The Compromised Duchess

Chapter 18

“I can’t marry you today” Laurel protested, as she followed Thomas towards a clump of trees where his horse was tethered. She glared at his back when he gave her no response whatsoever. “for one thing, I don’t have something appropriate to wear, and I am certainly not getting married in one of my old dresses. Second, I would like to have members of my family..and yours too I suppose, present. I am not a thing to be shabbily handed over to you, besides -”

Good grief, the woman certainly could prattle on so. Thomas thought with a slight grin, careful to avoid looking back so she would not launch into one of her diatribes on how obnoxious he was. They were not yet married and already she had begun the famous art of nagging which most women were so skillful at. He certainly hoped she would make his sometimes unbelievably dreary existence more lively.

“I will make arrangements, never fear” he replied, cutting off her muttering, his tone so cool and calm that Laurel wanted to scream at him. “I make no promises as to your attire, but I believe a seamstress can be prevailed upon to find something suitable for you.”

“Huh!” she huffed indignantly, “Madame Devine will have conniptions if you should suggest she simply whip up something magnificent in less than an hour. Well? what of my family?”

“As soon as I see you settled in, I shall dispatch urgent summons to as many as are in London. I believe your brothers will have no objections to the match.”

“They are only to happy to finally be rid of my pestilence” she grumbled, “Right this moment I believe Benedict is thanking his stars that he no longer has to deal with me”

They reached the horse and Thomas finally turned to face her, his eyes softening at the rising panic in hers. He could understand that the reason she talked incessantly was because she was nervous. He reached out and tenderly brushed away a lock of hair that covered her eyes, and then caressed her cheek. “Have faith in me little one, I will not disappoint you.”

“It is not you I am afraid of,” Laurel replied, leaning into his caress, “I fear for myself.”

“How so?”

“I am afraid I will pose a disappointment to you somehow, perhaps in executing my duties as your wife, I will fall far short of your expectations.” She replied, “I could not stand to see you ashamed of me in any way.”

“We shall learn to please each other together” Thomas said with a reassuring smile, “I promise”

“Thank you Thomas” She whispered softly rising on tip toes to press a kiss on his roughened cheeks which already spotted a day’s growth of hair.

“Thank you little one. Now come, the day is already speeding by.” He placed his arms around her waist and lifted her up into the saddle, climbing on behind her. His senses sang in awareness of their closeness, as his thighs touched hers, and her body leaned back against his for support. He wound an arm around her waist to anchor her there and picked up the reins with the other.

“Wait!” She exclaimed suddenly, turning slightly to look at him, “My horse, I can't leave her behind”

“Where is she?” He asked, letting go of her to dismount .She looked confused for a few moments then pointed vaguely to the west.

“Over there..I think” She shook her head and sighed, “We got a bit lost, and wandered around for a while, but I remember we left them close to the beaten path at the edge of the trees”

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Searching for the horses could consume quite a bit of time, and he really did intend to get married before high noon. However, he couldn’t very well suggest they leave the horse behind.

“Wait here,” He instructed curtly, “I will go and fetch the horse. Hopefully, it should only take a moment, under no circumstances are you to wander away from this very spot”

“Yes my Lord” She replied drily, “would you prefer I tie myself to that tree over there too?”

“Immensely preferable. Stay here, I shall be back soon my love” He grinned and strode away briskly in the direction she had indicated.

Laurel stared at him, her cheeks stained a hot pink, her mind repeating his last words over and over, till it became a shout that reverberated within her skull. 'My love'.....she thought happily, could it possibly be that he was falling in love with her? Could the fates be that kind?

“Oh dear god, I pray it is so” she whispered, her voice filled with hope at the possibility, and joy that the man, who in a few hours was to become her husband, harbored tender feelings towards her. Suddenly the trepidation that had filled her since his proposal yesterday vanished into thin air and she felt herself lifted to heights of joy such as she had never known before.

She remained in this glorious state of euphoria for at least ten minutes, until the neighing of an approaching horse jolted her from her thoughts. She started in surprise when she realized that in the few minutes she had been woolgathering, the sun had come out and everywhere was bathed in its pale light. She spotted Thomas coming towards her leading Beauty, who followed him dutifully.

“You found her!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight, “How wonderful”

He looked pleased at her delight, a boyish grin lighting up his features, making him appear devilishly handsome and Laurel's breath caught in awe.

