The Duke’s Shotgun Wedding(19)

Jocelyn glanced up to see her searching her face with her expressive hazel eyes—eyes that reminded her so much of their mama. “Yes, I am truly well.”

There was a slight pause and then her sister asked, “Were you brave?”

The surprised laughter that spilled from Jocelyn had Victoria laughing with her. “Oh, goodness, Vicki.”

“You must tell me, sister dear.” Victoria gulped. “Please do not fear for my delicate sensibilities. I must know what happened.”

“Oh, I fear your sensibilities are in for a treat. It was glorious!”

“Was it wicked and immoral?” The question was spoken in a hushed whisper.

Their gales of laughter were cut short by her father opening the library door. He arched his bushy brows at her. “I see you have suffered no ill effects from your evening trek to Norfolk, my dear.” Her father brushed his lips against her forehead in greeting.

“I will have Mrs. Winthrop bring tea and cake, Papa,” Victoria said. “And I will tell Emily you are here, Jocelyn. She has been ensconced in the schoolroom all morning with some medieval text, completely enraptured.” She hurried away, leaving Jocelyn alone with her father.

Jocelyn groaned as she sank into the library sofa. She turned toward her father, loving that he sat beside her instead of behind his desk.

“I had not expected you to visit so soon.”

She let out a breath. “I was dreadfully bored, with little to do, Papa. The estate is run with frightening efficiency, and I fear I am at a loss with a day of complete leisure.”

The corner of his eyes crinkled as he chuckled. “Your life will doubtless be much different. You must now host balls, soirees, and luncheons. And attend operas and masquerades with His Grace. You have been running this household for a very long time, my girl, ensuring all our needs are met. You must now do so for your own home, albeit in a different way. Victoria and I will manage splendidly in your absence.”

She sighed gustily. “I wanted to see Sebastian this morning, Papa, to discuss the renovation of Stonehaven. But when I left at noon he was still secluded in his library, working.”

“No, no. That won’t be necessary.”

“Papa?”

“The Duke‘s solicitor paid me a visit this morning. It is all settled.”

“Oh?”

She shifted to fully face her father. She barely glanced at Victoria when she came in with Mrs. Winthrop and the refreshments. Her father was silent as he waited for the housekeeper to serve them.

Jocelyn tapped her foot impatiently. “What do you mean his solicitor visited this morning?” she burst out after Mrs. Winthrop had departed. “Sebastian did not mention such a thing to me.”

“Sit down, dear,” he said to Victoria. “This interests you, as well.”

Jocelyn bit her lip, glowering at her father. Then she sat stunned as her father told them the details of the solicitor’s visit.

Well, she thought in astonishment when he was finished. It seemed she must have pleased her husband, after all.

…

“Are you very disappointed that he did not share the financial settlements with you?”

Jocelyn glanced up from a bench in her mama’s favorite garden. Its dark, luxurious beauty dotted with snow had done little to soothe her. She had visited with the twins and Emily, an occasion that had put her unease at bay for a while. But it had flared to life the minute she was alone. She had come outside to clear her head, feeling suffocated under the curious stares of her father and sister.

Her smile was strained. “Not really. I do feel odd that he wouldn’t discuss something so important with me. But I realize I do not know him. He may not have thought it necessary to discuss it with me. I must remember we’ve only been wed for one day.”

Victoria clasped her hand as she sat beside her. “Oh, Jocelyn, I could scarcely believe what Papa was saying. His Grace bestowed one hundred thousand pounds upon Papa for your hand! And Emily, Emma, and I are practically heiresses! Why do you think he provided dowries for us, or allowed Papa to partake in his latest investment scheme?”

Jocelyn was just as mystified. “I do not know. I had planned to speak with him today about restoring Stonehaven. We hardly had time for any discussions yesterday. Everything happened in such a whirlwind.”

“Not even when you returned?”

“Especially then!” Jocelyn giggled at the scandalized gape that Victoria gave her. “I am so grateful to him. I came to him with no dowry but he made such generous settlements. Now I won’t have to worry about any of you. And, Victoria, You can have a wonderful season! And I will be there as Duchess of Calydon to sponsor you into society.”