The Duke Dilemma (30 page)

“I’m certain they will be. But I will have to admit that they were right. It is a declaration a parent never wishes to make.” The Duke—Edward—lamented and recovered quickly. “I will do what I must. There is no time to waste. We must marry today by special license.”

“Today? You cannot possible mean—” To imagine they might wed in a few hours was beyond comprehension.

“Is that too soon? Not soon enough?” Edward teased. “I must have some time to acquire the appropriate papers.”

“Much too soon. It is impossible!” Louise could not even think. This was all happening too fast.

“Tomorrow, then?” he suggested, gazing at her expectantly, hopeful of an affirmative answer.

“Tomorrow?” It was certainly a better choice than today, but still a day longer did not appear adequate time for her to prepare.

“You cannot expect me to wait longer than that?” A temperate Edward would only go so far.

“I beg you forgive my hesitation, but I am having some difficulty accepting the notion that we are to marry.” Louise looked from the Duke to the armful of flowers and reflected on the meaning of the individual blossoms as a method of delaying…she only needed a few moments of quiet to reflect, to catch her breath. There was honeysuckle for devoted affection, red roses for true love, and mignonette representing worth. “You see I just realized my feelings for you a few minutes or so before your arrival.”

“Only minutes, you say?” The eagerness the Duke had exhibited moments before ebbed. He appeared to be reconsidering their hasty nuptials, hopefully to give Louise the time to become used to the idea of her future as his wife.

Buzzing from a pair of agile, close-flying bees interrupted the newly engaged couple, causing them to step quickly apart. Both
followed the bees’ flight path through the air, up, around, and over the wall bordering the street. Immediately after, a brown linnet fluttered into the garden, landed on a twig, and trilled its birdsong.

“My word, this is the first wildlife I have seen since my return.” Louise turned back to gaze into the garden. It seemed as if miracles were happening all around her.

“If I did not know any better I would say spring has just arrived.” Edward gazed at her with an expression of surprise brightening his countenance. “I see that I have the pleasure of encouraging the first bloom in your garden.”

“What? Where?” Louise glanced around, looking for the wayward flower that she had overlooked.

“
I
have successfully brought the roses to blossom—in your cheeks.” A great smile spread across Edward’s face.

“Oh!” Louise pressed a hand to her warming face, feeling silly.

“I beg you do not make me wait long, ma’am.” He drew her into his arms in preparation to kiss her. “The sooner I can refer to you as ‘Her Grace,’ the happier I will be.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shirley Marks loves to write entertaining stories about happily ever after. She is the author of seven Regency romances, including the Gentlemen of Worth series, and several contemporary romantic comedies. When she’s not writing, she devotes her time at home to reading, gardening, and her family.