Page 51 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Before Marina could inquire further, Henderson appeared to announce the modiste. Mrs. Phillips curtsied and withdrew, leaving Marina to ponder this additional insight into the man she had married as she greeted Madame Beaumont and her assistants.

The rest of the afternoon flew by in a blur of fabrics, measurements, and fashion sketches.

Madame Beaumont seemed thrilled with Marina, constantly praising her “perfect figure” and “lovely coloring.”

“The Duke asked me to create an entire wardrobe suitable for your new role, Your Grace,” Madame Beaumont explained as her assistants unpacked sample fabrics. “Morning dresses, afternoon outfits, evening gowns—everything a duchess might need.”

Marina hesitated, feeling overwhelmed by the extravagance. “That sounds like far more than I’ll need right away?—”

“His Grace was very clear,” Madame Beaumont interrupted gently but firmly. “He wants you to have everything you might require.”

When Madame Beaumont finally left, promising the first dresses within the week, Marina felt dizzy from all the decisions she’d made.

As Lady Asquith, her wardrobe had been simple. Now, she was surrounded by luxury—silks, lace, and elaborate embroidery—all carefully chosen for her.

Finally alone, Marina returned to her rooms where Betty was waiting to help her prepare for the evening.

“The Duke has not returned, Your Grace,” her maid informed her as she unlaced Marina’s day dress. “Henderson says he’s not expected until dinner.”

Marina nodded, unsurprised. Leo had business to attend to—namely, settling her late husband’s debt with Giles. She tried not to speculate on how that meeting had progressed though she couldn’t help hoping Leo had put the odious man firmly in his place.

“I think I’ll rest for a while, Betty,” she decided. “Wake me in time to dress for dinner.”

Once alone, however, Marina found herself too restless for sleep. Her mind kept returning to the portrait of Leo and his brother and to Mrs. Phillips’ careful evasion when questioned about William. Something significant had happened between the brothers—something that had driven Leo to his frequent travels and left a shadow in his eyes whenever family was mentioned.

Moving to the writing desk by the window, Marina withdrew a fresh sheet of paper and her pen. Without consciously deciding to do so, she wrote, words flowing onto the page as a new story took shape in her mind.

The captain stood at the helm, his weathered face turned toward the horizon where the rising sun kissed the endless sea. Ten years he had sailed these waters, searching for the brother who had disappeared with the family’s treasure and the woman they had both loved. Ten years of pursuit, of near misses and false leads, until the quest itself had become his only companion…

Marina paused, surprised by the direction her tale had taken. Unlike her previous stories featuring the rakish duke, this protagonist was a sea captain—driven, haunted by loss, and consumed by a quest that had long since become more punishment than purpose. Though she had changed the setting and circumstances, she recognized the inspiration for this troubled hero.

She continued writing, lost in the narrative of a man whose obsession with the past prevented him from embracing the future, until Betty’s soft knock interrupted her concentration.

“Your Grace? It’s time to prepare for dinner.”

Marina set aside her pen, tucking the pages into a drawer. This story was different from her previous works—less explicitly sensual, more focused on the emotional landscape of a complex man. Whether it would please readers accustomed to her more scandalous tales remained to be seen, but the writing had satisfied something in her that her stories about the Duke never had.

As Betty helped her into an elegant evening gown of deep green silk—one of her better pieces from her previous wardrobe—Marina wondered if Leo would return for dinner and what mood he might be in after his confrontation with Giles.

Their conversation the previous evening had ended awkwardly after his attempt at… seduction? Kindness? She still wasn’t certain what to make of his offer to fulfill her desires.

Whatever his intentions, she resolved to approach the evening with an open mind. They were married now, bound by circumstances neither had expected.

Coexisting peacefully would benefit them both.

Leo strode into Lupton’s printing house. The clerk jumped to his feet at the sight of him, nearly knocking over an inkwell in his haste.

“Y-Your Grace! How may I assist you?”

“I’m here to see Mr. Lupton,” Leo replied, his tone brooking no argument. “Immediately.”

“Of course, Your Grace. Right this way.”

The clerk scurried ahead to announce him, leaving Leo to follow at a more measured pace. He had come directly from Giles’s office, his patience with manipulative businessmen already dangerously thin.

Lupton rose from behind his desk as Leo entered, his oily smile firmly in place. “Your Grace, what an unexpected honor. Please, be seated.”

Leo remained standing, deliberately using his height to advantage. “This isn’t a social call, Lupton. I’ve come regarding Lady Asquith.”

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