some shred of protection against ill-intentioned men. I have not misrepresented myself to the Duke of Foxleigh.”
The priest turned to Foxleigh. “And is this the woman you believed her to be, your grace?”
“Certainly she is. And I recognized her from old, for I knew her when she was still a girl, living with her now departed parents in London. I knew her father and mother, and can personally bear witness to her true identity. I understand why she posed as a bereaved widow, but I have never been deceived as to who she really is.” Foxleigh grasped her more firmly, and she became aware of how violently she was trembling.
His arm felt so good. Marie might break up this wedding, but she could not separate them. Katherine would live with Foxleigh in sin, if it came to that. But it would not—whatever Marie hurled in their way could only delay matters. It would not be difficult to prove her identity. She would not let this relentless tick of a person worry her any longer. She and Fox loved each other, and Marie had no card to play that could trump that.
“I am satisfied.” The priest smiled at Katherine and cleared his throat to continue.
“But how do we even know that she is not already married?” Marie’s voice was a shriek.
When they all turned to look at the desperate woman a second time, Katherine saw Rutherford make a signal to a group of men in the back, who were quietly surrounding Marie.
Then he spoke. “You have the assurances of two peers of the realm that Miss Blake is who she claims, and that she is unattached. Against this testimony are baseless speculations from a woman who stands accused of three murders and a very grievous assault and robbery on the very man whose wedding she now interrupts.”
If she had not already forgiven Rutherford before, Katherine would have done so now, many times. She beamed at him, blessing his soul in her heart.
Wild-eyed at the discovery of her crimes, Marie turned to flee and ran straight into the arms of the waiting men. She demanded they unhand her, too busy hurling insults to claim sanctuary as they led her from the church.
“And good riddance,” hissed Foxleigh when she was at last out the door.
“Well then.” Rutherford smiled encouragingly at the priest. “I believe that objection has been thoroughly arrested.”
The holy man nodded, mopped his forehead and continued the rite.
Katherine’s heart was pounding when he pronounced them married. Foxleigh kissed her long and hard, perhaps beyond what was seemly while they were still before the priest. But when they came up for air, the cleric only smiled indulgently, and Mrs. Broden and Rutherford wished them joy.
She shivered with anticipation as Foxleigh leaned in and his whisper tickled her ear. “You are so marvelous and strong. Any other woman would have fainted away at what you have endured today. I love you so, my duchess!”
“And I love you, my foxy duke. But I truly hope you have stocked some strong wine in the wedding carriage.”
His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Wine and an ample supply of blankets and pillows. I intend on unwrapping my Christmas present early.”
Her insides warmed at the thought.
She squeaked with joy as Dog joined them for their promenade under the holly archway, clad in a specially crafted collar and neck cloth, fixed with a silver pin of the Foxleigh coat of arms. “Oh Dog, only look how handsome you are!”
Foxleigh patted Dog. “You should see the fine carriage I had fitted up for your poultry. Even selected a fleur-de-lis pattern for the carriage blankets. Now all your animals shall become insufferably full of themselves.”
She turned to her husband, laughing. “You got them a carriage? You are a madman.”
“Well, I knew you would not settle anywhere without them, but I draw the line at conveying chickens in my own vehicle.”
It was so thoughtful. What other man would even remember her hens? “How perfect. You think of everything!”
He kissed her cheek. “Getting Dog dressed took some finesse. I gave instructions to the valet that he was to be thoroughly bribed with roast beef. Apparently that did the trick. You see, Dog and I understand each other.”
“Thank you.” She stared into his beautiful dark eyes. “And the Foxleigh pin was a lovely touch.”
“He is family, after all. If you had not agreed to marry me, I should have stolen him anyway.”
“Shameless rogue. And speaking of villainy, now that I am safely your duchess, I