Page 71 of A Bride for the Sinful Duke

Juliet gave her reflection one last lingering look and nodded.

“I am. I shall be right down.”

The maid nodded and took her leave.

Juliet stood, desperately hoping everything would go well before she too left the room.

Hector waited downstairs and looked particularly dashing. Juliet couldn’t stop the warmth that spread within her heart.

“Well,” the Duke said, as he slowly scanned his eyes over her, “you look lovely, Your Grace.”

Heat filled Juliet’s cheeks, and she raised her head, pretending to be unaffected by his compliment.

“Thank you. However, I am still cross with you.”

Hector chuckled lightly, holding out his arm to her. She took it wordlessly and followed him outside to where the carriage was waiting, accepting his assistance to climb into it.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” he stated lightly.

The ride to Lord Elwike’s house was short and accompanied by a comfortable silence. Juliet simply rested her head against her husband’s shoulder, letting his presence soothe her nerves.

Hector seemed content with being her strong and silent supporter.

When they arrived at the house, Marcus and Emma greeted them at the door.

“Welcome! Welcome!” Marcus cheered, clapping a hand firmly on Hector’s shoulder. “I am extremely glad you could make it tonight. My darling wife was prepared to serve my head on a platter had you not shown up.”

“Somehow, I am sure you must have done something to incur such wrath, and as always, Emma’s methods would be justified.” Hector stated teasingly.

“Ah, Hector,” Emma laughed, approaching Juliet, “save your flattery for your wife. I do appreciate your ever-reliable understanding, though.”

Emma held her arms out to Juliet, who accepted the hug. Juliet was unable to recall when she had last been embraced so warmly.

“Welcome to our home, Juliet. It is so good to see you again! It is such an honor to have you with us tonight.” Emma said with a smile.

“Oh, likewise!” Juliet replied agreeably with a smile of her own. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Oh, think nothing of it, dear. I have been so excited to get to know you better! Marcus and Hector have their special bond, and sometimes it makes me crave a sisterly bond,” Emma waved her hand dismissively.

“I feel the very same,” Juliet admitted as Emma led her to their drawing room with the men trailing behind them.

“Mama!” a child screeched as they walked in, waddling over to cling to Emma’s dress.

“Oh, Tobias,” Emma cooed fondly, bending to lift the child into her arms. “I thought you were going to sleep.”

“He started to cry when Miss Flowers tried to take him,” a small girl with lovely eyes reported.

Emma kissed her son’s cheeks and was rewarded with the most adorable giggle Juliet had ever heard.

“He wants to stay a little longer, I suppose,” Emma beamed sweetly before beckoning Juliet to come closer. “This is Tobias,” she said, pressing her cheek to her son’s for a moment and then reaching down to pat her daughter’s dark curls. “And this is Sarah. There is another, Peter, but he loves to wander about. I am willing to wager that his poor governess is searching for him right now. Children, this is Juliet, Uncle Hector’s wife.”

Juliet laughed lightly, smiling at the children. “How do you do?”

Tobias grinned and reached out to her. Juliet felt her heart melt, and she immediately looked to his mother for permission.

“May I hold him?”

“Of course,” Emma laughed, carefully handing Tobias to her. “But I must warn you, he is quite clingy.”

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