Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 13

Max wrote to his aunt that very day. Through mutual consent, it was decided that the wedding would be small and as soon as possible. Max left the same day to get a special licence. Close friends were already in residence and Lady Amelia Crawford was on her way. The only thing left to do was to make the big day as great as possible.

The mansion was being cleaned from top to bottom,some of the servants were contributed by Bella. Every visible surface shined more than usual, every piece of silver looked new and every case in the mansion was full of flowers. Bella wanted the wedding to take place at the Stanford mansion. She wanted her sister to marry somewhere familiar. William was quick to stop such a discussion, he didn't give anyone a chance to argue.

Ladies were quick to visit the milliner in the village and ordered the wedding gown on their very first visit. Bella wanted Ella to have a completely new wardrobe and would not change her opinion for anything.

"I have enough clothes to last me a life time. Why would I but more sister? Buy some for yourself sister." It was their second visit to the seamstress and Ella was already tired.

"The difference between a married and an unmarried woman is the way they dress. You won't wear those high collared and pastel coloured clothes. You have to wear something alluring, something to catch your husbands eye." Bella said thoughtfully.

Ella dreaded more visits to the seamstress and decided to delay the inevitable.

"But what if I want my new wardrobe to be from someone in London?" Ella made sure that she sounded extra whiny.

"Oh dear! You should have said something about it. Of course you can have your dresses made from anyone you want. We will shop in London." Bella smiled at her baby sister.

Further discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Lady Amelia who wanted to meet her daughter in law. The woman was fragile and small. Her cheeks were hollowed as if she was starving. There was sadness in her eyes as if she had seen such pain and loss that could not be described in words. Bella became her instant friend. It was a gift she had, she connected well with old souls.

"I could not believe my eyes when I read the letter. I was sure that the idiot was going to die a bachelor. I wanted to see the girl who managed to trap him. I have to say, it looks as if he trapped you." Lady Amelia chuckled. She didn't see how Bella flinched when she said that she wanted to see the woman who trapped her nephew.

The three woman discussed the wedding until they were joined by Lady Malcolm and Lady Dalton. Ella excused herself for some fresh air.

As she went outside, Ella imagined if everyone would think that she trapped Max. She always knew that with her reputation, marriage would be hard. For the first time she actually tried to imagine what the ridicule would feel like. Would she flinch every time someone mentioned entrapment? Or would she laugh? Would Max stand by her side or would she be alone?

Ella was so engrossed in her thoughts what she did not hear Max's foot steps. When Max got close to her and called her name, she was so surprised that she jumped in air. Max laughed at her startled reaction.

"You should have seen your face. The horror on it was so..." Max dissolved into a fit of giggles. Seeing a grown man giggle was too much for Ella who joined in. When the two of them had calmed down, Ella told him about the arrival of his aunt.

"I just met her. She was the one who told me where to find you. I just got back. I have the special licence and something else. Give me your hand." Ella gently placed her hand in his and saw him take a beautiful ring out of his pocket before placing it on her finger. It was pure sapphire surrounded by diamonds. It was beautiful.

"It fits perfectly, almost as good as my mother. It's a family heirloom. I never thought that I would give it to any woman, but here we are. I promise to look after you to the best of my capabilities." Max made the promise with such intensity that Ella wanted to lighten the mood.

"You already failed my Lord." Ella saw the panicked expression on Max's face and quickly continued. "I mean, you left me to fend for myself. Do you know how much these women have been dying to marry someone off? I had to sit through endless discussions of clothes and food. How could you?" Ella saw the small smile on Max's lips before he pulled her close to his body.

"Don't worry my dear. I will really look after you once we marry." Max whispered in her ear,causing Ella to shudder in a delightful manner because of it's implication.

Hmmm.... This would be interesting 😝