The Duke Who Loved Me

by Rachelle Stevensen

  Lucas full out laughed, “Aidan. What may I help you with? Are you hungry? Thirsty? My wife is an excellent cook, and I know she has been wanting to thank you for sending your mother and sisters to help my Dove. She is so much better already. We are grateful to you sir.”

  Aidan smiled again, “No, thank you Lucas. I would love to sample her cooking some other time, soon. But, I have no time today. I am glad to hear she is improving. My mother thinks she is a beautiful girl and has high hopes that she will fully recover. I wanted to invite your family, and any others who might wish to come to my wedding. We are getting married tomorrow morning and,” he gestured about the room, “All of you are welcome as well. My bride and I would love to see everyone there. Please, don’t be afraid. No harm will come to you if anyone is still wary. We just simply want to include the members of this village as I know that my wife will want that. So, for whoever wants to come, please do. Thank you.”

  Lucas held out his hand to Aidan and Aidan took it. Lucas shook his hand hard and clapped Aidan on the back. “Congratulations. Of course, my family will be there. We are honored you thought of us.”

  Aidan smiled, “Thank you Lucas.”

  He turned and walked out the door and found the small church.

  This was a building he hadn’t been in for a very long time. His father never allowed them to attend church, and then people were scared of the legend of the beast, so his family never attended.

  Aidan again took a deep breath and opened the door. The church was small and simple, yet still lovely with beautiful stained-glass windows.

  He looked at a few and a throat cleared behind him. Aidan turned to see the priest standing behind him, and Aidan said, “Oh, um, hello father.”

  The priest smiled, he was an elderly gentleman with snow white hair and a kindly face.

  “Well, if it isn’t the Duke of Ablewood himself. Hello your Grace. How can I help you today?”

  Aidan smiled slightly, “I came here for two reasons, one, to apologize for what happened to you. We figured out that the man who pretended to be you must have done something to you. I hope you have suffered no ill effects from that. We don’t know exactly what may have befell you. But you weren’t here when my mother and sisters came, and he was. So, they thought he was you.”

  The priest shook his head, “I had a young man come in to see me, and before I knew what had happened, he hit me in the back of the head and had me tied up in my small office. I had to be in there for a bit until someone found me, but I am just fine. Nothing happened to me besides that. Thank you for coming here to check on me. You said there were two things you came here for?”

  Aidan nodded, “Yes, I wanted to ask if you would be willing to perform the wedding for myself and my bride? Tomorrow? We have the license, but all we need is the actual priest.”

  The priest smiled, “I would be honored. My name is Father William Mull.”

  He held his hand out to Aidan, and Aidan shook hands with the man. “Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you sir. I mean Father.”

  The father chuckled, “What time would you like me there? Normally we don’t do these ceremonies until the banns have been read, but if you already have a special license, then it will be just fine.”

  Aidan nodded, “I know, I wanted to wait to do this, but then things changed. I want to marry my love as soon as I can. We are having the ceremony at ten a.m.”

  The father chuckled again, “I understand that. Good luck. I shall be there, don’t you worry. I am glad I get to be a part of the wedding.”

  Aidan thanked the man and left. He rode back to his house, hopeful for the first time in a long while.

  The next morning, everyone got up bright and early. Except for Rhia. They let her sleep.

  Cole’s shoulder was really stiff this morning, but he was able to still get things done.

  Yesterday had helped him to rest and today he felt so much stronger.

  They got everything all set up in the ballroom and finished. Now they waited.

  People started to arrive and Aidan was shocked to see that a lot of the villagers had decided to come to his wedding.

  He grinned and went around to talk to everyone he could and thank everyone for coming.

  Now, all they had to do was get Rhia ready for her surprise. Aidan sent Julia and his sisters up to get her dressed and ready.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Rhiannon

  Northumberland, England Sept 1812

  Rhiannon awoke, much later in the day than she normally would.

  But last night Aidan had snuck into her room again and brought her to his. They made love several times until she finally passed out in his bed, sated and happy. His large, strong arms secure around her. Holding her close to his chest.

  Hearing the beat of his heart, made her tired, and she fell asleep listening to the rhythm as it beat under her ear.

  He must have brought her back into her own bed sometime in the early hours, because when she awoke, she was back in her room.

  She smiled at the memories of their love-making.

  Aidan was fierce in his passion, and she gave it back in kind. She wanted him with a fever and she didn’t think it would stop.

  She loved him. Everything about him. Every new thing she learned about him.

  And she was grateful to be able to call him hers. She looked at the beautiful ring on her finger and smiled.

  Soon, she hoped very soon, she would be his wife. She didn’t relish being the duchess, knowing most people wouldn’t approve of their relationship, but not caring what people thought.

  Aidan was her love, her life. Just like he said, she was the other half of his soul. As he was for her. And she wouldn’t take it for granted ever again.

  Would never doubt his love for her. Not again. Because she had almost cost them their happiness, all because some woman had to say things, and she believed them over her love for Aidan.

