Page 39 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“There’s the happy couple,” he declared. “Leo, you sly dog. All those years claiming you wouldn’t marry, and then you snatch up the most interesting woman in London before the rest of us even realize she’s available.”

“Marina was never available to ‘the rest of you,’” Leo replied dryly.

“And now she never will be,” Noah said with an exaggerated sigh. “A devastating loss to mankind.” He turned to Marina and winked. “If married life becomes too dull, I’d be delighted to provide inspiration for your next literary masterpiece, Your Grace.”

“Blytheton,” Leo growled in warning.

Marina placed a restraining hand on her new husband’s arm. “I appreciate the offer, Lord Blytheton, but I suspect my duke will provide all the inspiration I require.”

The Marquess threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, I like her. Well done.”

As the breakfast continued, Marina found herself approached by the two other dukes, Gerard and Dorian, who welcomed her with surprising warmth. The warmth from them and their wives eased the tension Marina had been feeling since the ceremony.

When it was time to leave, Marina found herself genuinely touched by the support shown by this small circle of friends. Even Caroline seemed more relaxed and chatted with Alice about her new baby while Harold was with Leo and Dorian in what appeared to be a serious discussion about investments.

As the wedding guests departed, Marina stood beside Leo at the door and accepted more congratulations and promises of future visits.

Unexpected tears welled in Caroline’s eyes as she hugged Marina one last time and whispered, “Be happy.”

Then they were alone—or as alone as one could be in a house filled with servants.

The silence between them stretched uncomfortably as they stood in the entrance hall, no longer surrounded by their guests.

“I’ve instructed the housekeeper to prepare your chambers for you,” Leo said finally. “Your things from Mount Street arrived this morning and have been unpacked.”

“Thank you.” Feeling lost in this new world, Marina fiddled with the unfamiliar ring on her finger.

This morning, she had been Lady Asquith, and now, she was married to a man she had known for less than a month.

“Betty has been assigned quarters near yours,” Leo continued. “I assumed you’d want to keep her close.”

Marina nodded, touched by his consideration. “She has been with me for a long time. I appreciate you accommodating her.”

An awkward silence fell again. Marina glanced at the staircase and wondered if she should retire to these new chambers he’d mentioned.

“Would you care to see the rest of the house?” Leo offered, clearly sensing her discomfort. “You will need to know your way around.”

“Yes, I would.” Marina accepted his arm.

Leo proudly showcased the townhouse’s elegant rooms, pointing out a painting from Italy, family books inherited from his grandfather, and a captivating garden view, especially lovely in the morning sun. Marina felt relief as the awkwardness between them began to fade.

“The housekeeper will provide a more thorough tour tomorrow,” Leo said as they completed their circuit on the upper floor. “Including the domestic areas you’ll need to manage.”

Marina nodded, suddenly daunted by the weight of her new title. Managing a grand household, stepping gracefully into the endless whirl of a duchess’ social duties, none of this had ever been part of her world.

As though sensing her unease, Leo offered gently, “You needn’t trouble yourself too much. The staff is quite capable. They have managed splendidly whenever I’ve been away. You can take all the time you need to become familiar with everything.”

Marina released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Thank you,” she murmured softly. “It’s just all rather overwhelming.”

“For us both,” Leo agreed, his expression softening slightly. “But I believe we’ll adapt. We’re both practical people after all.”

They had reached what appeared to be her new chambers. It was decorated in soft blues and creams. Through the partially open door, Marina glimpsed Betty arranging items on a dressing table.

“I shall leave you to rest,” Leo said, stepping back. “Dinner will be served at seven if you would like to join me. Otherwise, I can have a tray sent up.”

His courtesy reminded Marina that despite the wedding band on her finger, they remained virtual strangers.

“I’ll join you,” she said. “There’s much we should discuss about… arrangements.”

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