Page 13 of A Bride for the Sinful Duke

The door to the expansive living room opened as Hector’s butler let in a middle-aged man who had bags of clothes hanging from both arms.

“The tailor has arrived with your wedding attire, Your Grace,” John informed, gesturing to the man by his side.

Hector, looking up from his contemplations and sighed.

The tailor bowed slightly. “Good day, Your Grace. I have brought the final fittings for your wedding suit. Shall we proceed?"

Marcus stepped back inside, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “His wedding suit? Well, I suppose I could stay longer to offer my expert opinion."

Hector grunted but motioned for the tailor to enter. “Let’s get this over with.”

He shrugged out of his coat and allowed the tailor to drape the luxurious fabric of the wedding suit over his broad shoulders.

Marcus leaned against the wall, an amused smile on his face.

“Ah, Hector, you clean up nicely,” he teased. “If only you exhibited the same degree of mindfulness in other aspects of your life.”

Hector shot his cousin a withering glance but said nothing and focused on his reflection in the mirror. The suit was undeniably well made, with every stitch and seam meticulously crafted, yet he was unimpressed.

“The shoulders need to be taken in slightly,” Hector noted, turning around. “And the waistcoat feels a bit tight. I need to be able to breathe.”

The tailor nodded, making quick adjustments with his pins and chalk. “Of course, Your Grace. I will see to it at once.”

Marcus chuckled. “Always the perfectionist, aren’t you? When we were boys, you would not rest until every detail was exactly right, even in the most trivial of matters.”

“You make me sound like a difficult person to be with.”

Hector’s cousin leveled him with flat stare.

“I recall when you were at Cambridge, you could not stand the thought of sharing a room with someone who possessed habits you disliked, so you created portfolios of them containing their vital information and conducted interviews to ensure they weren’t likely to disappoint you.”

Hector’s gaze softened momentarily as he met Marcus’ eyes in the mirror. “I do not like unwelcome surprises. Some habits die hard, I suppose.”

The tailor finished his adjustments and stepped back. “I will make these changes and deliver the final suit early tomorrow, Your Grace.”

“Thank you,” Hector replied curtly, turning his attention back to Marcus. “Why are you still here?”

Marcus scoffed. “All right, I shall take my leave. I know when I am not needed.”

Hector left the room before Marcus had finished his sentence and headed straight to his study. On the way, his housekeeper caught up with him.

“Your Grace, the room is ready. Would you like to see it?” Estella waited with bated breath for his response. She was an elderly woman had served the Duke and his family for a long time.

“Yes,” Hector nodded, a little surprised that he cared about such a mundane task.

Marcus hadn’t been wrong. Hector was, in many ways, a perfectionist. It was important to him that his marriage went smoothly down to the finest detail, and that also included ensuring that his new wife’s living quarters were perfect.

Estella stepped aside as she opened the door, so he could enter.

The room was warm and inviting and had cheerful lighting.

“I approve of your choices in the décor,” he said approvingly. “If she doesn’t like it, please see to it that it’s refurbished to her taste.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Estella said with a bow as he exited the room.

“One more thing, Estella,” Hector said, stopping slightly. “I may not always be home. I want you to ensure my wife is well looked after when I am absent. Also, please have the adjourning room redecorated for me.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.” The housekeeper nodded.

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