Page 67 of Married to the Ruthless Duke

“You two are absolutely beautiful,” Margaret gushed. “But please do remember there’s an unmarried woman in the vicinity.”

“I apologize, sister-in-law.” Alexander laughed, and putting a hand out in front of him, he continued, “Would you mind if I stole my wife away from you?”

“I would not, except I’m a woman, and I can’t travel alone,” Margaret pointed out.

They’d been traveling on their own, as Helen was now a married woman and considered responsible enough to chaperone.

“Would you mind staying at our country residence till your handmaid can be brought?” Alexander suggested.

“I wouldn’t mind at all.” Margaret smiled. “I love the country.”

They were helped back into the carriage by Alexander, who stopped to warn Mr. Jenkins about driving too roughly, which was a welcome effort on his part, as their bottoms were truly sore.

When they neared the country home, Helen could barely hide her gasp at the sprawling green fields leading up to the manor.

Workers dotted the fields harvesting wheat, and they looked up from their work as they approached. Helen marveled at the wealth of her husband.

The workers cheered as they approached, and she knew then that her husband must have been a good duke to have his workers show such joy at his arrival.

She turned to look at him astride his horse, looking regal even though he wasn’t dressed in trappings befitting his station. She recognized the horse with the sleek brown coat as one of her father’s and wondered what had happened to Alexander’s black stallion.

Her mouth went dry at the sight of how powerfully he sat astride the horse, his back ramrod straight. Lust licked its way across her bloodstream in a slow and steady stream that had her flushing.

He caught her eyes and winked, and she flushed even deeper.

“My, Helen, that man really loves you,” Margaret observed.

“I know. It’s so hard to believe it,” Helen replied softly.

“I am really happy for you,” Margaret stated. “I only hope I’m quite as fortunate as you.”

“You will be if you keep an open mind.” Helen giggled. “There are many handsome Scottish men, as you’ve said. Who knows? You might give me handsome red-haired nephews and nieces.”

“Oh, stop it.” Margaret tittered. “But that wouldn’t be so bad.”

They burst into laughter, stopping when they felt the carriage come to a halt.

“We’re here, ladies,” Alexander announced.

“Come. Let’s go see your new home,” Margaret suggested.

They alighted from the carriage with Alexander’s help and met a line of staff already waiting for them outside.

Introductions were done quickly, and they were shown to their chambers to refresh themselves before the noon meal. Alexander stepped into the chamber and smiled, watching Helen’s things be unpacked by the maids. When they were done, the servants stepped out, giving them privacy.

Now alone, she was unable to meet his eyes. What could she say to him?

“Do you like the house?” he asked, still standing by the door.

“I—yes, I do,” she answered, nodding. “It is quite beautiful.”

“Indeed.” He smiled. “It has been in my family for generations but was given to Nathaniel in the will. I bought it back from him.”

“Oh? I don’t think he’d have been too happy to get rid of it.”

“On the contrary.” Alexander pushed off the door and came to sit beside her on the bed. “He hadn’t known about the inheritance or the worth of the property, so it was quite easy for me to buy it from him.”

“That was rather low.” She laughed.

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