< Speak Now >

She woke up later and saw him sitting next to her. "don't you have things to do?" she asked him, slowly sitting up herself. "Duke like things?"

"My bride comes before my duties," he told her gently.

"But what about the people?" she asked.

"My messengers have gone out all over the city to explain why nothing is being changed yet. They say our people are wishing you well. I believe several of them have left you flowers and cakes and things. I can have the guards bring them in," he offered.

She nodded. "I'd like that."

He nodded and the maid went out to fetch the guards to bring in the gifts for the duchess-to-be. The room was soon filled with flowers, hand-made quilts, fresh foods, letters, and toys to wish her well.

"The people love you," Andrew smiled at her softly. "They love you a lot."

She smiled at the gifts. "I just hope I wont let them down."

((I'm off work in 10 minutes.))

"You won't," he smiled.

[kay]

"You think so? I have no idea what I'm doing..." she chuckled.

"Just focus on healing for now. Once you're all healed up, you can start hosting parties," he smiled. "You'll have fun."

"Hosting parties?" She asked, going pale. "I can't do that..."

"Love," he kissed her softly to try to calm her down. Her going pale scared him. "The duchess is the fashion leader of her time. She hosts parties to keep the people up with the trends. Small parties - tea parties, even. My cousin will help you. She loves hosting parties."

She nodded, color slowly going back into her face. "But I'm not good at fashion..."

"Then simple tea parties will be hosted. Jess will still help you, either way, love," he told her, trying to sooth her.

"You're sure I can do this?" she asked.

"I know you can," he kissed her. "And I will be right there to help you. As your husband."

She smiled slightly and nodded. "Thank you."

He smiled and kissed her softly again. "You are welcome."

She sighed, falling asleep again.

He watched her sleep, eventually dozing off, himself.

She stated to dream and it quickly turned bad. She tossed in her sleep, moaning.

Andrew woke up, blinking tiredly. He saw her tossing and gently held her still. "Amy, love, shhh," he tried to calm her. "It's alright, I'm here," he kissed her forehead.

She woke with a start but calmed down when she realized he was there. "I dreamed that Ashley escaped... that she was coming after me again." she whispered.

"It's alright, love," he told her gently. "She's tied, gagged, and her father is also under surveillance."

She nodded, moving slightly so she was more in his embrace. "I know..." she said softly.