Page 44 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Betty gave her a warm smile. “It’s the least I can do, considering all you’ve done for me.”

As seven o’clock approached, Marina took a deep breath, trying to prepare herself for dinner.

Her first private meal with Leo as his wife. She reminded herself firmly that this marriage was purely practical. Leo had saved her from financial ruin, and she’d agreed to stop writing about him and fulfill her role as his duchess.

But her heartbeat quickened as she descended the staircase, betraying her nerves.

At the foot of the stairs, Henderson waited politely. “This way, Your Grace,” he said, guiding her toward a smaller, more intimate dining room.

Marina paused in the doorway, momentarily speechless. Candlelight bathed the room in a soft glow. The table was elegantly set for two, fresh flowers arranged on both the table and mantelpiece, filling the room with a sweet fragrance. It felt undeniably romantic.

Leo stood when she entered, a smile tugging at his lips as he took in her appearance. “Duchess,” he greeted her, pulling out her chair. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Marina sat down, acutely aware of his closeness and the gentle brush of his fingers against her shoulder. She gestured to the flowers and candles. “This is all rather… elaborate.”

Leo returned to his seat, his face unreadable. “Is it? I simply asked the staff to arrange dinner for my wife.”

Marina studied him, trying to guess his intentions as two footmen entered with the first course—a delicate soup scented with sherry. They quickly withdrew, leaving the couple alone.

“The food is wonderful,” Marina said after tasting the soup. “Your cook is very talented.”

“I’ll tell her you said so,” Leo replied. “But I’m sure she’d love to speak with you directly about menus. She’s missed having guidance.”

Marina nodded, uncertain how to navigate this polite, careful conversation. After a moment, she decided to be blunt.

“Why all this?” she asked softly, indicating the candles and flowers again. “It feels more than necessary for a simple dinner.”

Leo paused, looking genuinely puzzled. “You’re my wife. Isn’t it normal to want your first meal here to be special?”

Marina hesitated, playing nervously with her napkin. “I don’t understand your intentions. Ours is meant to be a practical arrangement. Romantic gestures aren’t needed.”

Leo’s expression flickered with annoyance. “Why is it so hard to believe I might want to spoil my wife, even if it is a practical arrangement?”

Marina opened her mouth to reply, intending something sharp, but instead, the truth slipped out. “Because, in my experience, husbands don’t spoil their wives. My previous husband treated me like I didn’t matter.”

Her admission hung awkwardly between them. Leo’s face softened, annoyance replaced by sympathy.

“Not every husband is like Lord Asquith,” he said quietly. “Think of the Clarkshires—Harold clearly adores his wife.”

Marina dropped her eyes to the table, unable to look at him. “They’re an exception.”

For a moment, they were silent, the only sounds the gentle clink of silverware. Then Leo shifted, trying to ease the tension.

“So,” he said lightly, “what will your next story be about?”

Marina nearly choked on her wine. Setting down the glass, she stared at him. “I beg your pardon?”

Leo’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Your next story. I’m curious about what you’ll write now that I’m no longer your subject.”

“That’s hardly an appropriate dinner topic,” Marina replied stiffly.

“Why not? Writing is your profession.” Leo’s smile faded as Marina’s expression tightened. “You’re being defensive again. You treat me as if I’m an enemy when I’ve done nothing to deserve it.”

The accusation stung, especially because Marina recognized its truth. Since his arrival at her doorstep with his marriage proposal, Leo had offered nothing but help, yet she continued to treat him with suspicion and guardedness.

“You’re right,” she admitted, releasing a deep breath. “I apologize. Since meeting with Giles, I’ve been constantly on edge, expecting the worst from everyone.” She met his gaze directly. “You have helped me immensely, and I am truly grateful for it.”

The genuine note in her voice seemed to surprise him. His expression softened, and something that might have been pleasure flickered in his eyes.

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