Whirlwind Wedding

Elizabeth came awake slowly. The first thing she noticed was that it was dark inside the coach. The next thing she noticed was that she was stretched out full length on the soft velvet squabs.

Then she realized Austin was stretched out right next to her. And his arms were around her. And she was lying half on top of him and their legs were entangled. She tried to move, but his arms tightened pinning her where she was.

'Where are you going?' he asked in a husky whisper near her ear, enticing a legion of chills to skid down her spine.

'I must be crushing you.'

'Not at all. In fact, I'm very comfortable.'

Thus reassured she settled back, closed her eyes, and breathed in the wonderful smell of him. He smelled like… heaven. Like sandalwood and clean sunshine. Like Austin.

She breathed deeply again and sighed. 'When will we arrive in London?'

'We'll be home in less than half an hour. In fact, as much as I'm enjoying lying here, we'd best sit up and repair ourselves before we arrive.'

She sat up and shrugged her arms back into her spencer. 'Where is your London home?'

'Our London home is on Park Lane, the same street as your aunt's Town residence. We're right next to Hyde Park in a section of London called Mayfair. We're also very close to Bond Street, so you may shop all you wish.'

'Oh. Shopping. I cannot wait.'

Clearly her unenthusiastic response gave her away. 'You don't care for the shops?' he asked, his surprise evident.

'In truth, no. I view gadding about to dozens of shops, looking at items without a specific need to purchase them, as a total waste of time. However, if it is something that duchesses must do, I shall endeavor to force myself.'

'Surely there will be baubles and personal items you'll wish to buy. After all, you need to do something with your allowance.'

'Allowance?'

'Yes. It's an English word meaning 'a regular, periodic sum of money' You'll receive a quarterly allowance that you may spend as you wish.'

'How much of an allowance?' she asked wondering what she would need to buy that he did not already own. He named a figure and her jaw dropped. 'You're not serious.' He couldn't possibly mean to give her that much money.

Even in the dim light, she saw his expression harden. 'What's wrong? Is it not enough?'

She blinked at him, astounded. 'Not enough! Good heavens, Austin. I assumed you were far from poverty stricken, but I had no idea you could afford to give me that much money every ten years, let alone every quarter.'

Reaching out, she touched his sleeve. 'I appreciate the offer, but it's truly not necessary. I already have everything I need.'

Now it was Austin's turn to gape. She didn't know he could afford it? Had she really just stated it wasn't necessary for him to give her an allowance? She already had everything she needed? He thought of the many shallow, greedy, scheming, conniving women in the ton and tried to imagine even one of them saying the words Elizabeth had just said. He shook his head. Good God. Could this wife of his truly be real!

He continued to stare at her, to study her eyes, and his answer was clear. Yes. Yes, this woman- his wife-was absolutely real. She was everything good kind and unselfish. He hadn't even been looking, but he'd somehow found a treasure. And I thought her reaction to the amount of the allowance was based on greed. He shook his head at his own folly.

Her soft voice broke into his reverie. 'I've upset you. I'm sorry.'

'I'm not upset, Elizabeth. I'm… amazed.'

'You are? Why?'

He brought her hand to his lips. 'Because you are amazing.' Just as he kissed the center of her palm, the coach came to a stop, marking their arrival. 'To be continued' he promised in a husky drawl that brought a blush to her cheeks.

They alighted from the coach and he escorted her through the elaborate wrought-iron gate. Candles glowed from every window of the elegant brick town house, casting the house with warm, inviting, muted light. As they approached the huge double doors were thrown open in welcome.

'Welcome home, your grace,' the butler intoned escorting them into the marble-tiled vestibule.

'Thank you, Carters. This is your new mistress, her grace, the Duchess of Bradford.'

The butler bowed deeply. 'The staff extends our heartfelt felicitations on your nuptials, your grace,' he said to Elizabeth, his dour face sober.

'Thank you, Carters,' she said with a smile.

Austin saw her gaze move beyond Carters to the group of servants standing in a line, waiting to greet them. Unmistakable pride bubbled up in his chest when she stepped forward and smiled at the group. One by one Carters introduced the staff to Elizabeth, and one by one each servant was charmed by their new mistress who repeated their names and favored each of them with a friendly, dimpling grin. What his wife lacked in polished sophistication, she more than made up for with warmth and natural charm.

'It's late, Carters. I suggest you and the staff retire,' Austin instructed once the introductions were completed. 'I'll escort the duchess to her rooms.'

'Of course, your grace.' Carters bowed again. He and the others filed out, leaving Austin alone in the huge foyer with his bride.

'Carters is rather intimidating,' she whispered. 'Does he ever smile?'

'Never, at least not that I can recall.'

'Where on earth do you find such terribly serious people?'

Unable to keep from touching her, he tweaked one of her auburn curls. 'Carters' family has been in service to the Duke of Bradford for three generations. He was born serious.'

Tucking her hand beneath his arm, he led her up the curving staircase. Her head bobbed from left to right, taking in her new home.

'Goodness. This is fabulous. As is Bradford Hall. Are all your homes this magnificent? Don't you own anything, well… smaller?'

He thought for a moment. 'There's a modest cottage in Bath.'

'How modest?'

'About twenty rooms, give or take a few.'

She laughed. 'Twenty rooms is hardly modest.'

'I fear it's the best I can do. If you'd like, you can buy a hut or hovel with your allowance.' He shot her a teasing wink. 'Something with only ten rooms.' Pausing, he opened a door. 'Here we are.'

She stepped over the threshold and gasped. The bedchamber was decorated entirely in ivory and gold from the cream velvet drapes to the sumptuous Persian carpet beneath their feet. Several low, burning lamps bathed the entire room with a soft glow, and a cozy fire danced in the marble hearth.

'What a beautiful room,' she said clearly delighted. She ran her fingers lightly over the gold brocade settee and matching wing chairs. Throwing her arms out, she twirled around several times, her skirts billowing behind her. 'What's in there?' she asked pointing to a door on the far wall.

'A bathing chamber that adjoins my suite. It's part of the recently completed renovations I've done and is quite innovative. Your maid is drawing you a bath now. I'll await you in my suite.' He touched her cheek, then left, closing the door behind him.

Elizabeth opened the door to the bathing room and was greeted by a shy young girl.

'Good evening, your grace. My name is Katie. I'm your abigail.'

Thank goodness there wasn't anyone else in the room, or Elizabeth would have craned her neck around looking