Page 49 of Three Nights with the Beastly Duke

“The pleasure is all mine, Sir Lawrence,” Grace replied. “And protecting my sister’s happiness is the only debt you owe me.”

“Then his debt is settled,” Rebecca stated, looking at Lawrence with love-filled eyes.

“Please, go on in and make yourselves comfortable,” Lavinia urged, feeling herself become too emotional. “Susan and I shall join you as soon as possible.”

Lavinia’s family happily made their way inside, all of them smiling with jubilance as they chattered about the excitement of the party. She was still smiling when she turned back to the steps, but her smile slipped away immediately as she saw Timothy approach her.

“You do not have a smile for me, Your Grace?” he asked. Though he was smiling, his eyes held an odd look that made the hairs on the back of Lavinia’s neck stand up. Despite his proper dress and charming facial expression, he looked unhinged somehow.

“Welcome, Lord Stonehames,” Lavinia greeted cordially. “Please, go inside and help yourself to some refreshment and enjoy the entertainment.”

“I know I do not deserve it,” Timothy went on, standing still, “but I wish to apologize to you. I understand now is not the time, but perhaps later you can spare me a moment? Truly, I have much to be regretful for.”

Timothy looked at her pleadingly, and under the stress drawn across his face, she saw her dear childhood friend. Everyone was moving on with their lives, she realized. Perhaps it was time she did so, too.

“Very well,” she agreed, taking pity on him. “There will be time after supper. We shall talk then.”

CHAPTERTWENTY

“Well, I must admit,” Marianne mused, standing beside her son as she looked on at their happy guests, “your wife can certainly throw a festive event. I haven’t seen so many royals in this estate since your father was alive.” She looked over at him, her eyes shining with regret. “Perhaps she is good for you, after all.”

Arthur looked back at his mother, his heart swelling with pride and affection.

“I am glad you finally see it, Mother,” he replied, giving her a small smile. “Everything Lavinia touches, she changes for the better.”

“Yes,” Marianne drawled, studying her son. “I am starting to understand that. Tell me, Arthur, are you falling in love with her?”

Arthur’s eyes left his mother’s gaze as he looked over the crowd and easily spotted his wife talking with Rebecca and her handsome young Lieutenant. As if able to sense his gaze, Lavinia immediately looked up at him and smiled warmly as she winked.

“I believe I am,” Arthur murmured, keeping his eyes on her. And he knew it was true.

He hadn’t said the words aloud to her yet, but he knew it was true. He could feel it in his bones, in his very being, that this wildly stubborn, crafty, protective woman was indeed the love of his life.

He felt his mother’s hands clench around his right wrist, and he looked back to see her eyes welling with tears.

“What is the matter, Mother?” he asked quickly. “Do you need rest?”

Marianne laughed softly as she shook her head. “No, my dear boy. I need to apologize. It is clear Lavinia is who you are truly meant for. I promise, from now on, I will not doubt or sling barbs about this union. You chose well, my son. Even if I didn’t see it at first.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Arthur replied, his voice full of awe.

Never once had his mother apologized for anything. It was so strange how much things had changed since Lavinia had come into his life.

“Ah, the beautiful Dowager Duchess of Whitekin herself,” Kenneth Dennis boomed, walking up to them. “Your Grace, you look absolutely radiant this evening.”

Arthur watched as his mother’s face lit up as Kenneth joined them. He was thankful that his mother and Lavinia’s father had become fast friends, even if they had been against their marriage at first. After a polite exchange of words, he excused himself so the two could talk.

“Is all to your liking, husband?” Lavinia asked, wrapping her arm around his as he approached her.

Arthur looked around his home, taking in the laughter and smiling faces. In the foray, a quartet was playing a fanciful tune, and some were even dancing already.

“You have done amazingly, wife,” he replied sincerely, turning back to her. “And are you satisfied with your hard work?”

“Very much so.” She beamed at him. “Have you seen your friend Archibald yet?”

Arthur’s eyebrows flew up in surprise. “Why, no.” He chuckled. “I thought he was somewhere in Germany?”

Lavinia gave him a mischievous smile. “I can be very persuasive when I want to,” she replied. “Even through a letter. I received him earlier, so I know he is here. Why don’t you go look for him in the cigar room? I am sure the two of you have much to catch up on.”

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