Page 112 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

The late summer sun bathed Blackmere Hall in golden light, transforming the ancient stone into something warm and welcoming. Five months had passed since the night at the abandoned theater, and Marina stood at the terrace overlooking the extensive gardens where their guests now gathered.

Children’s laughter drifted up from the lawn where Charlotte, Dorian and Alice’s daughter, toddled after a butterfly while Diana, Gerard and Seraphina’s little girl, watched from her mother’s lap with wide-eyed fascination.

“It suits you, you know,” Leo said, appearing at Marina’s side. “Blackmere.”

“It’s beginning to feel like home,” Marina agreed, leaning into him as his arm slipped around her waist.

“Only beginning?” Leo arched an eyebrow, his lips quirking with amusement. “I must try harder, then. Perhaps another library? Or a private printing press?”

Marina laughed, turning in his embrace to face him. “You’ve done quite enough already. The writing room overlooking the rose garden is perfect.”

“Speaking of your writing,” Caroline called as she climbed the terrace steps, Harold following behind her. “The latest Captain Westmore story has left half the ladies in London breathless with anticipation. When can we expect the next installment?”

“Within the month,” Marina replied, accepting her friend’s warm embrace. “Though my editor is being demanding about this one.”

“As he should be,” Leo said, not bothering to hide his pride. “Your new publishing house is making quite the splash in literary circles.”

“Mariner Press,” Harold nodded approvingly. “A clever name, combining your own with the seafaring theme of your stories.”

“It was Leo’s suggestion,” Marina admitted. “He thought a nautical reference would suit my sea captain tales while maintaining my anonymity.”

Caroline squeezed her friend’s hand. “I still can’t believe you’ve kept your identity secret through everything.”

“Lupton and Giles have been remarkably silent on the matter,” Leo remarked dryly. “Though regular payments to ensure their ongoing discretion have certainly helped.”

“As has the threat of your displeasure,” Noah added as he strolled up, glass in hand. “Last I heard, Lupton had retired to Bath, claiming the London air no longer agreed with his constitution.”

“How convenient for him,” Marina said, exchanging a knowing glance with Leo.

“And what of your other trouble?” Caroline asked in a lower voice. “Has there been any word from France?”

Leo shook his head. “Felicity remains confined to her family’s estate near Lyon, where, by all accounts, she is languishing in utter boredom. My contacts report that the provincial society has proven wholly unimpressed by her airs, and her attempts to secure the attentions of a certain wealthy widower—who, incidentally, has no children to be swayed—have met with little success.”

“At least this widower has some sense to stay away from her,” William’s quiet voice surprised them as he joined the group, keeping a slight distance as was his habit these days.

Though welcomed by Leo and treated with kindness by Marina, guilt still shadowed his features whenever he spoke of Felicity.

Leo’s hand found his brother’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “How are the plans for your trip to America progressing?”

William’s expression brightened slightly. “The arrangements are nearly complete. I leave next month to oversee our new shipping ventures in Boston.”

“You’ll be missed,” Marina said sincerely.

In spite of his part in her abduction, these past months had allowed her to see William’s true regret, his attempts at reconciliation, and his understanding of Felicity’s manipulative actions.

“I won’t be gone forever,” William assured her. “Just long enough to establish the new offices and perhaps… find some purpose beyond atoning for my mistakes.”

“To new beginnings,” Noah proposed, raising his glass. “And to the host and hostess who have brought us all together.”

The others echoed the sentiment, their glasses catching the late afternoon sun as they gathered closer in a moment of genuine companionship.

“Speaking of new beginnings,” Leo said after a moment, his eyes meeting Marina’s with a question. She nodded almost imperceptibly, and his smile widened. “Marina and I have an announcement to make.”

The group fell silent, anticipation evident on their faces.

“We’re expecting a child,” Leo said, his voice rich with barely contained joy. “In early spring.”

Exclamations of delight erupted around them. Caroline embraced Marina again, this time with tears in her eyes.

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