The Duke's Wife (The Three Mrs #3) - Jess Michaels Page 0,83

of her wardrobe. One was a stunning green, with an intricately woven bodice in a darker shade than the flowing skirt. There was hand painting on the hem and gold threading throughout.

“This is beautiful,” Abigail breathed as she lightly fingered the silk.

“Isn’t it?” Ophelia said with a happy smile. “I adore it beyond reason. And yet, I’m not sure. What about the blue?”

Abigail shifted her attention to the other gown. This one was pale blue, almost an exact match to Ophelia’s bright eyes. A white lace overlay gave the fall of the skirt marvelous depth and the dark satin sash at the high waistline was sewn with paste jewels that sparkled in the sunlight streaming in through the window.

“The blue,” Abigail said. “The green is wonderful, but the blue will make your eyes pop. I think you should wear the blue.”

Ophelia sighed as if this was a relief. “It was my same thought, but I couldn’t talk myself into it. I needed your opinion.”

Abigail tilted her head. “Well, I’m happy to give it, Ophelia.”

“But you are surprised I’ve asked for it because of our distant relationship to this point,” Ophelia said as she put the green gown back in the wardrobe and then laid the blue out on her bed for her maid to prepare later.

Abigail caught her breath. “We…I…”

“It’s all right. We must speak of it sometime, mustn’t we? I know I’ve been cool toward you.”

Abigail shifted. “Perhaps. But it isn’t as if there was no reason for it. You had your doubts. You are allowed them.”

Ophelia wrinkled her brow. “You are almost too good. And I want you to know that I hope we can be better friends as we move forward. That we can truly become sisters over time. Not that I think I could ever replace what you lost.”

Abigail stared at the young woman before her. “Not replace,” she said softly. “But I would very much like to have you as a sister. In time.”

Ophelia smiled. “And what about you? Are you nervous for tonight?”

“Yes,” Abigail admitted, because she didn’t have the strength to deny it. “I don’t want to let your brother down.”

Ophelia’s smile fell a fraction and she stepped out. She took Abigail’s hands between her own, squeezing gently. “You won’t. You couldn’t. But I want to thank you for caring about his happiness. And thank you for all you’ve done for me, as well.”

Abigail wasn’t certain what Ophelia meant by that, but she didn’t pull away from it. “I hope over time I can do even more.”

“Yes.” Ophelia released her with a smile. “And now I am famished. Let’s go see what Mrs. Smythe has whipped up for breakfast, shall we?”

Abigail nodded and the two left the chamber together. She wasn’t certain what had brought on this shift, this final welcome, but she would take it. Tonight, she needed all the allies she could find.

Abigail smoothed her gown, a beautiful pink silk with a pale overlay stitched in flowers. Nathan had presented it to her earlier in the day, after he’d had it made by the same modiste who had made her bridal gown, so she’d had the most current measurements.

It was glorious and she adored it. At least she would look the part of a duchess. She hoped.

“You are…stunning.”

She turned toward the door to the antechamber and found Nathan standing there, his jacket dangling from his fingers, his mouth agape as he stared at her in what could only be described as wonder. She bent her head, a blush of pure pleasure warming her cheeks.

“Thank you again for the beautiful gown. I love it.” She glanced up at him. “And you are very handsome.”

He slung the jacket back over his shoulder and did a small circle so she could see him better. Her heart stuttered. He really did look almost good enough to eat.

“I almost look like a duke,” he said.

“You always look like a duke,” she corrected.

He arched a brow. “Not always. Not earlier today after your gift arrived.”

She shook her head, trying not to let her mind take her back to the way she’d thanked him on her knees in front of the fire.

“Do you want to just stay here and thank me again?” he asked, taking a step toward her.

“Don’t tempt me.” She attempted to laugh, but it didn’t mask her worry.

His smile faded a fraction. “You’re truly nervous about tonight, aren’t you?”

She shrugged. “It is my first time to act as mistress of this house. With so many