Chapter Twenty-One
Verina awoke and stretched lazily. She was not at Tray’s London townhouse.
This morning, she awoke at Julian and Ariadne’s instead.
Since the wedding and the breakfast following would be held here, her cousin had suggested that it might be easier to get ready for the ceremony where it would be held, and Verina had readily agreed to do so.
She reflected on the past week of her life, a whirlwind of social activities and wedding planning.
Of course, news had spread quickly of her betrothal to the Duke of Reddington, since he had been considered the most eligible bachelor of the Season.
The fact that she had won his heart on the night of the opening ball had become the talk of the ton.
Verina knew—as did Matthew—that it was not a single night which had resulted in this decision, but rather the friendship they had begun to build during her visit to Merrifield and the attraction which was a result of that friendship.
The budding romance of their relationship, however, had blossomed during this past week.
Now they were an engaged couple, Mama had allowed them to be left unchaperoned in the drawing room.
Matthew had taken advantage of that time alone, teaching her about the kinds of kisses he had been reluctant to expose her to before now.
And how she reveled in them . . .
She had been surprised by the depth of her emotions, as well as the sensual feelings her fiancé caused within her.
Her love for Matthew grew with each passing day.
Verina had learned of tender kisses. Lingering ones.
Kisses which heated her blood and drove her to the point of madness, desire bubbling within her.
Because of those kisses, she brought a bit more to the marriage bed than most brides.
It had given her confidence, knowing she would be able to please her handsome husband, because Matthew told her over and over how much he loved her and how her kisses moved him.
Mama had sat her down for a lengthy discussion, talking of the physical aspects of the marriage bed.
Her mother had explained some things to her that Verina still found a bit hard to grasp, but Mama said the love she and Matthew had for one another would guide them in what occurred between them.
Knowing Mama and Papa had been very much in love, Verina trusted in her mother’s words, hoping she and Matthew would have the kind, loving relationship which her parents had experienced.
Not surprisingly, they had spent a great deal of their time with her family, and she loved Matthew for it. He had wholeheartedly taken to all of them, going to White’s with the men and teasing with the women.
In every household they visited, he asked if they might go up to the nursery.
Matthew had come to know all the babes and young children in her extended family, and tears had misted her eyes on more than one occasion as she had watched him play with those children and cradle the babes.
He did not seem to favor boys over girls.
In fact, he had built the strongest relationship with little Celia.
She was Rupert’s niece, and her mother had died when Celia was a newborn.
Rupert’s brother had ignored his child, and Celia had been a wild thing by the time Rupert had inherited his title—and niece.
Now, however, Celia was the sweetest creature, and Lia and Rupert treated her as their own.
Celia was very solicitous toward and protective of Edward and Mary, calling them my twins.
Lia had been pleased how Celia had taken to her cousins, and Verina had enjoyed watching Matthew be a guest at Celia’s pretend tea party.
Sarie entered the bedchamber, a tray in hand, and Verina pushed herself to a sitting position.
“Here you go, my lady. Let’s get some breakfast in you before you dress.”
She chuckled. “I am so excited, Sarie, I am not certain I can eat anything.”
“Well, we don’t want you fainting on His Grace. It’s a good thing that I only brought you a little bit, my lady. Tea and toast points. You need something in you to start your big day.”
The maid set down the tray and smiled at Verina.
“All the servants at Merrifield think the world of His Grace. He’s been a frequent and favorite visitor.
I know when they hear of your marriage, they’ll be so happy you’ve become his duchess.
I’m so glad you asked me to be your lady’s maid.
With us living at Redfield, I won’t have to be far from home.
I’ll still be able to see Mum and Dad every now and then.
Now, you eat up. I’ll be back with your wedding gown soon. ”
Sarie started out the door and then stopped. She returned to Verina, pulling a letter from her apron.
“I almost forgot, my lady. This came for you this morning.”
The maid handed over the letter and left the room, whistling cheerfully.
Breaking the seal, she opened the letter and glanced first at the bottom, seeing Tia’s signature.
She had written to her cousin and Hugo the morning after the opening ball, telling them that she and Matthew were engaged to be married and that they would stay in town for about six weeks of the Season before returning to Redfield.
Verina had promised to come visit her cousin once they were home.
Eagerly, her eyes returned to the top, reading as she absently nibbled on a toast point.
My dearest Verina –
Hugo and I were simply thrilled to receive the news of your betrothal to Matthew.
He has been as a brother to Hugo, and I also look upon him as family.
I could tell something was happening between the two of you and had hoped it would blossom during the Season.
I suppose those months apart were actually good since it led to this quick betrothal.
The single women of Polite Society must be weeping into their pillows, knowing that a very eligible duke has succumbed to the parson’s mousetrap.
I know you will be living far from your family, Verina, but I am so very happy that you will be close to Hugo and me.
I look fondly upon the months we have spent with one another in recent years, and I know our two families will grow closer over time.
I can see our children and yours playing together on the lawns of Merrifield and Redfield in the years to come. That thought brings tears to my eyes.
I am sorry we will miss your wedding ceremony and breakfast, but we will see one another soon.
All our love to you and Matthew,
Tia & Hugo
Though Verina was a bit sad that she would be living far away from her immediate family, she and Matthew would build a family of their own. Having Tia and Hugo nearby, along with the babes they would make, would help.
By the time she finished her light breakfast, Sarie had returned, bringing with her Verina’s wedding gown.
