The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo Book 1) by Devlin, Barbara (love letters to the dead .TXT) 📕

“My dearest child, I have always been on your side.” She cupped Arabella’s cheek. “Never forget that, despite appearances, I have your best interests at heart, and I will assume a position to achieve your goal, even when it seems we are at odds.”

“Oh, thank you, Mama.” Indeed, Arabella needed her mother’s kindness just then. “Know that I will not involve you, unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“Of course.” Sitting erect, Mama wagged a finger. “Now, promise you will not kiss Lord Rockingham, again, until you are married.”

Chapter Nine

Two days before his wedding, Anthony accompanied his parents to another in a long list of gross displays of opulence that characterized the ton. If not for his singular motive for joining the festivities, he would have stayed home. Garbed in the customary black formal wear, he stepped from the ducal coach. Tugging at his cravat, he glanced at the star-filled night sky and inhaled a deep breath.

Despite what he told Arabella, he had yet to set things right with his father, but he didn’t want her to worry. Besides, he believed his fiancée’s account may have been slightly exaggerated. At least, he hoped she exaggerated. Still, he needed to clear the matter with his father. At every opportunity, he tried to engage his father, but his endeavors went ignored for one reason or another.

“Anthony, stop delaying.” Tapping his foot in an impatient rhythm, Father cleared his throat. “You are to make your final public appearance with Lady Arabella, prior to your nuptials, and you will not disappoint me, so you had better adopt a smile, now.”

“Father, a moment, please.” After several unsuccessful attempts to speak with his father, Anthony spied his chance. In the event he was wrong, and Arabella spoke the unvarnished truth, he had to intervene. Were he alone at risk, he would not protest, but he would do anything to protect Arabella, even if it meant playing the part of besotted groom, to appease his father. “I promise, it will take but a few minutes.”

“All right.” Father huffed and said to Mama, “Johanna, wait for us at the entry, and we will navigate the receiving line as a family.”

“Of course.” Mama nodded. “But don’t tarry, and do not fight in the street like a couple of ruffians, else I shall be vexed with you.”

“Worry not, Mama.” Anthony waved to her. “And we shall soon follow.”

“Well?” Father replied in a sharp tone and folded his arms. “Out with it, but if you wish to advance another objection to your impending union, then you waste your time, because I am done obliging you. You will do your duty, with or without your cooperation.”

The declaration, unmistakable in its meaning, suggested Arabella didn’t exaggerate.

Anthony was in trouble.

“You mistake my intent, because I have no desire to argue against my wedding.” Nervous, he paused, recalled his purpose, and checked his tone. No matter what happened after the ceremony, his struggle was just beginning. “I simply wanted to say how grateful I am to have Lady Arabella for my future wife. Indeed, you were right about her. She is a very fine woman, and I am genuinely happy about the upcoming marriage.”

“Really?” With a countenance of surprise, Father opened his mouth and then closed it. He arched his brows. “I am delighted to hear it, but why the change of heart, when you have done naught but protest?”

“I know my duty, and I will not fail you, but there is another reason for my new perspective.” Squaring his shoulders, Anthony gained his footing. For a moment, he mulled his response and composed a few falsehoods he doubted he could deliver with any degree of sincerity. At last, he settled for the truth. “To be honest, I like Lady Arabella. She is beautiful, possessed of uncommon intelligence, and excellent company. So there is no need to worry, because I shall be a most attentive fiancé, this evening.”

“Are you sure of what you claim?” Father held Anthony’s stare, and he stood strong for himself and his lady. “And you don’t conspire to fool me, while you prepare to leave England?”

“I deserve that, but it was a temporary lapse in judgment, of which I am embarrassed, and I apologize.” Although Anthony believed otherwise, he had to yield the impetuous dreams born of fear, if only to spare Arabella a dreadful future with some ignorant dolt who would either abuse her, stifle her independent nature, or both. He told himself it was her fate that moved him to reconsider his position, and if he did that enough, he just might convince himself of the reality. “In that respect, I pondered my reasons for resisting the arrangement and decided I am better served, as is the dukedom, by acquiescing.” He cursed his dry mouth. “Rather than oppose you, I would join you in celebrating my future.”

“My son, you have made me very proud.” Father moved to stand beside Anthony and rested a palm to his back. “Tomorrow, I shall dispatch the men I hired to guard you, and we will start anew, as if nothing happened.”

“But, Mama terminated their employment almost a sennight, ago.” Together, they strolled toward the sidewalk, where Mama waited. “And I have done nothing to merit such treatment, given I gave you my word I would not leave these shores.”

“Blood under the bridge.” Father chuckled. “But I could not be too careful, because I gave my friend my solemn pledge that we would unite our two houses. So, let us set aside any discord in favor of unity, and I look forward to the day we announce the joyous news of an impending addition to our family. Now, let us drink, dance, and make merry.”

“Father, in that, we are one.” They neared the entrance, and Anthony waved to his mother. His spirits lifted when she smiled. Clicking his heels, he stiffened his spine. “Come, Mama. Your