“You gave me excellent directions, so it is you who should have the praise” He said, bringing Beauty closer so she could lean over his mount and stroke her horse. “She is quite a beauty, almost as lovely as her mistress”

Laurel blushed and ducked her head, “You flatter me Thomas”

“It is the truth” He stated simply, handing her the reins so he could climb behind her once again. “We shall have to lead Beauty, because I am loath to let you go”

“Oh?” was all she could say as his arm snaked around her waist, and she was robbed of breath once more. She was fully aware of his thighs pressed against hers, suffusing her entire body with a pleasant warmth and she sighed in contentment.

“Are you all right” he asked, his voice a deep rumble against her back, “I hope you are not uncomfortable?”

“No, no, I’m quite fine” she answered shutting her eyes when she felt him nod and with a flick of the reins they set off.

*****

By the time Thomas turned the horse towards the St. Crye stables, it was fully light and he estimated the time to be close to eight '0' clock. A stable boy hurried forward and grasped the reins of his horse, bringing it to a halt and he swung down, holding out his arms for Laurel. She swung her legs over the horse and slid into his waiting arms, reveling in his strength for a fleeting moment before he released her.

He gave instructions to the lad for a fresh horse, then took her hand and led her inside the house. Laurel had been inside before, but then she had been too tense to take notice of anything, but now, as they came unto the main hall, she stopped to gawk at the magnificence of the splendid ivory pillars and grand sweep of the main stairs.

“Your home is beautiful” She gasped, unable to tear her eyes away from the huge painted glass windows that sparkled in the morning sun.

“It will your home too” he replied, tugging at her hand slightly to get her to follow him up the stairs to the second level. “I shall give you a grand tour of all the wings later, but at the moment, I think we should begin making preparations for the wedding.”

“Yes, of course,” She agreed with a nod, as they stopped before a door. He pushed it open and led her inside a large room, with cream colored furnishing, and a huge queen sized bed with cream satin curtains hanging down from the four columns attached to it.

“This will be your room for the time being, while the Duchess’s bedchamber next to mine is being aired and cleaned.” Thomas said, striding to the windows to pull open the heavy cream and gold drapes to let in the sunlight.”I will ask Mrs. Warring, my house keeper, to see to your needs, and dispatch a messenger to your old home to fetch some of your things, perhaps you would like to make a list?”

Laurel bent to examine a vase filled with roses that sat on a beautifully crafted renaissance table. She straightened up, picking out a red rose from the bunch and twirling the stem between her fingers. “Yes, I will make a list, thank you.” Her stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly and she blushed.

“ I believe I shall feed you first.” he said with a knowing grin and turned to leave the room. He paused at the door, “there is a wad of writing paper and a quill on the escritoire, it would be prudent to begin the list while you wait for breakfast” He shut the door, leaving Laurel to her own devices, She moved around the room slowly, inspecting every inch of it and finding it much to her satisfaction.

“Better start with that list then” she sighed and crossed to the escritoire to pull out the writing materials.

****

A few hours later, Laurel stepped out of the bath and accepted a towel from the parlour maid doubling as a lady’s maid, moving to seat in front of the vanity while Lucy used another towel to vigorously dry her waist length hair. She attempted to engage the timid maid in conversation, after all, she was going to be the mistress of this house, and it would help her immensely in finding out more about the place. Surely servants carried a wealth of information, one only needed to know how to extract those gems.

“How long have you worked here?” she asked Lucy.

“T'will be a year this June, mi lady” Lucy replied shyly, completely in awe at her sudden elevation to lady’s maid, and having to tend to the master’s bride-to-be. This would be story she would relish telling for ages to come, of that she was certain.

“Hmm, good...good.” Laurel replied, “Do you like it here?”

“Oh very much, mi lady” Lucy said, nodding to emphasize her eagerness and said no more.

A knock sounded on the door and it burst open before Laurel could call out an invitation to enter. An excited looking dark-haired woman stood there, her gray eyes so very like Thomas that even if Laurel did not know who she was, she would instantly recognize her as Lady Worthington, Thomas' sister.

The lady opened her mouth and let out an ear piercing cry of delight, then hurried into the room to throw her arms exuberantly around a stunned Laurel.