  Yes, it had been shocking, but she shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. She should have found him and asked if it was true.

  She was just grateful he had come for her and he forgiven her for leaving that way. For doubting the power of their love.

  She shook her head, she needed to get up and go see him. She stretched her leg out and today it actually felt good.

  It didn’t hurt her and she was grateful for that as well. She stood carefully and took a few steps.

  So far, her leg didn’t give her problems and she was happy.

  A knock sounded at her door, and she called out, “Come in!”

  Julia bustled in, in her usual manner and it made Rhia smile. Then Rose and Lily followed Julia into the room.

  Rhia’s eyebrows drew down for a minute in confusion, but she smiled at them and was happy to see them both.

  “Good morning Rhia. I hope you slept well,” Rose said, and she came and gave Rhia a hug.

  Rhia blushed, thinking that she hadn’t slept well, but for reasons she couldn’t disclose, so she just nodded and Rose smiled.

  Lily gave her a quick hug next, “We came to help you get ready. Aidan wants to do something for you both today.”

  Rhia looked at them in confusion again, but nodded, “All right. I would love that.”

  Lily laughed, “We called for a bath, we won’t wash your hair, we know how long it takes to dry, but we figured you would want to start the day clean. So, when that comes, we will help with that. And then we will help Julia with your hair.”

  Rhia giggled, “Thank you!” They got her ready, taking great care with her clothes, and hair. Rhia didn’t understand why they were pampering her in such a way, but she loved it.

  Spending time with Lily, Rose and Julia always made her so happy. When Lily declared that she was satisfied with their hard work, the women helped her walk downstairs.

  Rose hurried ahead and disappeared into the ballroom. Rhia watched her go.

  She turned to go to the small drawing room they normally used, but Lily and Julia led her to th
e ballroom. “What are you doing? Aren’t we having tea? I know you wanted me dressed in my ball gown, but this is just absurd.”

  Lily and Julia didn’t answer, just gently guided her into the room.

  When they opened the doors, Rhia looked around and was stunned to see quite a few people seated in the room in two long rows of seats.

  Her eyebrows drew together until she looked further down and saw Aidan standing there with a priest.

  Rhia gasped and covered her mouth as her eyes burned with tears.

  She started crying, and Lily and Julia left her to hurry down the makeshift aisle. Rhia felt a touch to her arm and turned to see Cole smiling down at her.

  She took her hand away from her mouth and smiled at him.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks at this beautiful moment and Cole leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  He was handsome in his black evening wear. The only color he had on was his waistcoat. But even that was a gray.

  “May I escort you down the aisle?” Rhia nodded and she slipped her arm into his. “Thank you, Cole.”

  Cole smiled at her, “I am going to be your brother by marriage. I am honored you would let me do this for you.”

  Rhia smiled back, and Cole handed her a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes and tucked it away to return to him later.

  Cole made certain she was secure before they took the first step.

  A piano started playing as they walked and Rhia looked to see who was playing and saw Rose sitting on the bench. She immediately started to tear up again.

  Seeing these people, most were the new maids and footmen that stayed on at the estate. Others were people from the village. All here to celebrate the marriage.

  Cole said, “No sweet Rhia. Don’t start your tears again. Aidan looks like he wants to come running down here to save you. Don’t stress. We all love you and are so happy for this moment. For the both of you.”

  They walked the rest of the way down the makeshift aisle, and Cole kissed her cheek again and whispered his congratulations in her ear before handing her off to Aidan.

  Rhia smiled and sniffed, trying desperately to stop crying. She was so happy, and so much in love with the wonderful man now taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Hello my love.”

  He whispered to her and she smiled. “Hello.”

  He leaned down, “Our first attempt at our wedding didn’t turn out the way either of us would have hoped. And I wanted to have our new staff here, as well as the people from the village so they could be a part of this. It was important to me to include them. To have them know how much they are part of our family. I do apologize that there is no gentry here, no one from the ton. But that isn’t who we are.”

  Rhia stopped him, “This is perfect Aidan. More than that. Thank you.”

  Aidan kissed her softly and the priest cleared his throat, which made them both turn to look at his kind, smiling face and he got started.

  Aidan held Rhia’s hand tightly through the entire ceremony and looked into her eyes as they said their vows in front of the people who would mean so much to them in their life.

  As the priest announced they were husband and wife, Aidan pulled Rhia in close and kissed her.

  He dipped her low and kissed her hard. He touched his tongue to hers very briefly and then pulled her up to stand.

  The room erupted into cheers and Aidan and Rhia laughed and smiled as Aidan’s family, Julia and John all came up to congratulate them.

  Cole hugged Aidan and told him how happy he was for them both. He still had a sling on, so it was difficult, but he did it.

  Lydia hugged Rhia tight. “Welcome to the family my darling daughter.”

  Rhia felt a few tears slip free and she hugged Lydia back. “Thank you, Lydia.”

  Lydia smiled, “You may call me mother, if you feel comfortable.”

