Page 86 of Yours Truly, the Duke
Wyatt slanted his lips over hers. Fredericka twined her arms around his neck as he settled his body onto hers.
CHAPTER 24
PRIMROSE—THE SAME—MICKLE
—MRS. HEMANS
Say, gentle lady of the bower,
For thou, though young, art wise;
And known to thee is every flower
Beneath our milder skies.
It was a beautiful day as Fredericka and Wyatt walked along the pavement in Mayfair leading to their house at the end of the street. The late spring air had lost its chill. No cape, pelisse, or shawl was needed. Only a parasol to keep the sun out of her eyes. Overhead, an expanse of blue sky was breathtaking with tufts of white clouds scattered as far as she could see. Every lawn and trellis they passed was filled with bright green shrubs, blooming flowers, and tended to immaculate condition. Carriages rolled by with horses clipping along at a leisurely pace. Fredericka and Wyatt greeted everyone they passed with smiles.
Before they’d begun their walk, Fredericka had written some lines of poetry about the joy in her heart and life since she and Wyatt had become husband and wife. For real. Words had failed her. For the first time, she truly understood why some poets were gifted with the talent of verse and why some, like her, only dabbled in it.
Every word she’d read about the eager excitement and beautiful contentment love could make one feel was true. Her heart had overflowed with happiness these past few days, even though some things hadn’t changed.
Though Wyatt continued to assure her there was little chance the Tomkins would win guardianship of the children, Fredericka worried. Wyatt still trained long hours for his tournaments while she helped Miss Litchfield with the children’s endless fittings for their new wardrobes, settling the usual sibling squabbles, and making sure there was no nap time for the governess. At least until the new addition arrived. She had spoken with Miss Gladwin and the young lady would start next week.
Since their first night together, Wyatt had made a difference in not only her life and happiness but he continued to make strides with the children’s too. He’d been to the park with them to play with balls, fly kites, and watch puppet shows several times. They had even taken a boat out on the Serpentine, and he had given Charles his first cricket lesson. Fredericka was thrilled with the changes in Charles’ speech. He only stuttered when he was excited, and Elise was no longer constantly clinging to her.
Thrice, Wyatt had been with Fredericka to the extraordinary Vauxhall Gardens in the evenings to enjoy conversation with Hurst, Rick, and others while watching the festive entertainment of jugglers, tightrope walkers, and a man who appeared to swallow a sword. For once it seemed as if everything was going her way. She and Wyatt were showing London they were the perfect newly married couple. There would be no reason for the Lord Chancellor to choose a viscount over a duke and rule for Jane and Nelson in the guardian petition.
“I know you’re eager to join your friends and beginthe journey to Oxford today, but I’m glad you took a few minutes for a walk with me before leaving.”
Wyatt glanced her way with a subdued smile. “I’m glad it’s the last big tournament of the Season.”
“Are you really?” she asked, an expression of doubt in her tone.
He chuckled. “You find my comment suspect?”
“I do,” she answered honestly, even as she enjoyed the amusement dancing in his eyes. “Your dedication to your sporting club has been unparalleled.”
He touched her arm and they stopped walking. His gaze fluttered sensually down her face as he picked up her gloved hand and kissed it. “I know you are worried but I promise I will not miss the hearing in Chancery Court. I will be back in time to be there with you.”
She moistened her lips and lifted her chin before giving him a longing sigh. “I know you will. Since the guardianship has to be awarded in your name and not mine, I’m sure there will be questions for you.”
“I’ll make sure the man has no doubts we are the better guardians.”
They started walking again, and after a short time he said, “While you are waiting for my return, perhaps you can explain to the children that you are now sleeping in my chambers instead of your own. After this trip, I won’t be getting up early for practices, and I’m going to want you to linger by my side in the mornings.”
“That sounds tempting, Your Grace. Perhaps by the time you return—” Fredericka cut off her words as she noticed a carriage stopping in front of their house. “Jane,” she whispered.
Wyatt looked down the street. “Did she make plans to visit today?”
“No. She would never consider doing that. She alwaysarrives unexpectedly. I hope she’s not here to deliver news I don’t want to hear.”
“What could it be?” he asked with no concern at all as they continued walking. “The gossip about us has been unpredictably good this week.”
“I hope you are right,” Fredericka said softly, a shiver of apprehension washing over her. “I don’t trust Jane. I never have a good feeling when she arrives.”
“She’s not an ogre, but to make sure she has nothing up that lace sleeve of hers, I’ll stay with you until she leaves.”
A protective warmth settled over Fredericka and she looked lovingly at Wyatt. “I appreciate that you would delay your departure even longer knowing Hurst and Rick are waiting for you. I know your journey to Oxford is a long one.”
