Page 36 of Sincerely, the Duke
“In a moment,” Eileen said, stepping in front of Edwina so she couldn’t leave the room. “First things first, little sister. Why didn’t you tell us in your letter the scoundrel who was after you is a duke?”
Eileen’s question caused Edwina to hesitate for a moment before she started gathering more of the scattered swatches. Her oldest sister had always been very perceptive and observant. She seldom missed a twitch or blink.
“How did you know he was the man I was talking about in my letter?”
“Several things,” Eileen answered with a slight roll of her eyes.
“To begin with, we were not fooled by the excuse of you needing his help because the pins were sticking you,” Eleonora replied with a glowering expression that said no amount of argument would convince either of them otherwise so best not to try that again. “You are quite capable of such a small task.”
“What was the attractive duke really doing here, standing so close to you it seemed as if you could have been in one another’s arms?”
Hedidhave his arms around her. And it felt heavenly. He was about to catch her up to his chest so she could feel his warmth and strength. But surely, she didn’t need to admit to that.
“Yes,” Eleonora agreed, with a curious smile. “I noticed the lovely spring nosegay lying on the table over there.” She cut her eyes over to the flowers. “He must have been with you for a while since the primrose have wilted.”
“He wasn’t here that long, and they were already—never mind,” she finished with a silent sigh of vexation.
“Was he calling on you?” Elle asked, with a hint of disbelief in her tone. “In a matter of a couple of weeks have you managed to catch the eye of a young and handsome duke who looked as if he could be a prince?”
Yes, he was quite something to look at, Edwina agreed silently, remembering his broad, muscular chest, beautiful golden-brown hair and blue eyes, and chiseled features. No question about it. He was an amazingly fit man, and more stimulating than any gentleman she could have hoped would give her notice.
“Would you have come to my aid if you had known it was a duke pursuing me?”
“Of course.” Eileen assured her, snapping her hands to her hips and sounding slightly offended.
Elle gasped in outrage. “How can you ask us that?”
“Easily. You might have presumed I was safe and in no danger with a duke.” Edwina’s tone was a little sharp too. “You’ve both been so adamant you wouldn’t come to London and help me find us husbands. How was I to know?”
“Jumping Jupiter, Edwina. We don’t want to attend the marriage mart as you so desperately wanted us to. Ofcourse we’d come if you needed us no matter where you were because we love you.”
Edwina’s irritation settled down and she smiled affectionately from one sister to the other. “I’m so glad. At times, I’ve felt lost without you.”
“We missed you too,” Elle said, hugging Edwina again.
Eileen slid her hands up to her waist and started tapping her foot in that no-nonsense way of hers again. “It’s time for you to confess. Is he courting you?”
Hope, excitement, and worry all seemed to converge inside Edwina’s chest. She was thrilled the duke was helping to fulfill her father’s last request. And she wanted more of the wonderous feelings he created inside her. But there was worry too. What he’d expect of her on their wedding night; what he would do if he discovered the sisters were triplets.
“I suppose you could say he’s already done that. He came to tell me we are getting married on Friday.”
“Married?” Elle blurted on a broken gasp.
“Already?” Eileen sounded astonished too. “You haven’t been here a month. You led us to believe it might take the entire Season to find someone to your liking.”
“That’s what I thought.” Edwina inhaled a deep breath. “I had expected to have more time to think about marriage. But a miracle of sorts happened. He asked and I accepted.”
Elle’s long lashes fluttered and her bright green eyes turned dreamy. “Oh, it sounds as if it was love at first sight for the two of you. Just as it was for me and Mr. Climperwell.”
“Not exactly like that,” Edwina admitted. “After meeting, we came to an understanding rather quickly.”
Eleonora hugged Edwina tightly. “I believe it can happen instantly.”
“I’m sure it can,” Eileen agreed, “but it doesn’t.”
Eileen had always been pragmatic about everything and not poignant about anything.
“Hush, Eileen,” Elle admonished. “Love is such a beautiful emotion. If you are desperately in love you shouldn’t wait to marry. You never know how much time you have. Things can happen very quickly and you must share all the happiness that you can while you can.”
