"After tomorrow, you'll never have another one."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
He kissed her, deep and desperate, his hands framing her face like she was something precious.
"Your Grace," Peters appeared, diplomatic as always. "The carriage is ready."
"Curse the carriage."
"Your mother insists, Your Grace. Something about it being bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"We've already had all the bad luck. Miss Worthing, society's scrutiny, three months of..."
"James," Catherine interrupted. "Go. The sooner you leave, the sooner tomorrow comes."
"Fourteen hours and twenty-seven minutes."
"Go."
He went, reluctantly, looking back multiple times as if to memorize her.
Catherine returned to her room to find Martha waiting with hot chocolate and knowing smiles.
"Tomorrow, my lady."
"Tomorrow."
"Are you nervous?"
"About the wedding? No. About the wedding night?" Catherine paused. "Also no, actually."
Martha laughed. "At least you know what to expect."
"That's the problem. I know exactly what to expect, and the waiting is killing me."
"Just think, this time tomorrow, you'll be the Duchess of Ravensfield."
"This time tomorrow, I'll be in bed with my husband, and anyone who tries to disturb us will be shot."
"I'll make a note of that, my lady."
Catherine barely slept, her mind too full of anticipation. When dawn finally broke, she was already awake, watching the sky lighten.
Her wedding day.
The morning flew by in a whirlwind of preparation. Bath, hair (an elaborate creation of curls and pearls that took two hours), cosmetics (subtle but enhancing), undergarments (silk and lace that made her blush), and finally, the dress.
It was a masterpiece of ivory silk and delicate lace, with tiny pearls sewn throughout that caught the light. The neckline was modest but flattering, the waist fitted, the skirt flowing into a small train.
"You look like a princess," Martha breathed.
"I look like a duchess," Catherine corrected, studying her reflection.
Vivienne appeared in the doorway, resplendent in lavender silk. "The carriage is here. Are you ready?"
"I've been ready for three months."
