The Duke's Secluded Bride (Marriage by Fairytale Book 5) Page 5

  Baldwin cleared his throat. “It’s not necessary that you stay. I will treat her like the lady she is. I just didn’t want you to worry about her virtue, that’s all.”

  Andrew smiled. “I’m not worried. I need to see if the vicar has arrived yet. I only wished to give you a chance to talk to her alone so you could decide whether or not you still want to go through with the marriage. You don’t need me around to interrupt the conversation.”

  He relaxed. “I understand. Thank you.”

  “There’s no need to thank me. If this is a suitable match, I’ll be happy to see the two of you married.”

  Baldwin already wanted to marry her, but he owed it to Marcy to at least have a conversation with Dinah. Then he could assure her that he didn’t make a reckless decision.

  Andrew left the room and headed down the hallway.

  Baldwin turned back to face Dinah. She still hadn’t budged from her spot. She’d probably heard everything he and Andrew had said. He was sure she didn’t have the vaguest idea of what some gentlemen would do with a lady if he was left alone in a room with her. Though he knew he didn’t have to apologize, he felt like he should.

  Forcing aside his unease, he returned to her and offered an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, Dinah. I didn’t mean any disrespect. My intentions are honorable.”

  Her eyebrows furrowed. “How would you act if they weren’t honorable?”

  Sure his face turned bright red at her innocent question, he mumbled, “You don’t have to worry about that.” In a hurry to change the topic, he asked, “Would you like to sit and talk? I’d like a chance to get to know you better, and, of course, you can get to know me better, too.”

  She glanced at the chairs in front of the fireplace then walked over to one.

  He picked the chair next to her but waited until she was seated before sitting. This was nice. Cozy, even. The fire was warm and gave off a soft glow in this part of the room. And around him were more books than he recalled seeing during the course of his entire life.

  “I think it’s safe to assume you like to read,” he told her.

  “Yes. Books are my whole world,” she replied, an undeniable fondness in her voice that let him know just how much she cherished them.

  “Well, the world you have is a big one,” he joked.

  Her lips curled up into a smile. “I like to imagine myself in the books when I read them. They’re more fun that way.”

  “Since you don’t go out, is it hard to picture some of the places the books mention?” When she didn’t seem to know what he meant, he added, “Do you have a book about a theatre or zoo?”

  Understanding lit up her eyes. “Yes, there are some things in the books that aren’t here, but I have pictures to look at.”

  “Does your brother bring those to you?”

  She nodded. “He brings me everything I have. Every time he returns from London, he brings a lot of books.”

  And probably a lot of clothes and other items to make her comfortable. “That’s nice of him.”

  “It is. He’s a good brother.” After a moment of silence passed between them, she asked, “Is he your friend?”

  “I wouldn’t call him a friend, exactly. I knew who he was because we are in the same gentleman’s club, but until he told me about you, I hadn’t said more than a few words to him.”

  “What is a gentleman’s club?”

  “It’s a place where gentlemen go to relax, play games, and talk. Ladies don’t go there.”

  “Do ladies have a ladies’ club?”

  “Some ladies do create their own clubs, but those aren’t anything like what I’m talking about. What I mean is that there is a building dedicated specifically for the gentlemen to go to. But not all gentlemen can go there. Membership is selective.”

  Her eyes lit up with understanding. “It’s a secret club.”

  “Yes, that would be a good way of thinking about it.”

  “I’ve read a couple of stories about secret clubs. You’re not allowed to tell anyone what happens in them, and no one is allowed in unless they’re invited.”

  He nodded. It was a reasonable comparison.

  “It sounds like fun to be part of something very few people belong to,” she said, a twinge of envy in her voice.

  “It is fun. I enjoy it. I’ve made good acquaintances there. One is your brother. But we’re not in the habit of exchanging secrets all the time. Secrets do get shared, but more often than not, the things we talk about are known through London.” When her smile faltered, he asked, “Are you disappointed?”

  “A little. I was hoping to hear that all sorts of wonderful secrets were kept within the building’s walls. I’ve read a couple of books that had some secrets that were quite shocking when discovered.”

  “If someone in the gentleman’s club leaked a secret and was found out, his reputation would be ruined.”

  “What happens if he isn’t found out?”

  “Then he’d be safe, but I suspect he would always have to worry he’d get discovered. I never share a secret. I couldn’t take constantly worrying I’d be found out.”

  She leaned toward him in interest. “How many secrets do you know?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not going to say. I’m sorry, but I can’t divulge anything, even if you never go to London.”

  He thought she might express her disappointment, but instead, she smiled and said, “I understand. There are some things it’s best not to tell another person.”

  Glad she wasn’t going to press the issue, he returned her smile.

  A tapping at the door brought his attention to Andrew who stood in the doorway. “I hope I didn’t return at a bad time.”

  Baldwin rose to his feet. “No.” He glanced at Dinah. “I think this will be a good match. Would you like to marry me?”

  She stood up and nodded then turned an inquiring gaze to her brother.

