The Duke's Lady

Chapter 2

As the carriages finally arrived at the Campton estate, not only was Holly happy to be finally home so was the Grosmonts. It was a long journey that took three days to reach home, and here they were. Lindsay stayed with her brother for most of the journey, but the last day she rode with Holly in her carriage. 

As Holly readied herself to be handed out of the carriage, her parents and siblings were waiting for her to step out. Her family hadn't seen her for two years, so they were anxious to see her.  Holly was very nervous, Lindsay sensed that she was and squeezed her hand in reassurance. The footman stood by the side to hold her hand as she ascended from the door of the carriage. She had her best day dress on, it was a light pink creation. It was a full skirt with the bump pads in the back to make it full in the back. She had her hair piled in curls with a few hanging down tied together with ribbon and hair pins. She had matching silk brocade shoes with a hill. It was the latest fashion, one advantage of being the best friend of a Duke. 

As she stepped out of carriage, she turned around to see that Lindsay was following her. She needed to have her best friend with her when she met her family. Two years ago she was a totally different person. now she was a sophisticated lady.  As she turned around, there stood her parents. Her mother was wiping her tears with her kerchief, her father was smiling at his beautiful daughter. 

Holly smiled at them and walked right into her mothers waiting arms. Her father hugged both of them, it was not usual to see such affection like this in public. Even William was surprised at the display of such love for their daughter. Her father untangled himself from Holly's arms and walked over to William and bowed. 

" Your Grace, I am so happy that you had a safe journey with such precious packages."

" Viscount, I was happy to deliver such a fine young lady home to her loving parents."

" Her mother and I really do thank you sir for your generosity and kindness to include our daughter in your journey."

" Nonsense, my parents both adore your daughter, they think of her as one of their own."

" Please tell your parents that we are very greatful and hope to return the favor someday."

" I am sure that you have received an invitation to my brother Gabriel's wedding."

John nodded his answer and waved for their footmen to collect their daughter's trunks from the wagon. " Yes we are so happy for your brother, he is the last to marry am I right?"

" No sir, I have yet to start looking for a wife of my own."

" Well I hope that goes well for you, we won't keep you for long seeing as you still have to journey to your estate."

William nodded " yes, we are just around the corner and I am sure that my sister will be here all the time."

He stood next to his sister, Holly walked over and curtsied " Your Grace, I wanted to thank you for bringing me home, it was most generous."