Chapter 303: Chapter Three Hundred And Three

The air inside the Hamilton house was alive with a wonderful, buzzing energy. Delicate crystal glasses were constantly clinking together as the wealthy guests made cheerful toasts to the new bride and groom. A lively, highly talented string orchestra sat on the raised balcony, playing beautiful, sweeping music that filled every corner of the large room. Beneath the beautiful music, the soft murmurs of the noble guests were buzzing continuously. Everyone was talking, laughing, and enjoying the lavish celebration.

At the very front entrance of the grand ballroom, Aunt Margery and Ines, stood proudly. They were completely in their element. They acted as the perfect efficient hostesses for the grand wedding reception.

They welcomed every single guest who walked through the open double doors.

"Welcome, Lord Petersham! Please, go and enjoy the champagne," Aunt Margery smiled brightly, nodding her head to a passing older gentleman.

"Lady Darley, you look lovely today," Ines greeted a passing lady, gesturing toward the long tables filled with warm, delicious food.

"Please, make sure you try the roasted duck."

Aunt Margery and Ines managed the large, noisy crowd perfectly. They wanted to make absolutely sure that the new bride and groom did not have to worry about the guests. They wanted Rowan and Delaney to simply enjoy their special day together.

In the very center of the dance floor, entirely far away from the busy entrance, Delaney and Rowan were completely lost in their own private world.

The orchestra began to play a very slow romantic tune. The other guests politely stepped back, giving the Duke and his new Duchess plenty of space to dance.

Rowan held Delaney very carefully. He placed his warm right hand firmly on her waist. His left hand held her small, white-gloved fingers securely. Delaney rested her right hand gently on his broad shoulder, feeling the fine dark blue wool of his coat.

They moved together in a slow, graceful circle. The silk of Delaney’s skirt swished softly against his polished leather boots.

Rowan leaned his head down. He brought his face incredibly close to her ear. He completely ignored the hundreds of people watching them.

He began whispering sweet nothings softly into her ear.

"You are the most beautiful woman in all of England," Rowan whispered, his deep voice a low, warm rumble against her skin. "I still cannot believe that you actually married me today."

Delaney felt a warm, pleasant shiver run straight down her spine. She looked up at his eyes, her heart completely full of love.

"You did not give me much choice, Your Grace," Delaney teased him lightly. Her eyes sparkled with happiness. "You rushed the wedding preparations in a single week. I barely had time to think or even decline."

Rowan smiled. It was a wicked, devoted and completely boyish smile.

"If I could have married you yesterday, I would have," Rowan whispered another sweet nothing, his warm breath tickling her cheek. "I did not want to wait another single day. I plan to spend the rest of my entire life spoiling you, my Duchess."

Delaney giggled. It was a bright joyful sound. She blushed a deep, pretty shade of pink. She lowered her eyelashes shyly, feeling a warm heat spread across her cheeks. She leaned her head gently against his broad shoulder, completely entirely happy and perfectly safe in his strong arms.

After several minutes, the slow dance finally ended. The orchestra finished the song, and the guests clapped politely. Rowan and Delaney stepped off the dance floor. They walked slowly over to the edge of the room to catch their breath and find a cool drink.

Almost immediately, several of the older nobles and their families came over to congratulate them properly. The lords bowed deeply at the waist, and the ladies offered polite, graceful curtsies. They all offered kind wishes and gifts for a long and happy marriage.

Among the approaching crowd was a noble family Delaney easily recognized. It was Earl Wilfred Moore, his elegant wife, Lady Moore, and their daughter, Lady Julia Moore.

Earl Wilfred was a large, imposing man with a loud, booming voice. He wore a highly decorated military coat filled with shiny brass buttons. He walked right up to Rowan with a wide, hearty smile completely covering his face. He did not bother with a stiff, formal bow. Instead, he reached out his right hand.

The Earl patted Rowan firmly and heavily on his broad shoulder.

"Congratulations, my boy!" Earl Wilfred said with a loud, hearty smile. His booming voice easily cut through the noise of the ballroom. "It was a truly beautiful, magnificent ceremony at the church. I am completely sure your late father must be so incredibly proud of you today. You have done very well for yourself, finding such a lovely bride."

Rowan smiled kindly at the older man’s genuine warmth. He offered a very respectful, deep bow of his head to the Earl.

"Thank you so much for coming to celebrate with us today, Lord Moore," Rowan replied smoothly. His voice was polite and completely gracious. "Your presence here greatly honors my family."

Lady Moore, the Earl’s wife, stepped forward. She was a very polite, proper older lady wearing a fine green silk dress. She offered Delaney a warm, highly motherly smile.

Then, Lady Moore turned her head and raised her gloved hand. She signaled her waiting servants to come forward.

Two strong footmen quickly stepped out from the crowd, carrying several large, beautifully wrapped wooden boxes.

"I prepared these for you two," Lady Moore said gently, gesturing her hand toward the boxes. "They are complete sets of fine silver dining ware for your new dining table. May your new home always be completely filled with love, joy, and absolute happiness."

Delaney was deeply touched by the older woman’s true kindness and generous gift. She offered a perfect, deeply graceful curtsy in return.

Delaney turned her head slightly. She saw Mr. Simmons standing nearby, watching them closely. Delaney raised her hand and signaled for Mr. Simmons to come forward and take the gifts. Mr. Simmons stepped up immediately, bowed, and carefully took the boxes from the Moore footmen.

Delaney turned her attention back to the kind older woman.

"Thank you so much, Lady Moore," Delaney said softly. Her voice was clear, sweet, and completely confident. "My husband and I truly appreciate your kind gesture and your beautiful wishes."

As soon as the words left Delaney’s mouth, Rowan froze completely still.

Rowan was standing quietly, holding Delaney gently by the arm. When he heard her say the specific words my husband out loud to another person, a sudden, massive wave of overwhelming emotion completely washed over his chest. His heart skipped a happy beat. He felt incredibly, entirely proud.

She was claiming him publicly. She was proudly telling the world that he belonged to her.

"My husband," Rowan repeated her words very quietly, testing the shape of them on his own lips.

He looked down at the floor for a brief second. A foolish happy smile spread completely across his face.

"I really like the sound of that," Rowan whispered softly to himself.

The intense, sudden rush of happy emotion caused a very rare physical reaction. The very tips of Rowan’s ears began turning a bright, completely noticeable shade of red. It was a complete break in his usually perfect, composed, cold Duke persona. He was blushing exactly like a young schoolboy in love.

Delaney turned her head to look at him. She immediately noticed the bright red color on the tips of his ears and the strange, quiet, foolish smile on his face.

She frowned slightly. She moved a tiny step closer to him. Her bright hazel eyes were completely filled with genuine concern for his health. She reached out her gloved hand and gently touched the dark blue sleeve of his coat.

"Are you alright?" Delaney asked. She whispered softly so the guests standing nearby would not hear her. She looked closely at his flushed ears. "Is the room too hot, Rowan? Do you need to step outside for some fresh air?"

Rowan looked down at her worried, beautiful face. His foolish smile grew even wider. He felt completely silly, but entirely happy.

He reached over and gently patted her gloved hands with his own large fingers.

"I am fine, Del," Rowan said with a wide, highly reassuring smile. "I am absolutely, completely fine."