  “Excellent,” Andrew said. “The vicar is here. I will bring him to this wing of the manor.”

  “We could go to the other side of the manor if it’s more convenient,” Baldwin replied. “What do you think, Dinah?”

  Her gaze went back to Andrew before she shook her head. “I’d rather have the wedding here. Do you mind?”

  “No, I don’t mind.” Baldwin wasn’t surprised she didn’t want to leave this wing of the manor, but a part of him felt the need to test how determined she was to stay here, even though Andrew had already warned him about it.

  “I’ll bring the vicar here,” Andrew told them and left.

  Baldwin did his best to hide his excitement. He looked back at Dinah. Granted he had only met her, but he had a feeling that theirs was going to be a very good marriage.

  Chapter Six

  Dinah studied the gentleman she’d just met. He was handsome. He had nice broad shoulders, a warm smile, and attractive features on his face. What she liked most about him, however, was his hair. It was slightly disheveled. Her brother’s hair was always neatly combed. She couldn’t recall a time it’d ever been out of place. But Baldwin had a few errant strands. He had taken the time to comb it earlier that day, but something had happened to disturb it, and he hadn’t bothered to comb those back down.

  She knew that was a small thing, but it made her feel more at ease with him. Sometimes her brother intimidated her because he was always perfect whenever she saw him. In addition to his hair, his clothes were in pristine condition. Even when he swept up her hair a while ago, he hadn’t disturbed a single piece of his clothing. If he didn’t move and talk, she would swear he was a statue.

  “I’ve never been to a wedding,” Baldwin told her. “I don’t know what to expect.”

  “I’ve only read about them,” she said, “but it seems like we’ll be promising to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  “Yes, that’s what we’ll do.” He offered her another one of his attractive smiles and added, “It’s a shame my cousin isn’t here to meet you. I think she’d like you.”

  It was on the tip of Dinah’s tongue to say that it was just as well his cousin stayed in London since the creatures were prone to attack ladies more than gentlemen, but she resisted the urge to do so. Andrew had warned her not to mention the creatures. He hadn’t told Baldwin about them. It was best if Baldwin didn’t find out. If he did, he’d run back to London, and she’d be all alone again.

  She had enjoyed their conversation. She could barely recall the last time she’d talked to anyone other than the maid or her brother. Baldwin was someone new, and she wanted to find out all she could about him. She had to remind herself not to startle him by asking him a lot of questions. She had to let him take the lead.

  “So,” Baldwin began as he scanned the room, “is one of these books your favorite?”

  She went over to the bookshelf where she kept books she read over and over and studied them. “I never thought of which of these I like most. They’re all my favorite.”

  “All of these?”

  Surprised by the bewildered tone in his voice, she said, “Compared to all that I have, they aren’t a lot.”

  His gaze went to all of the books in the room. “You’re right.” He brought his attention back to her. “Have you read all of the books in this room?”

  “No. The books in that bookcase over there are new. Andrew took the books that were in there and put them in another room.”

  Baldwin’s eyes grew wide. “You have another room full of books?”

  For some reason, the way he asked the question humored her. “There’s not much for me to do but read. I’ve been in this wing since I was eight.”

  “That’s a long time.”
/>
  She thought she detected a hint of sympathy in his voice, but then she heard her brother and another gentleman talking so her attention went to the doorway.

  Andrew gestured to the old gentleman. “This is Vicar Wilson.”

  The vicar stepped into the room and gave her and Baldwin a greeting. “His lordship said you both wish to get married.”

  Baldwin nodded. “I do.” Then he glanced at her.

  Sensing he wanted her to answer, she added, “Yes, I do, too.”

  “I suppose the vows are only a formality at this point,” Andrew teased.

  “I don’t mind going through with the vows,” Baldwin said. “It’d be nice to hear them. I haven’t had the pleasure of attending a wedding before.”

  “It’s rather romantic that the first wedding you’re attending is your own,” Andrew commented.

  “It is,” Vicar Wilson agreed. “Do we want to have the ceremony in this room, or would another place be better?”

  Everyone looked over at Andrew, who seemed surprised they wished for him to make the decision. “I think having it in front of the large window facing the hills would be nice,” he finally said.

  He was right. That would be a lovely view. She often looked out that window until the sun set.

  “Dinah, my dear,” her brother began, “would you like to lead the way?”

  Her face warmed at having everyone’s attention on her. She didn’t know why the thought of leading them to the window should make her so nervous, but it did. Gathering her courage, she headed for the door, acutely aware they all followed. She didn’t even know who was directly behind her. She was afraid if she glanced back, she would do something foolish like trip on the hem of her gown. The last thing she needed was to fall flat on her face.

  She made it to the window without incident. Breathing a sigh of relief, she turned to face the others.

  Baldwin came up beside her and peered out the window. “It is a pleasant view. I can see why you suggested having the wedding here.”

  “I have an eye for beauty,” Andrew replied. “The best philosophers knew how to appreciate nature’s generosity. Every morning, the sunrise graces us with the splendor of its majesty, and then we’re given the privilege of the day to enjoy what’s around us.”

