Only a Duke Will Do by Tamara Gill

Chapter 20

With the help of her mama and her sisters, Isolde stood still as the heavy golden silk gown slid over her head and settled about her form. The bodice had gold thread and beading throughout that shimmered in the morning light. It was heavy and the most beautiful dress she’d ever worn, and to think that this was the dress she would promise herself to Merrick in, filled her with happiness.

Her mama placed a diamond encrusted necklace set in gold about her neck, along with the small matching tiara that was part of the ducal collection. Isolde looked in the mirror and couldn’t imagine that this was her. That finally, her wedding day to Merrick had arrived. Already the day was beyond perfect and nothing, she was sure, could ever top it.

Her heart pumped fast in her chest. In under an hour she would be marrying the man she loved beyond reason. Their future left her dizzy with anticipation.

“Isolde, my dear,” her mama said, taking her hand, a pensive look on her face. “We haven’t spoken much about what happened with Moore and yourself during the Season, but I need to know. Before you say your vows and your life is unable to be altered from your choice.”

“What is it, Mama?” It had taken Isolde some days for her to get her brother to calm down enough to hear reason and see sense, and eventually he had, but only after an in- depth discussion with Merrick at Whites. Her mother had come to accept what had happened between Moore and Leonora on the night before their nuptials and was willing to move on. Although it meant Isolde had to tell the truth of Leonora’s and Wardoor’s affliction, and it was with that admission that finally her family had relented and supported her choice. So her mother’s concern now was baffling.

“I wanted only to check with you that you’re certain. No matter who was at fault, there have been many hurts between you and Moore. Maybe even more than you’re capable of forgiving entirely. I need to know, before you give yourself to him, that this is what you want. I would hate to see you unhappy in your marriage and be unable to change the situation.”

“Oh, Mama.” Isolde pulled her into an embrace. “Merrick is who I want, who I’ve only ever wanted. I will not be unhappy. If anything, I will be incandescent with joy.”

Her mama’s eyes welled with tears. “As pleased as I am to hear this, the talk about town is very unkind. For some time, maybe even years, you may be seen in a very poor light. Merrick is still in mourning, and you broke an engagement to a very eligible young man. Are you sure this is the path you want to walk along?”

Isolde, with full clarity and sureness, nodded. “I am so very certain. I do not care what Society will say; I know they’re fickle and they will soon move on to some other unfortunate soul. But I will no longer live my life to please anyone but myself and those I love. You may be sure I shall not lose any sleep over what anyone says about our union.”

The duchess smiled, clearly relieved by her words. “Very well, I shall not mention the situation again.” She stood back, looking at her. “You’re so beautiful, my dear. I hope you know how proud of you I am. Perhaps your father acted rashly the night before your wedding, but his main goal was only ever to see you happy. He was always so protective of you all; if his choice to keep you apart from Merrick was wrong, he would be sorry for it. I wish he were here to walk you down the aisle.”

She smiled at her mama, swallowing the lump in her throat at the mention of her dearest father. “Thank you. That means the world to me.”

Alice, who stood silently to the side, watched Isolde with a contemplative look. When her mama and Victoria went to fetch the small posy of flowers, she joined Isolde at the mirror. “You make a beautiful bride. All of London will be here today to see you marry Moore.” She paused, smiling. “Are you excited?”

Isolde pulled her thoughts back from what the wedding night would entail and how much delight she would have as Merrick tried to get her out of this dress. For the past few weeks, Isolde had made Merrick promise to behave, and he had, damn it. And now, all she could think about was what he had planned for them when they were finally alone.

“You have no idea how thrilled I am that today I marry the man I love. It’s been a long journey for both Merrick and me.” And they deserved their happiness now.

“You must love him very much.”

Isolde met Alice’s gaze before pulling on her ivory silk gloves. “I do. He’s the best of men. The only man for me.”

Alice leaned closer to ensure privacy. “Are you nervous about your wedding night? Moore is even more handsome than he was when you first were betrothed. I should imagine his kisses are most seductive.”

Isolde laughed, feeling heat burst on her cheeks. “That is enough, Alice. You’re teasing is wasted on me, especially as you know I’ve not been the most virtuous fiancée. Now, help with the train of this gown. It’s time to go.”

Victoria came in and passed her a small posy of hydrangeas. “Shall we be off? We don’t want to be late, even though some of the girls this Season have been saying that to arrive at the church late is quite the thing to do.”

Her mama clasped her arms, kissing her quickly, while checking that each of her daughters had all the jewels and required pieces to their gowns to proceed to the church.

“I’m so very happy for you and do believe Moore will treat you well and spoil you as much as you deserve. You will be happy, Isolde. Now, let’s be off.”

“I shall, Mama. I’ll be perfectly content.”

The carriage ride to St James was quick and without incident, which was pleasing. She was determined that nothing would happen that would keep her from marrying Merrick. Not one thing or one person.

Josh greeted them at the steps of the church just as the carriage rocked to a halt. Her little brother grinned down at her as she alighted from the carriage, and taking her hand, placed it on his arm. “You look beautiful, sister.”

Isolde smiled. “Thank you, brother.” They headed toward the double doors that stood closed to the morning sun. From the steps, Isolde could see a few lingering guests entering the church to take their seats, the floating sounds of a piano reached them each time the door opened.

“Is Moore here?”

Josh chuckled, kissing her cheek quickly. “He’s inside and, I might add, looking extremely nervous. You need to put the poor chap out of his misery and say I do before he expires of anxiety.”

She chastised herself at the overwhelming relief that Merrick was inside. It had been a quiet fear, that as much as she’d tried to push away, kept niggling at her mind—that something would happen to keep him from being here this day. That he would change his mind, or some entity would step in and steal him away again.

But no one had stopped the wedding, and now no one would, for they were both here, both eager and ready to commit to their love before God.

Making the church’s threshold, Isolde paused for a moment to allow her sisters to set her dress before the long walk down the aisle to Merrick would commence. The pianist started to play and, with a flourish fitting for a duke’s daughter, the double doors were opened and the congregation stood.

The other guests faded in Isolde’s vision, for at the end of the aisle stood Merrick, the radiant affection beaming from his handsome face. Tears welled in her eyes at the sight of him, hands clasped and his attention wholly fixed on her.

Coming up beside Merrick, Josh placed her hand on Moore’s arm, and she smiled, laughing as he pulled her overly close to his side, his hand firmly fixed atop hers.

The reverend smiled at them, clearing his throat and looking toward the congregation. “We are gathered here today in the face of this company, to join together His Grace, the Duke of Moore and Lady Isolde Worthingham in matrimony, which is an honorable and solemn estate and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this estate, these two persons present come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Isolde swallowed, waiting to see if anyone dare yell out that the marriage should not go ahead, but silence reigned and she smiled, relieved beyond reason.

The reverend continued. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Josh stepped forward, his face of serious concentration. “I do.”

Isolde listened and said the appropriate words as the marriage ceremony moved forward with no difficulty.

“I love you,” Merrick said, leaning down to whisper against her ear.

Tears smarted behind her eyes, and she fought not to let her emotions get the better of her. “And I you, forever and a day.”

“And I now pronounce you man and wife,” the priest declared, smiling.

And because shocking the ton once this Season wasn’t enough, Merrick kissed her thoroughly before them all. And just a little bit scandalously, too.