Page 44 of A Bride for the Sinful Duke

Hector suppressed an impatient sigh and quickly tried to move the conversation along “Your visit is…rather unexpected but welcome,” Hector replied. He gestured to the chairs they had been sitting on. “Please, sit.”

Somerton settled into the chair with the ease of a man who had never questioned his place in the world.

Anne took her seat more delicately, her eyes downcast. Hector didn’t miss the way those eyes flicked up to appraise him as he moved to seat himself beside Juliet on the wide settee adjacent from their guests.

He and Juliet shifted clumsily, both uncertain how much distance would suffice. Hector grew tired of Juliet’s constant movements and held her in place by wrapping an arm around her and pressing a hand to her hip to keep her still.

Once she’d ceased moving, he released his hold upon her and returned his attention to their guests.

Both Edwin and his sister were watching them with curious expressions. It was only when Hector raised an eyebrow that the Earl decided to speak up.

“I trust your marriage has been going smoothly?” Somerton asked casually, but his eyes betrayed his interest.

Hector nodded curtly. “As well as can be expected.”

Somerton’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “Good, good. Marriage is a tricky thing, is it not? Especially when one’s wife has led such an…unusual life.”

His gaze darted to Juliet, who seemed to bristle at his remark but remained silent.

“I understand you spent many years in a convent. It must have been…quite an adjustment to return to society.”

Juliet’s smile didn’t waver. “It was an adjustment, certainly. But I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, both within and outside of the convent walls.”

Hector watched as Somerton’s smile faltered. He had underestimated Juliet as many had before him. She was proving to be quite capable of holding her own.

Hector felt the need to add with a twinge of pride in his voice. “Juliet is adjusting admirably. She is an excellent Duchess and has succeeded admirably at adapting to her new life. I am sure she would love to tell Lady Anne all about it over tea while we discuss what it is you came here for.”

Anne looked caught off-guard by the mention of her name. Her gaze shifted to the Duchess, who also appeared startled by Hector’s suggestion.

She leaned closer to him, asking softly.

“Are you certain?”

Hector fought to focus on her words and not her plump, pink lips or the scent of citrus and flowers wafting from her skin. He nodded in agreement and stood as she excused herself.

She smiled as she faced their guests and rose to her feet.

“Lady Anne, let us leave the gentlemen to their duties and stale conversation.”

Anne nodded with a small smile of her own, and together, they exited the room.

Once they were alone, Somerton leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with what Hector felt could be likened to malice.

“I do wonder, Hector, how you manage it. A woman with so little experience suddenly granted such a prestigious position. It must be…difficult for her.”

Hector’s eyes narrowed. “I did not expect you to offer your sage opinions, Somerton. I had not realized you were so experienced in matters of marriage.”

Somerton raised an eyebrow, his tone almost mocking. “Ah, yes. I shall soon join the league.” He continued when Hector didn’t dignify him with a response. “Yours certainly piques my curiosity…a mood I am sure much of the Ton shares. Chosen by fate, was she? Or by a father eager to see his daughter settled before she became a permanent fixture in a nunnery?”

Hector’s temper flared. “Whatever her past, Juliet is now my wife, and I will not tolerate your disrespect towards her, especially in my home.”

Somerton held up his hands in a placating gesture. “No disrespect intended at all, Your Grace. I merely speak as a concerned friend.”

“Concern yourself with your own affairs, Somerton,” Hector said coolly. “My wife and I are managing quite well.”

Somerton wore a smug expression that was quickly replaced with a look of feigned innocence. “I am sure you are. She appears to be a fine match for you, Your Grace. Though I must wonder, how long will it take until the novelty of playing the dutiful wife wears thin?”

Hector’s eyes hardened. “One more word about my wife, and I will throw you out of my home.”

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