“So it is true” Lady Worthington exclaimed, pulling away to properly inspect Laurel. “I nearly swooned in shock when Thomas appeared in my drawing room to inform me he was to be wed. I was so sure it was all a cruel joke until now. Oh I am so glad”

“I am happy this meets with your approval, Lady Worthington” Laurel cried out in relief, “I must say I have been afraid of your disapproval”

“Are you mad? I am the happiest person in the whole world.” Lady Worthington laughed, pulling Laurel to her ample bosom again, then dragged a chair so she could sit close while Lucy began styling Laurel's hair, “let us dispense with the formal titles, please call me Christina, and I shall call you Laurel...such a lovely name isn’t it? ...ohhh! I believe I shall float to the sky in excitement......I have always longed for a sister....what are you wearing for the wedding?”

Laurel laughed, beginning to catch Christina’s excitement, “There is simply no time for any sort of specially made gown, so I have sent for one of my favourite ball gowns to be delivered from my home. It should go well for the occasion.”

“Silly Thomas,” Christina declared stoutly, “He has always been so impatient. I cannot believe he is rushing you through the most special day of your life. But that is just like him.” she leaned forward to pat Laurel's hand reassuringly, “never fear, Laurel... later you can throw the grandest ball in all of London to celebrate your wedding and then you can show off a spectacular gown.”

“Yes, that seems to be a splendid idea” Laurel agreed, watching as Lucy wove in strands of white lilies into her hair to form a crown of sorts. “I shall begin preparations as soon as the wedding is over”

Christina cleared her throat delicately, and a knowing look gleamed in her eyes. “Ahem.....not too soon I hope. I believe you shall find yourself otherwise...emm..occupied”

Lucy giggled, and exchanged a knowing look with the Countess. Laurel looked confused, and stared at the two giggling women wondering what they were on about. Why on earth would Christina suggest she would be busy? Well, of course she would busy adjusting to the new household and its staff, making sure her move to St. Crye went along smoothly, but she did not envision herself so busy as to be able to plan a ball. A shiver of excitement traveled down her spine at the thought of being able to plan her own parties.

“I know I will be busy, but it will be a small matter of making time” She said, and raised an eyebrow when Christina burst into peals of laughter.

“Oh Laurel” she gasped, wiping a tear from her cheeks, “You make me laugh so. Well I shall not burst your bubble by enlightening you..oh no, I shall leave that arduous task to your mother.”

The door opened and the housekeeper stuck her head in. “Pardon me my ladies, but a package has just arrived from the dressmakers.” She pushed open the door fully and came in bearing a large box.

“The dressmaker’s?” Laurel questioned, rising to cross to the bed where the Mrs. Warring had set down the box. She began to untie the ribbons that held the box closed, “I don’t remember ordering any gowns from....oh my goodness!”

*******

“The priest has arrived, Your Grace” Everton informed Thomas, as the latter stood contemplating the fireplace, hands clasped behind his back. He turned at the sound of his butler's voice.

“Has Lady Abbington and the other guests arrived?” He asked, brushing at a piece of lint that clung to the sleeve of his black lounge suit.

“They are all assembled in the ballroom, Your Grace”

Lord Henry Worthington rose from his seat by the east window and spared his friend an amused look. “As always, even the very Devil himself bows to your wishes. How you managed to organize a wedding within a few hours is completely beyond me. Well dear old friend, it is time.”

“Indeed it is” Thomas replied drily, striding towards the ballroom. “Indeed it is”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

He stood before the priest, Lord Worthington by his side as they waited for the bride to make her appearance. He felt a load of nervous energy sweep through him as the realization that he was about to bind himself to a woman for the rest of his life fully sank in. He allowed his lips to curve in a wry smile as he recalled the conversation he had had with Cecily. His mistress- ex-mistress had burst into tears when he had told her of his intentions and had apparently remained inconsolable until he had assured her that she would be able to keep the townhouse, as well as the carriages and jewels he had previously lavished on her. The tears miraculously vanished and she’d wished him every happiness, her mind already fixated on how she would snag her next protector. Women!, he would never fully comprehend them.

His gaze passed over the small group of family members who where seated on lawn chairs that had been hastily brought into the ballroom for the occasion. His eyes fell on the Duchess, and she acknowledged him with a smile and a slight inclination of her elegant fan. Seated next to the Duchess, Lord William seemed to be engrossed in staring across the aisle, a besotted look on his face, at Thomas’s cousin, Miss Helen Woodridge, who looked particularly fetching in a lemon and teal gown. The girl was doing her best to ignore the rude young man, though occasionally shooting baleful stares in his direction which only served the purpose of earning her a silly smile and a wink.

