Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 15

The church was close to the mansion. It was on Lord William's land and was under his care. Ella and her party still had to take carriages because of the heavy dresses the women wore. Emma and George were dressed in a different shades of pink. Ella had asked them to be her bridesmaids. Bella was the maid of honor.

As they sat in the carriage, Mr. Longoria kissed both his daughters.

"I didn't even realise that my daughters are all grown up. Now I see my youngest in a white gown and on her way to church. It's too much. I wish I had some warning." Tears started flowing down his wrinkled cheeks and he pulled his daughters in a hug.

"We will always be your little girls daddy. You will always be the pillar that holds us together and upright. I love you so much." Ella agreed with her sister's sentiments but her throat had closed down. She just hugged him tighter.

When the party reached the church, everyone immediately took their positions and the wedding match started. Ella and her father were the last ones to enter.

As soon as she saw Max, Ella forgot her insecurities. He stood beside William and Brandon looking handsome. Ella thought that he would look sad or angry for being forced to marry her but Max stood tall and proud with a small smile on his face. When her father gave her hand to Max, he squeezed it reassuringly.

The wedding vows were a blur but Ella became seriously aware of everything when the father said Max can kiss the bride. Ella concentrated on the lips that were slowly coming closer. Her first kiss would be in front of friends, family and strangers. She expected fireworks with her legs turning weak. In reality she got a small peck on her lips.

Ella didn't know if she felt disappointed or relieved. She didn't have the time to analyze her reaction because they were soon leaving the church. They travelled back to William's mansion with the rest of the wedding party following on foot or by carriages.

Ella was introduced to every wedding guest as the Duchess of Lancaster. Every time someone called her your grace, she would look at Bella, Bradford or Max. Getting used to her new title would take some time.

As the lunch was served, Ella sat down to observe guests. She was still nauseated and refused to eat. There was still the wedding night to worry about. She did not know what to expect or do. Her sister had told her what happens in marital bed and also said that she hated every moment of it.

Ella shuddered and thought of the pain she would have to bear. Max is a friend but he's still a man. He would want a heir for the Dukedom and Ella would have to provide one. Maybe after their first child, he won't touch her. Usually that's what Lord's did. They would produce a heir and then leave their wives to their own devices. Mistresses satisfied all their manly urges.

Ella was still lost in her thoughts when Max gently moved her.

"Come on! We should retire. We have an early day tomorrow." Max held his hand out for Ella.

Maids had placed her clothes in Max's room that morning. While the most of them were already packed for the journey to London, some clothes were left. Seeing her clothes lying side by side to Max's made the wedding more real.

She looked at Max to see how to proceed from now and saw him shirtless. Ella always knew that Max was lean but she saw his muscles for the first time. They rippled as he picked the shirt up. Ella wanted to look away but the play of muscles as he pulled the shirt over his head was entrancing. Finally when he was all covered up, Ella looked up at his face to see him. Max had a smug smile on his face.

"I know that I am perfect but do you really have to stare?" Max moved his brows in a teasing manner. The spell broke for Ella when she saw Max teasing.

"Oh please! You think of yourself too highly." Ella could deny all that she wanted but her blush have her away.

"So you won't mind if I were to change my breeches before you?" Ella started pushing Max behind the changing screen.

"And hurry, I want to take this dress off." Max changed quickly. Ella moved behind the screen before realizing that the maid had not come to open the lace of her corset. Feeling herself blush again she did the unthinkable.

"Can you untie my corset?" she asked from the corner of screen.

Max moved behind her and quickly untied it. He made sure that his hands would not touch any bare skin. Ella held her breath the entire time. Max left as soon as he was done.

By the time Ella had changed into a cotton night gown, Max was already snoring in bed. Like she did sometime before, she moved in beside him and slept.

What's this? Another update people. 😜