Page 60 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Recognizing Leo’s discomfort, Gerard continued, “When you do find him, you know we’ll stand with you. Whatever you decide.”

“As we always have,” Dorian chimed in.

Leo nodded, moved by their unwavering support. “Thank you. Both of you.”

The conversation moved to lighter topics. The easy back-and-forth of longtime friends flowed effortlessly from weighty topics to absurd recollections. They discussed Dorian’s newborn daughter, Gerard’s latest investment in a promising cotton mill, and the upcoming social Season with its predictable parade of young ladies clamoring for a good match and their conniving mothers.

Yet throughout their talk, Leo found his thoughts drifting back to Gerard’s question.

What would he do if, after all these years, he finally found William? Would reconciliation even be possible after such betrayal?

How would Marina fit into this family drama she had unknowingly married into?

Marina. The thought of his wife brought a familiar surge of frustration and desire. Her accusation that his charm was merely a mask to keep everyone at a distance had struck too close to home. She had revealed an insight into his character that few had ever perceived. It was both unsettling and strangely compelling to be seen so clearly by a woman who had known him for such a short time.

As the afternoon light faded, Leo rose to leave. “I should return home. Henderson will have a fit if I’m late for dinner again.”

“Give our regards to your duchess,” Dorian said, clapping him on the shoulder. “And perhaps consider bringing her along next time. Our wives are quite taken with her, you know.”

“I’ll extend the invitation,” Leo promised although he wondered whether Marina would accept.

She had been remarkably self-sufficient in establishing her own social circle without his help. The thought brought another unwelcome pang of something that felt uncomfortably like loneliness.

On his way to Berkeley Square, Leo was forced to confront an unpleasant reality.

His long search for his brother might end, but a different, equally unsettling kind of absence now confronted him.

His wife, though physically present in his home, remained as elusive and distant as William had ever been.

And for the first time, Leo wondered which absence troubled him more.

CHAPTER 21

“Imust say, the Duke of Blackmere’s choice of bride continues to perplex me,” a woman’s voice carried from behind a potted palm as Marina and Leo entered the Pembroke’s ballroom. “So unexpected and with a widow of questionable reputation.”

“Hush, Margaret. They’ll hear you,” her friend replied although not quietly enough to keep Marina from hearing every word.

Marina kept her chin high and her back straight as Leo guided her through the crowded ballroom. She had expected the scrutiny and was used to it since Henry had died, but the reality still unsettled her.

“Ignore them,” Leo murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “Their opinions are as substantial as soap bubbles.”

Despite her nervousness, Marina couldn’t help but smile at his dismissive assessment. “You sound like Caroline.”

“Lady Clarkshire is a woman with good taste,” Leo replied with a hint of amusement. “Present company excluded of course.”

Before Marina could plan a suitably sharp response, they reached their hosts. Lord and Lady Pembroke gave Leo an overly enthusiastic greeting that hinted at their social ambition.

“Your Grace, we are delighted you could join us tonight,” Lady Pembroke gushed. “And with your new duchess. Such a… surprising match.”

“Indeed,” her husband agreed, his gaze sliding over Marina with poorly concealed speculation. “Few expected Your Grace to choose a bride so unconventional. Especially given the circumstances of her previous marriage.”

Marina felt her cheeks flush with humiliation, but Leo’s response was immediate and cutting.

“My wife’s past marriage is hardly a suitable topic of conversation, Pembroke,” he said lightly though the subtle steel in his tone was unmistakable. It held a quiet warning. “And there is nothing the least bit unconventional in my choice. The duchess is a woman of wit and grace. She is precisely the sort of wife a discerning man might consider himself fortunate to find.”

Lord Pembroke reddened. “Of course, Your Grace. I meant no offense.”

“Of course,” Leo replied though his grip on Marina’s arm had tightened perceptibly. “Your ball promises to be the highlight of the week. The orchestra sounds particularly lively this evening.”

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