A small stir at the entrance caught his attention and he looked towards the doorway, his breath catching at the sight of his bride being led into the room clutching Benedict’s arm as though her life depended on it. “Dear god in heaven” he whispered awed, “I am in trouble”

Laurel gripped Benedict's arm tightly, feeling butterflies flutter in her stomach. She wished she had not eaten earlier, because she felt so nauseous, as her nerves pulsed at lightning speed. Her hands shook so badly that the lovely bouquet of flowers she held in her other hand trembled noticeably. All eyes turned to focus on her entrance, and she heard a few gasps of appreciation, probably at the magnificence of her wedding dress. It hugged her figure from the waist up, cupping her breasts loving in a deep V- that showed off her pale shoulders to full advantage, before sweeping out into a full skirt that trailed to the ground. How on earth Tomas had managed to procure the dress at such short notice was puzzling, but Laurel was pleased that he had made the effort.

Benedict tugged her arm lightly and whispered to her to move. She put one feet in front of the other, following his lead, aware of only the man who stood waiting for her at the other end of the room.

Laurel sat beside her husband at the head of the long dining table, twisting the lovely emerald wedding ring around her finger, her mood fluctuating between disbelief that she was finally married to Thomas, and joy so sweet she wanted to burst into song.

“Lady Laurel Grayson St. Cyre, Duchess of Roxborough.... Thomas’s wife” she whispered to herself, testing out her new title again. “I fear I am having a dream and I might wake up disappointed”

“Did you say something?” Thomas spoke directly to her for the first time since the priest had pronounced them man and wife. Laurel shook her head, afraid to meet his eyes for fear of what she would find there. She knew he was still angry at her for her hesitation earlier when they had been exchanging their vows, and she earnestly wished it had never happened. Her mind flashed back to that particular moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Do you Laurel Grace Abbington take Thomas Grayson St.Cyre to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honour and obey him from this day...........” The priest intoned in a soft cultured voice, but Laurel could barely hear him because of the loud pounding of her heart and the panic that seized hold of her as her mind flew all over the place.

“Lady Laurel?” The priest prompted gently, and Laurel started in shock when she realized they were all waiting for her to say something? But what in heaven's name was she supposed to say? She wondered, raising her head to stare at Thomas’s eyes which had turned cold in anger.

“I- I beg your pardon?” she asked the priest, using her tongue to wet her dry lips, her entire body trembling in embarrassment. “C-could you please repeat that last line? I’m not sure I understand”

The poor priest had looked confused, but after glancing at Lord Grayson and obtaining a stiff nod, he had repeated the words again. This time Laurel heard them quite all right, but when she opened her mouth to say “I do”, all that came out was a squeak of terror. An strange look had come into Thomas’s eyes, which had only terrified her the more.

So she had done the one thing that came to mind, she had simply picked up her skirts and hurried away, ignoring the murmurs and cries for her to come back, her only thought, escape.

Her mother and Amelia had found her in the room, bent over the chamber pot, heaving until there was nothing left for her stomach to give.

“I'm sorry Mama” she’d cried “I did not mean to run away....I was...I was”

The Duchess had taken her daughter in her arms and soothed her until she was quiet. Amelia said nothing, simply reaching out to grasp her friend’s cold hands and held on reassuringly.

“There now my darling,” Her mother crooned, stroking Laurel's back, “I understand. I was a wreck at my own wedding too, but in the end, your father and I spent eighteen happy years together till he was taken from us. Thomas is a good man, he will take care of you”

“I have already begun to fail in my duties as a wife” Laurel wailed, “What kind of woman flees from the altar simply because of nervousness? Does he even still want me after this humiliation?”

“Of course he does, don’t be daft.” Amelia answered firmly, “He was so worried and sought to come after you, but your mother thought it best if we came instead.

“Dry your eyes darling,” Lady Abbington said, helping Laurel to her feet and leading her to sit in front of the mirror. “I shall redo your make-up, and you will be as good as new. Then you will go out there and say “I do”, putting all thought of misfortune from your mind.”

Laurel sighed, jolted back to the present by a round of polite laughter as William finished recounting a particularly lively tale of his exploits. She had taken her mother’s advice and said her vows, but now her husband was not speaking to her at all.