Page 51 of A Duke in Her Fate
Her sister took her hand with a hopeful smile. “Very well, Isla. I promise I will support you no matter what happens. I swear it.”
“Thank you,” Isla whispered. “Shall we hie to the church, then?”
“Aye.”
Off they went after collecting their sister and mother. A carriage, very finely made, was brought to them with a driver and tiger who promised to ensure their safe delivery to the small church on the cusp of London where they were to marry.
It was a small church where Ronan was already waiting. He finished talking with the priest before moving toward them. There was no one seated in his side of the pews.
“Good afternoon,” he said to her and then her family. “How was the journey?”
“Oh, how very pleasant was our ride,” her mother beamed brightly. “Never have I enjoyed such a ride. It was well cushioned and very smooth.”
Lacey pouted. “No one would describe the views.”
“I tried,” Isla said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Privately she appreciated her sister’s bad mood since it helped her forget to be nervous. She looked to Ronan. “Apparently I don’t do it quite as well as you.”
He gave a slow nod. “Perhaps soon we can enjoy another carriage ride together, Lacey. In the meantime, I believe we have an appointment?”
That was what he called their marriage. An appointment.
Not romantic, but that is the price I am paying for this. It shouldn’t be so awful. Oliver is a charming child. Ronan can be charming too when he tries. Even if we cannot love one another, at least… at least we might be friends. I hope.
Isla swallowed. The nerves started to rise as she accepted his proffered arm. Down the aisle they walked. She appreciated his large stature as he emanated warmth to ward off the day’s chill. Behind them, her family took their seats, and she stood in front with Ronan.
Please don’t ignore me after this.
“Welcome,” the priest said to her with a warm smile. He opened the Common Book of Prayer. “Very well, let us begin.”
It was a perfunctory sort of affair. No music and no flowers. They didn’t have any other guests beyond her family. She wore her prettiest dress, in the hopes of… well, she didn’t know what. To feel pretty? To hope Ronan admired her? Isla listened to the pounding of her heart that grew so loud that he had to nudge her when it came time for her to speak.
“Oh, yes. I accept. I mean, I do,” Isla stammered.
Ronan studied her thoughtfully. Long enough that a warm blush crept up her cheeks.
It wouldn’t be awful being married to someone as handsome as he was. If only there was something more between them, shewished. Sometimes it felt like there was a spark. Between his protective nature and the occasional smile, Isla knew they got along well most of the time.
I must stop wishing for more. That is all. Already I know he is not the type to hurt me or be cruel. He will not have mistresses nor embarrass me. Perhaps that will be enough. To be able to protect my family, that must be enough. It must be. Whatever comes of this union, I shall be glad.
“And I pronounce you man and wife.” The book snapped shut.
Isla inhaled deeply. She was still staring up at Ronan, she realized, and they both smiled. She was a duchess now. She was married.
“Congratulations,” he murmured.
“What a lucky gentleman you are,” she mustered in a smile. “Whatever shall we do with ourselves now?”
CHAPTER 19
Ronan watched Isla say farewell to her family a dozen times as they stood on the steps of the church. They were all reluctant to part ways, especially once he reminded her that the two of them would not be settling in the London townhouse.
No, that wouldn’t do for his purposes. The place had only been open for a few weeks to address his needs. Everything was being packed up and sent back to his country estate as planned.
“What if I never see you again?” Lacey cried out.
“Balderdash,” Margaret said with a sigh. She wrapped an arm around the girl. “We shall see them soon, I am sure. And we can write, can we not?”
That stirred the girl. “Might we purchase some paper? Scenter paper?”