  Rhia smiled through her tears. “Mother.”

  And they hugged all over again. Lily and Rose were next and everyone got their hugs and Aidan whistled and the room went quiet.

  “I want to thank all of you for coming to our wedding, and making this day perfect for my bride and I. Please, stay to continue with our festivities and we shall eat, and dance the night away in celebration.”

  Everyone cheered again, and the chairs were moved to the edges of the room. A few people of his new staff pulled out some instruments and Rose went to the piano and started a lively tune.

  People talked and mingled, the new staff and the villagers, as well as the St. Andrew family.

  Aidan looked around and saw Julia and John dancing and laughing, Cole was talking with some of the new footmen, and Lily and Rose each dancing with a man. Someone had taken over the piano playing for her and Aidan smiled. One man was from the new staff and one from the village.

  Everyone was happy and content and Aidan couldn’t help but smile. Knowing he had brought them all together.

  Rhia was next to him and he looked down into her beautiful face. “Thank you for this wonderful day Aidan. I love it. It is perfect.”

  Aidan smiled and kissed her lush mouth. “I am glad you love it, my love. It was all I wanted for you. I love you my beautiful wife.”

  Rhia giggled, “I cannot believe I am your wife.”

  Aidan pulled her in close and dipped her, he kissed her hard, “You better believe it. My wife.”

  As the night went by, friendships were made, and the night was perfect.

  The villagers that attended left with huge smiles on their faces and tales to tell the rest of the village on the morrow.

  They knew now that Aidan was as far from a beast as anyone could possibly be. Same as his brother Cole. They were both kind and polite, not just making small talk, but actually caring what people say to them. They actually listened to what someone had to say. The people of the village talked and got to know the two men they had been afraid of for so long.

  Most couldn’t believe that they talked and jested with their servants, and helped out with the cleaning and other things.

  Everyone was surprised and happy to see how great those two men were. And that Aidan’s bride was generous and kind.

  Yes, she walked with a limp, and once almost fell before Aidan caught her, but she was beautiful inside and out.

  Her limp was nothing to them. They didn’t give it a single thought after seeing how kind they were and how their new employees were happy that they got to be included in such a big day.

  No servants were ever allowed to attend marriages of practically royalty. But today they saw a normal girl become a Duchess.

  And everyone rejoiced in their love. You could see it when you saw the two of them together.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Aidan

  Northumberland, England Sept, 1812

  Aidan carried Rhia into his room and locked the door. Setting her gently on her feet, he turned her around so he could help her out of her dress.

  He kissed his way down her back as he got her undressed and Rhia sighed.

  They didn’t have to sneak around to hide their passion now. Everyone knew now, and Rhia loved knowing that Aidan was hers.

  And she was his. He had planned this day for her, even in the midst of everything that had happened.

  And she couldn’t love him more. He came around the front of her, “I know that most people of the ton have separate rooms, but I don’t want that Rhia. You can have the Duchess suite for whatever you desire, but I never want a door between us again. And I never want to sleep apart from you again. Not unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

  Rhia smiled at him and helped him undo the buttons on his shirt. “I don’t even know what to do with a suite like that, and I hated the distance between us. If this is what you want, I am more than happy with accommodating you.”

  Aidan smiled and took her lips in a fierce kiss. “I love you; you are my entire life now. Since the moment I found you, you were and are mine. I am so grateful I get to call you my wife.”

 
; Rhia smiled, “I get to call you husband as well. I think we both win there.”

  Aidan got her naked as quickly as possible and placed her in their bed.

  He didn’t waste time tonight, he was too hungry for her, so checking to see if she was wet, and she indeed was, he thrust inside her and they both moaned at the feeling of being together again.

  He pulled out and thrust back in until they were both gasping, and he touched Rhia very gently on the spot she loved and her back bowed off the bed with the force of her climax. He joined her, and filled her with his seed.

  He hoped and prayed they made a baby and couldn’t wait to see Rhia, round with his child in her belly.

  It made his cock twitch inside her, and he smiled. This night, after that first love-making, they actually slept.

  Aidan held Rhia all night, and when dawn approached, he didn’t have to sneak her back into her bed. He just pulled her closer, and closed his eyes. Reveling in his body against hers. This was the start of their future. Their happy ending.

  He knew they would need to try to figure out the puzzle that Braddock had left for them to solve. But, he would let Cole take the reins.

  For now, all Aidan cared about was his new bride and her happiness. And he knew that they had finally found it. Together.

  Epilogue

  Cole

  Cole St. Andrew, the Marquess of Woodbridge, lay back on his bed. Thinking.

  His brain kept replaying the same day over and over again on a loop. He wished it would stop, but it didn’t seem like it ever would. So here he lay, thinking. Again.

  He hadn’t done much else since that horrific day that Braddock had shot him. And then went on to rant about his father and so on, Cole knew that their life wouldn’t be the same.

  He had to know what Braddock had been talking about. Had to find out if they had been stuck with a man who had been evil his whole life, and who wasn’t truly their father.