Though Madame Laurent was swamped with orders this time of year, she had dropped everything in order to create the wedding gown of a future duchess.
Crawling out of bed now, Verina fingered the delicate lace, marveling that she would be wearing this heavenly creation as she pledged her eternal love to Matthew this morning in front of their loved ones.
Everything became a whirlwind after that. Mama and Justina arrived, and a constant stream of her female cousins and her male cousins’ wives, as well as her aunts, flowed into and out of the bedchamber. All her cousins had made love matches, and these young women glowed—as she now did.
Sarie had her sit at the dressing table so she might arrange Verina’s hair. Various cousins gave their opinions as to how her hair should be styled. The servant waved away all their suggestions.
“I know exactly what I wish to do for my lady,” the maid said. Their gazes met in the mirror, and Sarie winked at her. “Trust me, my lady.”
“I always shall,” she told the maid.
When Sarie finished, everyone complimented the maid’s work, and Dru threatened to steal Sarie away from Verina.
She chuckled. “I have already done that by taking Sarie from Tia. I know a thief when I see one, Dru, and I simply will not let you take the best lady’s maid in all of London from me.”
Everyone laughed, and Ariadne told them it was time for all except the bride to go downstairs to the drawing room. Her cousin came and kissed Verina’s cheek.
“You are making a commitment today, Verina,” Ariadne said. “Not only to Matthew, but to yourself. I cannot imagine the two of you with anyone but each other. Enjoy your special day.”
Only Mama and Justina remained behind as even Sarie left them.
Mama took Verina’s hand and brought it to her cheek.
“My first child to wed,” she said dreamily.
“I can see in your eyes how much you adore Matthew. It is the same for him, as well. I am so pleased you are making a love match, Verina. Enjoy every moment of this day—and the ones to come, my sweet girl.”
Mama kissed her hand and then said, “I will leave you two sisters together. I know there are things Justina must wish to say to you.”
After Mama left, Justina wrapped her arms tightly about Verina.
“What am I going to do without you?” her sister asked.
“Oh, I know you are going to a good life. I saw the sparks between you and Matthew long before anyone else ever did.” She smiled.
“Perhaps even the two of you. I am glad that you got your Season, Verina, as well as the man who now holds your heart.”
“I never thought I would wed for love, Justina, but now that I am doing so? I want the same for you. I hope that next Season you will find your soulmate.”
Her sister stepped away, frowning, wrapping her arms tightly about her.
She went and stood in front of the window.
Gazing out, she said, “I have never been certain that I wanted a Season, Verina. Certainly, next year is too soon for me to make my come-out. I hope you might be able to help manage Mama and her expectations when the time comes. She will have such high hopes for me—and Tray—after seeing how happy you are.”
She joined her sister at the window, wrapping an arm about Justina’s waist.
“I am not certain I wish to wed at all,” Justina confessed. “I might prefer focusing on my art. Or something else.”
Verina faced Justina, taking her hand and squeezing it reassuringly.
“You have always been wiser than the sum of your years. Whatever life you choose will the right one for you. I only hope that life will include the love of a good man. And no matter what comes to pass, you will always have my love and support. Matthew’s, too. ”
She kissed her sister’s cheek as a knock sounded at the door. Justina went to answer it, and Tray stepped into the room.
“It is time to make our way downstairs, Verina.”
Justina smiled. “I will leave things to the two of you.” She left the room.
Her brother grinned at her. “A duke? I suppose you could not have done any better, my lovely sister.”
“It matters not that Matthew is a duke, Tray. What is important to me is that he is a man of his word. A man of honor and good character. I love him fiercely.”
“You are exactly the woman he has needed. I have seen how others respond to a duke. How they nod and agree with everything he says. Sycophants who fight for his attention and fawn over him. The fact that you care not for Matthew’s title—but love him for himself—means a great deal to him.
I must agree with you. After spending time with your groom, I find he is a perfect fit for you. And our extended family.”
Tray offered his arm to her. “Shall we go and make things official?”
Verina slipped her hand through the crook of his arm, and her brother led them to the drawing room. She passed a sea of faces, not truly distinguishing one from another because her gaze was focused upon her handsome groom.
Matthew stood before the fireplace, facing her, a clergyman behind him. Tray brought her to her groom’s side and handed her off to him. She slipped her hand into the crook of Matthew’s arm and gazed up at him, seeing the love she had for him reflected in his eyes.
The vicar cleared his throat. “If I may have the attention of the bride and groom, I will begin.”
All those gathered chuckled, and Verina turned her gaze up to the man who would perform the ceremony.
“We are ready,” Matthew said, stealing another look at her.
They spoke their vows to one another, and she was filled with so many emotions. Eagerness to begin their lives together. Happiness because they had found one another.
And, most of all, love.
As Matthew slipped her wedding band upon her finger, love welled inside her, making her feel as if she might burst from so much joy. The clergyman offered a final prayer, and Matthew turned her toward him for a sweet kiss.
When he broke the kiss, he quietly said to her, “I feel as if I were a half my entire life. You are my other half, Verina. Together, now, we make a complete whole.”
He kissed her again, and she heard the laughter and applause coming from their guests.
Her new husband broke the kiss. Beaming at her, he said, “Let us go into the fine wedding breakfast prepared for us.”
Matthew led her from the drawing room, and Verina had to agree with him.
Together, they became a happy whole. They would weather every storm which came their way, and they would sail through both good times and bad, but Verina knew they would meet every challenge as one.