All through the ceremony,Drake couldn’t keep his mind focused on anything but Honoria. His gaze kept drifting to the forget-me-nots dotting her glorious hair. She’d chosen a pale-blue gown, also embroidered with the tiny flowers along the neckline and edging of the sleeves and hem. He smiled to himself, wondering if his mother had a hand in the embellishments for both of them.
As lovely as the gown was, he couldn’t wait to get her out of it and see her hair spilling across the pillows on their bed.
His face heated at the image.
Simon poked him again. “Say ‘I do.’”
Loud and clear, Drake’s confident ‘I do’ rang throughout the church for all to hear, but his hand shook slightly as he slipped the ring on her finger.
After the ceremony and signing the church’s register, they returned to Overton House for a lavish wedding breakfast.
As people swarmed around Honoria, Simon pulled him aside. “Lady Miranda didn’t want to upset Honoria, but this arrived from London this morning.” He held out a copy ofThe Muckraker.
Drake met Simon’s gaze, understanding that whatevernewsthe gossip rag held, it wasn’t good.
Simon pointed to one item in particular.
Lady Honoria Bell is to exchange wedding vows at last with the newly minted Duke of Burwood. As before, scandal continues to follow that young lady wherever she goes. Not only did the duke perpetrate an unforgiveable deception upon society at his house party this summer, but sources say that he may expect a “premature” heir less than nine months from the wedding. It would appear that the twoare a perfect match.
Drake gave a humorless laugh. “Well, they have the last part correct. Wearea perfect match.”
“I trust Honoria told you about her club to bring this scoundrel down?”
Drake nodded. “Of course. There are no secrets between us. Not anymore.”
“Good. Let me know what I can do to help. In the meantime, I would postpone showing this to her until tomorrow, if possible.” Simon grinned. “I would hate to have it ruin your wedding night.”
“Unless you plan on traveling to Hartridge House and knocking on my door at all hours of the night, I don’t think anything can ruin it.” He folded the scandal sheet and tucked it inside his coat. He would share it with Honoria later.
When he rejoined his beautiful bride, he took her hand and kissed it, wishing it were her lips. “Miss me?”
“Always.”
“But?”
“I was thinking about Colin.”
“I’m sorry he couldn’t make the wedding. Any word on Margery?”
Honoria poked at a small piece of plum cake that had broken off from the whole, her face growing solemn. “We received a letter with his regrets this morning. She’s taken a turn for the worse. Colin says she’s become despondent. As much as they adore Cassandra and Elinor, Margery blames herself for not giving him an heir. And now she believes it’s too late.”
She toyed with the broken piece of cake, pushing it around with her fork. “Drake?” She shook her head. “Goodness, should I call you Pierce?”
“If you wish, but I’m more likely to answer to Drake.” He grinned.
When she didn’t return his smile, he brushed a red tendril of hair from her neck. “What is it? Something more than Margery?”
“What if I can’t give you an heir?”
Inwardly, he cursed the people around him. He needed to kiss her, pull her into his arms, and reassure her.
“Do you truly believe I care about that? If I were still a groom, would it matter to me if I had a son to inherit my legacy?” He shookhis head, still struggling with the odd notions of the aristocracy. “If we have children, they will—no doubt—enrich our lives. Sons. Daughters. It doesn’t matter to me. If we don’t, well”—he gave her hand another squeeze—“we shall have a grand time trying.”
A blush bloomed on her cheeks.
He leaned in. “And speaking of, I’m eager to whisk you away. It’s a long journey to Hartridge House, and if we are to arrive before nightfall, we should make our goodbyes.” In truth, he had received more verbal instruction from Simon that he was impatient to try. He vowed he would perform much better on his wedding night than his first fumbling attempt when Honoria had impetuously given herself to him.
Amid joyful tears and well wishes, they raced from the house and into his carriage.
