Citit - The Duke of Deception by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke [Burke, Darcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-11-14T22:00:00+00:00

Bailey finished adjusting the bodice of Aquilla’s gown. “There you are. I think you’re all together now.” The maid turned to fetch the pearl necklace from the dresser. She’d been delighted to accept the position of permanent lady’s maid and was eager to be serving a countess.

Aquilla wasn’t entirely certain she shared Bailey’s excitement for the future. In fact, she’d wondered many times over the past two days if she’d made an impulsive mistake.

A soft rap on the door was followed by Aquilla’s dear friend Lucy peeking around the wood. “Are you decent?” she asked.

“Yes.” Aquilla wanted to leap up and hug her friend but had to wait until Bailey finished tying her necklace at the back of her neck.

Lucy, her hazel eyes gleaming and her dark hair shining amidst the red ribbon woven through it, stepped inside and was quickly followed by Ivy.

Bailey finished and stepped back. “Will there be anything else, my lady?”

Aquilla turned on the seat and looked up at the maid. “I’m not a countess yet.”

“Just practicing, my lady.” Bailey grinned and offered a wink—she was a bit cheeky for a girl of nineteen, but Aquilla liked her spirit. Bailey dipped a curtsey and left.

Aquilla jumped from the stool that sat before her dressing table and rushed to her friends. She hugged Lucy first and then Ivy.

Aquilla took in Lucy’s ruby-red gown with its stunning ivory embroidery on the sleeves. “You look so elegant.”

Ivy reached to close the door before turning back toward Lucy. “Indeed. That gown is magnificent.”

“It helps that you are simply glowing with happiness,” Aquilla said, glad to see her friend so content.

“Oh, I am,” Lucy said. “I could never have imagined things as they’ve turned out.”

Ivy tossed her a skeptical look. “You’ve scarcely been married a month. Give it time to sour.”

Lucy gasped but then laughed. “You’re being horrid. On purpose.” She rolled her eyes. “Always the pessimist when it comes to matters of the heart.”

“Good God, you sound like Aquilla,” Ivy said, laughing too. “Where is the Lucy who vowed never to marry?”

Lucy looked down at the floor, a blush rising in her cheeks though she was still chuckling. “She was swept quite off her feet by the most extraordinary gentleman who’s made her happier than she’s ever been in her life.” She looked up at first Ivy and then Aquilla. The intensity of the love in her gaze nearly swept Aquilla off her feet. She supposed she knew love like that existed, but she’d never seen it. On second thought, she didn’t know love like that existed.

“You’re truly that happy?” Aquilla asked softly.

Lucy nodded. “Ridiculous, isn’t it?” She waved a gloved hand. “But this should come as no surprise to you. Of all of us, you’ve always been the most optimistic, the most convinced that true love awaited us all, if we were just patient. And now look at you.” She beamed at her.

Aquilla darted a glance at Ivy, who was looking at her with an arched brow. Her unspoken question hung in the air—are you going to tell her?

Of course she was.

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