Two Lady Scoundrels and a Duke - Tessa Candle Page 0,32

you said was abominably rude, but now that I know you intended the insult for Mrs. Dubois, I find myself liking you a prodigious great deal. About that woman, I believe we are in total agreement.”

Rutherford heaved a relieved sigh. “You are too good, Miss Blake. Thank you for your forbearance, and for having a sense of humour.” He tossed his head at Foxleigh. “It is the only thing saving me from a thrashing by this fellow. I cannot wait to introduce you to my wife. You two shall get along famously, I would wager my best hound on it, if I still had him.”

Foxleigh found that he was at least as relieved as Rutherford. It was good to have the misunderstanding resolved, and an auspicious omen. With such a first experience behind them, his friend was certain to make every effort to befriend Katherine and make her comfortable among his other friends. Foxleigh wished her to be as at ease with them as he was. Despite appearances, this was an excellent start to their future together. “Very well, you are saved, my old friend. My lovely bride has now rescued us both.”

“Capital! And I hope you are both planning to join our merry party at Blackwood, for the invitation certainly extends to your bride. I look forward to introducing you to everyone there, Miss Blake. You will be a very welcome addition.”

“I believe I should like that.” Katherine’s eyes locked with Foxleigh’s, and his heart flooded with love and joy. This would be the best Christmas of his life.

Rutherford was all eagerness. “Well, shall I not go see if I can find the priest, so we can get you two married? I assume we are not awaiting any other guests?”

“If we can wake up Mrs. Broden, we shall have our witnesses. I see no reason to delay.” Foxleigh looked at Katherine. “If you are ready, my darling.”

“I am very ready.” Her grey eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

This beautiful, marvelous woman was finally going to be his. His gaze raked over her form. The wedding dress fit her beautifully. He could not wait to remove it.

Chapter 19 Lady Scoundrel

Katherine trembled next to Foxleigh and tried not to think of how good he smelled.

Her nerves had been sorely tested by Rutherford’s accusations and insults, but she had decided to chalk that all up to penance. It was strange, but it made her feel better to have been so treated. She had prayed. She had been tested. She had been redeemed. She now felt she could forgive herself for having thought about being a robber, and move on to her happy future with Fox. Though she supposed she should tell him about it at some point.

The priest cleared his throat. “Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…” He droned on and Katherine, despite her nerves being all a jangle, could not attend. Religious ceremonies were never very exciting.

When he got to the part where he asked if anyone could show any reason why they should not be wed, her spine straightened unconsciously. There was certainly not any reason at all, but they had faced so much adversity already, she found herself expecting it at every turn.

A voice spoke far behind her. “I have a just cause against this wedding.”

Katherine gritted her teeth. The voice was unmistakable—Marie, again. How could this be happening?

The whole party turned as one person, even the mostly deaf Mrs. Broden.

Katherine felt the warmth of Foxleigh’s arm snaking around her shoulder.

The priest spoke first. “Very well. And upon what grounds do you object to this marriage?”

Marie’s eyes bored into Katherine’s with a look of hatred that was incomprehensible. Katherine had done nothing to Marie, quite the contrary. It was remarkable how a person with such a black soul could twist things around so that their would-be victim became a wrongdoer simply by evading an intended evil. “That woman,” she pointed at Katherine, “is not who she pretends to be. She has been living as one Mrs. Sheldon for years, and now she claims to be Miss Blake. How are we to know who is getting married here, or if she is even still free?”

The priest pursed his lips and asked Katherine, “Is this true?”

Katherine shook her head. Was all her happiness to be destroyed over such a little thing? “I am Miss Blake. I have lived alone as a poor woman here in the countryside, and I pretended to be the widow Mrs. Sheldon so that I might have