Saving Lord Berkshire - Laura Beers Page 0,1
expect me to change my mind.”
Katherine placed her gloved hand on the handle, opened the door and stepped inside. As she went to sit across from Lucy, she remarked in a cordial voice, “It is a fine day we are having, is it not?”
Lucy stared at her hands which she was wringing together in her lap. “It is a fine day. Most fine, indeed,” she acknowledged in a low voice.
“A perfect day for a wedding.”
Lucy’s hands stilled. “You should know that I have no intention of marrying James,” she stated in a weak, unconvincing voice. “I have decided that we do not suit after all.”
“Then I support your decision.”
“You do?” Lucy questioned, her eyes wide.
Katherine nodded. “I do,” she replied. “I have only ever just wanted you to be happy.”
“Will my father make you return the money he paid you?” Lucy asked in a worried tone.
Katherine shook her head. “Your father paid me once you accepted Lord Hampton’s courtship. The payment was not contingent on you marrying, but on you picking a suitor.”
Lowering her gaze to her lap again, Lucy responded, “You must think me foolish for backing out of the wedding.”
“I must admit that I am surprised,” Katherine acknowledged. “I thought you and Lord Hampton suited admirably.”
“We do,” Lucy agreed.
“Then may I ask what the problem is?”
Lucy’s eyes darted towards the open window as she lowered her voice. “I’m scared.”
“Ah,” Katherine replied, nodding sagely. “That is a perfectly normal reaction to marrying.”
“Is it?” Lucy asked. “My hands are sweaty, and my heart is beating really fast. At times, I feel like I can’t catch my breath.”
Katherine gave her a reassuring smile. “That is all completely normal,” she shared. “But, if I may, can I ask you a few questions?”
Lucy nodded her permission.
“I want you to imagine that you were at a ball and the waltz was just announced,” Katherine said. “If you could dance with anyone in the room, who would be your dance partner?”
A smile came to Lucy’s lips. “James.”
“And when you hear the freshest piece of gossip,” she began,” who do you want to tell?”
Lucy’s shoulders slumped slightly. “James.”
“Lastly, and most importantly, do you love Lord Hampton?”
With tears in her eyes, Lucy bobbed her head. “I do, with all my heart.”
Katherine leaned forward. “Love is a scary thing,” she said, “but once you find it, you can’t deny the power it holds over you.”
Tears rolled down Lucy’s cheeks. “But what if James tires of me?”
“And what if you two are deliriously happy for the remainder of your days?” Katherine countered. “You must trust Lord Hampton’s intentions.”
“Why do I have to give up everything to marry him?”
“You must look at it differently, Lucy,” Katherine answered. “He is offering you the one thing that no one else can.”
“Which is?”
“His heart.”
Lucy wiped the tears from her cheeks as she remained silent for a long moment. When she did finally speak, she asked hesitantly, “Do you suppose he will be cross with me for delaying the wedding?”
“No,” Katherine replied with a shake of her head, “because you are worth the wait.”
Lucy’s expression turned determined. “I think I would like to marry James now.”
“Are you sure?”
Lord Henry’s stern voice came from outside of the coach. “Don’t try to talk her out of it, Miss Blackmore.”
Katherine laughed. “It would appear that your father is rather eager for you to marry today.”
“Yes, he is,” Lucy replied.
Placing her hand on the handle, Katherine asked, “Shall we?”
“You go on ahead,” Lucy encouraged, “allow me to freshen up for a minute. I don’t want James to see me like this.”
Katherine perused Lucy’s silver gown. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” Lucy said. “My mother had this dress made specifically for the wedding.”
“How thoughtful.”
“It was.”
Katherine exited the coach and closed the door behind her. “Lucy will be along shortly,” she said. “She just wants a moment to herself.”
“Or she is just delaying the inevitable again,” Lord Henry mumbled.
“I don’t believe that to be the case,” Katherine rushed to reassure him. “Your daughter loves Lord Hampton, but she was feeling frightened, which is not uncommon amongst brides on their wedding day.”
“What could she possibly be frightened about?” Lord Henry huffed. “Lord Hampton is rich and will be able to provide for her quite nicely.”
Lady Henry swatted at the sleeve of his black jacket. “That was rather an insensitive thing to say, Henry.”
“It is true, isn’t it?” Lord Henry defended. “I just want to ensure that my daughter is well provided for.”
“As do I, but I want Lucy to be happy with