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CHAPTERSIX
Fergus had no issues obtaining a special license for marriage. With one quick visit to the archbishop, Fergus walked out with the paper in hand. Back in his study, he stared at it, for the first time, wondering if he was making the right decision.
Simon knocked at the door. “Come,” Fergus called out, leaning back in his chair.
“Your Grace,” Simon said with a quick bow.
“What is it?” Fergus asked impatiently.
“Your Grace, the housekeeper has heard of the upcoming nuptials and wants to know if you plan to have a wedding brunch.”
“A wedding brunch?” Fergus asked, dumbfounded. “What in bloody hell is a wedding brunch?”
“Have you not been to a wedding before, Your Grace?” Simon asked, a slight smile on his lips.
Fergus pressed his lips together. “If I have, it was before France.”
Simon sat in a chair in front of Fergus’ desk. “A wedding brunch is typically hosted after the vows are spoken for celebration. There might be toasts and cake and such.”
“Fine,” Fergus muttered. “The staff can make whatever plans they think is appropriate.”
“That being the case, the housekeeper would like to know how many to expect for brunch.”
“How many?” Fergus asked, shocked again. “This is not a supper party. The guests would be Miss Haverton and her father. That is it.”
“Do you not intend to have witnesses?” Simon asked. “Any other friends?”
“I have no friends,” Fergus grumbled, his mood quickly souring. “Miss Haverton can invite whomever she pleases, but we are marrying tomorrow.”
“Does your bride know that?”
“What is with all the questions?” Fergus cried, gesturing wildly. “This is no more than a simple arrangement.”
“Marriage is for life, Your Grace. The marriage of a Duke should be especially celebrated.”
“I am not a regular duke,” Fergus protested. He shook his head. “I expect three for a wedding brunch tomorrow unless Miss Haverton tells me otherwise. I must send word to her immediately.”
“Shall I send a messenger, then? Would ‘Pack your things, you wed tomorrow’ suffice?”
“When did you get so cheeky?” Fergus asked.
“Have you not noticed before? I believe that benefit is allowed to me, given how long I have served you.” Fergus sighed, trying not to laugh at Simon. He felt determined to maintain his dour mood, even through Simon’s blatant attempt to lighten it.
“I must also speak with the solicitor. I shall need Miss Haverton’s father for that, and alas, he is still currently detained in the gaol.”
“I am sure your bride would appreciate it if her father was allowed to bathe and change prior to her wedding,” Simon suggested. “Perhaps, we could fetch him out?”
“I need to ensure that Miss Haverton goes through with saying her vows,” Fergus mused, stroking his chin. “If we release him back home, they might flee the country to avoid their commitment.”
“You had only just said you did not want to entrap a girl in marriage.”
“This is different.”
“How?” Simon challenged, raising his eyebrows.
“She entered into the agreement of her own free will.”
“Did she?” Simon asked. “From my point of view, I believe you blackmailed the girl into the arrangement. She is likely to resent you. I think this is far worse than arranging a marriage with any other eligible girl’s father.”
