The Duke Before Christmas - Bianca Blythe Page 0,46
without marriage? Because it made one think feelings existed that didn’t?
She frowned.
Colin had seemed kind, but he was a kind person. That didn’t mean she should take away his freedom. He’d agreed to marry when he’d blamed himself for Mr. Andrews’ absence. How would he feel if he knew that she’d married him even though Mr. Andrews was here? Even though Colin didn’t need to marry her?
Her mouth dried, and her heart pitched.
“You don’t look well.” Mr. Andrews’ eyes filled with concern. He didn’t seem like a horrible man. He wasn’t Colin, but what man could be? And Portia had made him a promise too. It seemed wrong to suddenly declare she was marrying someone else.
“How did you find me?”
“Oh, I got a fishing boat to take me.”
Her eyes widened. “Wasn’t that dangerous?”
“I suppose so. But the boat was going to Guernsey anyway. When I discovered the inn was closed, some passers-by told me that this house was the finest on the island and the place where a fine lady might be. I wasn’t confident you knew anyone here, but it was true.” He beamed. “I suppose that’s why you chose Guernsey to elope to.”
“Something like that,” she said faintly.
The drawing room door opened. Was it Colin? Portia’s heart hammered, as if unsure whether the prospect of seeing him would be good or not.
Instead, Jonesie stepped out. “There you are, Miss. I thought there might have been a problem with your dress.”
“My dress is perfect,” Portia said, giving Jonesie a tight smile.
Jonesie turned to Mr. Andrews skeptically. “Who is this gentleman?”
“Mr. Andrews, this is my maid, Jonesie.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Mr. Andrews said. “I suppose I’ll be seeing more of you.”
Jonesie’s eyes rounded. “Mr. Andrews?”
Portia’s heart ached, but she gave a strained nod. “Yes. Yes.”
“Should I fetch the duke?” Jonesie whispered.
“I don’t know,” Portia said miserably.
“I think I should.” Jonesie turned to Mr. Andrews. “He’ll want to meet you.”
Mr. Andrews beamed. “Oh, you are well-connected, Miss Tate.”
“Wait—” Portia said.
If Colin came here and saw Mr. Andrews, she knew what he would say. He would say he still wanted to marry her. He was a gentleman, after all, and this morning he’d been intimate with her.
She didn’t want to force him to be noble. Not when being noble required a lifelong commitment. Colin deserved someone else, someone better. Someone who didn’t have a difficult guardian. Someone who had a family and was loved. Someone who could easily fit into his life in Devon.
Portia rose. Colin had always acted honorably toward her. Now, she needed to act honorably toward him.
She turned to Mr. Andrews. “I believe they do elopements in the town.”
“Miss Tate!” Jonesie widened her eyes. “You mustn’t!”
“It’s fine,” Portia said. “Please prepare our luggage. We’ll pick them up before we leave.”
“Are you certain?” Jonesie pleaded. “This isn’t necessary.”
“Of course it is. Now will you do that?”
Jonesie nodded and gave a tight smile.
Portia looked about the hallway. “I believe the butler put my coat in here.”
“It’s a bit odd he’s not here now, isn’t it?” Mr. Andrews mused.
Portia thought about the drawing room, filled with so many people, including the servants.
“I suppose it’s Christmas,” she lied.
She put on her greatcoat, took Mr. Andrews’ arm, and stepped into the icy wind.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS of Vernon’s drawing room might not be holy, but at this moment, it felt every bit as special as a church. This moment was special. Soon, Portia would become his wife.
Colin’s heart soared.
He hadn’t realized how much he’d looked forward to this.
Vernon stood beside him. “I’m happy for you.”
“I’m happy for myself.”
Vernon chuckled.
“Where do you suppose she is?” Colin asked.
“No doubt, she wants to look perfect.”
“She always looks perfect.”
“I saw her maid duck out,” Vernon said. “She should be here soon. Perhaps there was a hair emergency.”
Charlotte and her sister were playing duets on the piano, and the room was filled with happiness.
Portia’s lady’s maid appeared. Her face looked rather more tense than normal. She glanced at her seat, then at Colin, then at Niles. Finally, she marched up to Niles and nearly dragged him from the room.
“I was wrong,” Vernon said. “It must be a clothes emergency if she asked your valet for assistance.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Niles could also do chignons,” Colin said. “He seems to know how to do everything.”
“Well, if it’s a serious issue, she can always borrow a dress from Charlotte.”
“Thank you.”
Colin watched Niles and Jonesie exit the room. Niles soon reappeared and gestured frantically to Colin.
“Excuse me,” Colin said.
He moved