  Baldwin nodded. “Sunsets and the night sky are attractive as well.” He glanced at her. “Do you ever look at the stars through this window?”

  “No.” Nor would she want to. Night was much too scary already, even with all the candles in her room lit.

  “Maybe we’ll do it sometime,” Baldwin told her.

  She shot a startled look at her brother. Should she tell him about the creatures? Surely, Baldwin would stay clear of the window at night if he knew about them.

  Andrew chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll have better things to do than look out a window at night.”

  Dinah waited for her brother to offer some suggestions, such as reading a book or mending clothes, but he didn’t. He only left the statement at that. For some reason, this made Baldwin blush. She glanced at the vicar, who cleared his throat as if he wished to change the topic. That was curious. What was it she missed? She didn’t know what should be so embarrassing in Andrew’s comment.

  The vicar opened his book, and since he started talking, she turned her attention to him. The sunlight coming in through the window warmed her. Sometimes during the summer, she’d come here and lie in the sun. It was one of the few pleasures she had, and it was the only one she received from the outside world. She wondered if Baldwin would stay here with her all the time or if he would go outside like her brother did. Surely, he would spend some of his time here with her. From what she’d read in the books, husbands spent time with their wives. Even if he wasn’t going to be here all the time, she’d get to see him sometimes.

  She hoped it would be more than she saw her brother. Her brother used to visit her often when he first brought her here, but over time, he came less and less. Last year, he had come by eight times. This year, he’d only come by to visit four times. This was his fifth visit, and this time he’d brought someone to marry her.

  She’d ask Baldwin how often he intended to be in this wing with her if she didn’t worry the question might make him think she was being too forward.

  The vicar finished reading from his book much sooner than she would have liked. If it was up to her, the ceremony would have been much longer. As long as the ceremony was going on, she wasn’t alone.

  “Thank you for coming by to marry us,” Baldwin told the vicar.

  As the vicar extended his welcome, she glanced at Andrew. He went over to her and excused them both then led her further down the hall. “Is something troubling you?” her brother asked. “I thought you wanted to marry Baldwin.”

  “I did,” she said. “I was just wondering what will happen now. Will he be leaving with you and the vicar, or will he stay with me?”

  He paused and glanced over at the two gentlemen. Though Baldwin was watching them, he wasn’t close enough to hear them.

  Andrew’s attention went back to her. “It would mean a lot to you if he stayed here tonight, wouldn’t it?”

  Worried by the way he worded the question, she asked, “Can’t he be with me for more than a night?”

  “Of course, he can. He will be. It’s just that he has other obligations to tend to. For one, he will need to arrange to have his things brought over to this wing. And two, he has to write missives to his family. He’s giving up everything to marry you. He won’t be returning to London. He will be here with you.”

  He glanced over at Baldwin again, and this time she noticed Baldwin was talking to the vicar.

  “Why don’t I do this for you?” Andrew began. “I’ll take him to the other side of the manor for the night and let him write those missives and arrange to have his things brought over here. Then tomorrow around noon, he’ll be ready to return. Then you’ll have plenty of time to spend with him.”

  Her eyebrows furrowed. “He’ll be here for tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, and more nights after that. He might have to slip out from time to time to write more missives, but this will be the only night you’ll have to spend without him.”

  “You promise?”

  “Have I ever told you anything that didn’t come to pass before?”

  “No. You’ve always told me the truth.”

  “You’re my little sister.” With a smile, he patted her cheek. “I will always do what’s best for you. I think being married will make you very happy.”

  She suspected he was right. In the short time she’d been with Baldwin, she already felt the oppressive loneliness lifting from her shoulders. “I’ll do what you think is best.”

  “That’s my girl.” He took her by the arm and led her over to the vicar and Baldwin. Facing Baldwin, he said, “Dinah and I were talking, and we agreed it’s best if Dinah had the rest of today to get your bedchamber ready. This will allow you time to get your things ready to bring over here, and you can write to let your family know you got married if you wish. Dinah, would you like the maid to come and help you get the bedchamber ready?”

  She shook her head. “I’ll do it myself.” It would give her something to do while she waited for Baldwin to return. Time would pass slowly enough as it was.

  “It won’t take long to bring my things here,” Baldwin told Andrew.

  Dinah’s heart leapt with hope. Perhaps he might return this evening.

  “While that’s true, the bedchamber you’ll be using hasn’t been used in decades,” Andrew said. “There’s a lot to do to get it ready for you.” He glanced at Dinah with a concerned expression on his face. “Are you sure you don’t want the maid’s help?”

  She considered the option. If she had the maid’s help, would it mean Baldwin could come over here sooner?

  Before she could ask the question, Andrew turned to Baldwin. “There’s so many other things to do that it’s best to wait until tomorrow.”

  Dinah sighed in disappointment. So even if she had the maid’s help, it wouldn’t do any good.

  Andrew directed his attention to her. “Would the maid’s assistance be helpful to you?”