re my dearest friend, and that’s all there is to it.”

  Rose smiled. “Thank you. I treasure your friendship as well. Will you come to the wedding breakfast?”

  “Of course. We’ll be delighted.”

  Warwick took a seat in the front pew as the vicar and Sidney waited at the front of the chapel.

  Clara walked down the aisle in front of Rose and Lord Ridley before taking a seat beside Warwick.

  A tear leaked from Clara’s eye as she watched Rose marry her own heart’s desire.

  “What’s wrong, my dear?” Warwick whispered.

  “Nothing, my darling. They’re tears of joy that Rose has found a wonderful man to love.”

  “They look quite smitten with each other.”

  “I agree. They make a lovely couple.”

  After signing the church registry, they made their way to the wedding breakfast.

  Back at the Ridley townhouse, Clara found a moment to talk with her friend. “Rose, will you and Sidney be attending the Tisbury Ball?”

  Rose shook her head. “No. Sidney must report to the parish soon. I’ll be sorry to miss it. It’s always the highlight of the Season.”

  “I understand, but it won’t be the same without you.”

  “You’ll have Warwick by your side, and I have no doubt you will be the center of attention. Everyone will want to talk with the new Duchess of Warwick.”

  “I hope not, but I fear you’re correct. Would you excuse me? I must speak to my mother.”

  “Of course.”

  Clara walked over to her parents. “Mama, a word please?”

  Grace nodded and linked her arm with Clara as they made their way over to a quiet corner. “What is it, dear? Are you well?”

  “Yes, Mama. I wanted to ask if you visited with Lady Tisbury this week.”

  Grace nodded. “Yes. I spoke with Mary this Tuesday past.”

  “Did you ask her? Is Lincoln on the guest list?”

  “No. It seems Mary has already given Lincoln the cut direct. She told me he’s departed London for his country estate.”

  “I’m so relieved. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him there. I’ll enjoy the ball so much more without that worry.”

  “I agree. Shall we rejoin the other guests?”

  Clara nodded and went to take a seat beside Warwick.

  ON THE NIGHT OF the Tisbury Ball, Gertie held out the drying cloth for Clara as she got out of her bath. “What would you like to wear tonight?”

  “The hunter green silk, of course. That dress is so beautiful, and I would like to wear it again for the entire ball this time.”

  “It’s a perfect choice, my lady.”

  Warwick was standing next to the fireplace when Clara descended the stairs. She saw his eyes widen when she joined him.

  “You look beautiful, my dear.”

  “Thank you, James. This dress is so exquisite that I wanted to wear it again tonight and create new and happier memories.”

  “That’s a fine idea. You’ll outshine every woman there.”

  “My darling husband, you flatter me so.”

  Warwick brushed his lips against hers. “I only speak the truth. Would you care for a glass of claret before we depart?”

  “Yes. I need something to soothe my nerves. Do you think there will be much gossip tonight?”

  Warwick poured two glasses of claret and handed one to her. “I’m sure there will be. The ton loves a juicy story. You have nothing to be nervous about, my love. Besides, you’re a duchess; the ton will have no choice but to accept you. Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side this evening.”

  Clara took a sip of the claret. “There will still be whispers, especially since the last time I made an appearance, Lincoln was still claiming me as his betrothed.”

  “I count myself eternally fortunate that he was utterly wrong about that,” Warwick said, putting down his glass. “Besides, you are married now.”

  Clara reached up and touched her scar. “I suppose I must get used to people staring at me now.”

  “Don’t worry over much about your scar. It�
��s part of you now. Hold your head high and you’ll find most folks will not linger on it. Shall we depart?”

  Clara nodded and put her glass on the table. “Yes. I’m ready, especially with you by my side.”

  The Tisbury home wasn’t far, but the line of coaches waiting to drop off attendees meant it took almost twenty minutes for their coach to reach the steps. A footman opened the door and handed Clara down. Warwick stepped down and offered her his arm.

  She was grateful for his steady support, as her stomach roiled with nerves. Soon it was their turn to greet their hosts.

  “Good evening, Lady Tisbury. May I present my wife, Clara, the Duchess of Warwick?”

  Lady Tisbury curtseyed. “Your Graces, it’s a pleasure to see you this evening.”

  “Thank you, Lady Tisbury,” Clara said. “We’re most pleased to attend.”

  Warwick and Clara greeted Lord Tisbury and then were announced as they entered the ballroom. The orchestra was playing the opening notes of a waltz.

  Warwick held out his hand. “My darling, may I have this dance?”

  Clara smiled at her handsome husband. “I would be delighted.”

  Warwick led her to the dance floor and took her in his arms. Clara knew her husband cut a dashing figure as he effortlessly guided her around the dance floor and no longer worried about what others would say about her scar. She was married to the man of her dreams, and nothing else mattered.

  When the dance ended, Warwick led her off the floor and over to the Duke of Wetherby, who was chatting with Lady Tisbury and another gentleman.

  “Wetherby, good to see you again,” Warwick said.

  “Your Grace, good evening,” Clara said.

  Wetherby bowed over her hand. “The pleasure is mine, Your Grace. May I make known to you Lord Edgerton?”

  “Good evening, Lord Edgerton,” Clara said.