Only a Lady Will Do by Tamara Gill
Chapter 33
Their wedding was held in the drawing room the following morning at the London townhouse. The home was theirs now, Josh and Iris's, and Iris could not believe she was now the Duchess of Penworth, a wife and hopefully soon a mother to the duke's children.
He stood with his sisters, the five of them together, laughing and smiling, each different, but all of them the same somehow—the love, especially that they all had for one another evident on their visages if nothing else.
How lovely that her dearest husband came from such a supportive, loving clan. That her mama was a favorite of the dowager duchess also played in her favor, and she could foresee many enjoyable Christmases, Seasons, and birthdays in the future.
"Congratulations, my dearest Iris. If I have not said this before, let me say so again now how very happy I am that you are my son's chosen bride. The love of his life, if my estimation of him is accurate. Which, as his mother, I'm usually right."
Iris chuckled, kissing the dowager's cheeks. "I thank you for welcoming me into your home, for allowing me to have such a successful second Season. I owe you everything, throwing me into the realm of Josh. I would not have met him otherwise."
The dowager shook her head, watching her children across the room. "I do not think that is the case. Soul mates have a way of finding each other. You were destined to be my son's wife, his love. I'm as certain of that as I was certain of my love match all those years ago."
Iris felt her eyes grow damp, and she blinked, not wanting to turn into a watering pot on one of the happiest days of her life. "I must ask for I have not come across her, but did you invite Lady Sophie this morning?"
The duchess pursed her lips as if she had tasted something sour. "We did not. Lady Jane and I laid to rest any inclinations the little minx had in gaining the title of duchess. She is safely stowed back in Hampshire until she can behave herself next year."
Iris laughed, not having known the dowager or her mama could be so commanding in society. Still, they were friends and were from two powerful families, so it was not so unlikely they would remove any impediment to their children's happiness.
"Thank you for your assistance with her. I was uncertain how to, if I'm honest," Iris admitted, having never liked conflict.
"You are most welcome," the dowager said, smiling as Josh walked up to them both. He bussed his mama on her cheek before reaching for Iris.
His large, strong arm wrapped about her waist, and she reveled in the public display of his affection that he had taken a liking to it would seem. Iris glanced about the parlor where the morning wedding breakfast was being hosted and noted several eyes had taken note of his hold. Iris smiled up at him.
"I have asked for Elizabeth to play a waltz on the pianoforte, Duchess. Will you do me the honor?" he asked her, his eyes warm and promising of the wonderful future they would have.
"I would love to dance, Your Grace."
Josh led her over to a part of the room that allowed a little dancing, and Elizabeth started to play. He pulled her into his arms, holding her closer than he ought for propriety's sake. Not that Iris would say anything about it. She adored being in his arms, being his.
"Happy, my darling?" His hand on her hip moved about her back and made little circular motions along the bottom of her spine. She shivered.
"I'm so happy, and you?" she asked him, wanting to hear him say it as well.
He leaned down, kissing her before everyone present. Iris felt heat kiss her cheeks, and she grinned like a debutante at her first ball when he pulled back.
Josh chuckled. "I have never been more so. The thought of a future, a life with you at my side, is a puzzle piece I never knew I was missing. Not until I met you." He kissed her again as he turned them about. "I intend on making you so very happy until I take my last breath, Your Grace."
Iris's eyes smarted, and she blinked, trying to clear her vision, but it was no use. His sweet declaration, the way he looked at her now, as if she were everything to him. His sun and moon, the breath that he breathed, his reason for living were too much to endure. She would never have enough of him.
She sniffed. "I'm pleased that you promise me such things, for I adore you too. So much. I never want to be parted from you ever again. I could not bear it."
Josh swung them to a stop, cupping her face and wiping the stray tears from her cheeks. "We will never be divided again. If it is the one promise I make, know that to be true and steadfast."
Iris nodded, knowing he would hold to his decree. Had she not been so caught up in her husband's love and warmth, she would have noticed the room stood in awe, in envy, and without a dry eye in the room at the love shared by the Duke and Duchess of Penworth.
The devotion.
