Page 68 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“I have an active imagination,” Marina protested weakly.

Caroline sat on the bench, patting the space beside her. “Marina, I have known you for years. I was there when you confided that your marriage to Henry was ‘dutiful at best and unpleasant at worst.’ I’ve read every one of your stories. This one was different.”

Marina sank onto the bench, finding herself unable to maintain the pretense under her friend’s shrewd gaze. “Was it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who knows you well,” Caroline assured her. “But yes, absolutely obvious. The emotion in the writing was palpable.” She narrowed her eyes. “So, you and the Duke have…”

“Not exactly,” Marina confessed, her voice dropping to ensure no passing walkers would overhear. “We haven’t fully…” She trailed off, unsure how to explain what had transpired between them.

Understanding dawned in Caroline’s eyes. “He pleasured you without taking his own?”

“Caroline!”

At Marina’s shocked expression, she laughed. “I am a married woman, you know. These things happen.”

“It was… unexpected,” Marina admitted. “At the Pembroke ball when we disappeared…”

“I knew it!” Caroline clapped her hands in delight. “That ‘need for fresh air’ excuse was terribly thin. You both returned looking entirely too… satisfied. Well, you did at least.”

Marina couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s enthusiasm. “He was different than I expected. Generous in a way I hadn’t thought possible. Even so, I don’t know what it means. For us, for our marriage. It could have been just a moment of weakness on both our parts.”

“Either way, you have every right to take pleasure when it’s offered. After everything you’ve endured with Henry, you deserve this.”

“But Leo’s reputation?—”

“I know I cautioned you because of it too,” Caroline interrupted. “But… men change, especially when they find the right woman. And if he doesn’t change? Then you’ve still had the experience. You’re not a naive girl, Marina. You’re a grown woman with a husband who apparently knows how to please you. Enjoy it for what it is.”

Marina considered her friend’s words, finding comfort in their pragmatism. “And if it becomes too complicated?”

“Then you stop,” Caroline said simply. “But don’t deny yourself happiness out of fear. That’s no way to live.”

“Thank you,” Marina said softly. “For understanding. For not judging.”

“What are friends for?” Caroline bumped her shoulder playfully against Marina’s. “Besides, I completely understand the appeal. Harold is positively masterful in the bedroom. The things that man can do with just his?—”

“Caroline!” Marina interrupted, scandalized. “Please remember that Harold is my friend as well. I can’t possibly hear this.”

Caroline laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “Sorry, darling. But married life has its advantages, as you’re discovering.”

As they resumed their walk, Marina felt lighter than she had in days. Caroline’s practical perspective had helped clear some of the confusion clouding her thoughts. Perhaps she was overthinking the situation.

Perhaps, for once, she could simply allow herself to experience pleasure without analyzing every implication.

By the time they parted ways, Marina had decided. Tonight, she would seek out Leo rather than waiting for him toapproach her again. She would take control of this new aspect of their relationship, setting her own terms rather than merely responding to his initiatives.

The prospect was both terrifying and exhilarating—rather like the man himself.

CHAPTER 24

“Is it true the latest story features a rather creative use of a plant mister in a moonlit conservatory?” Noah asked, his voice deliberately loud enough to be heard by the cluster of gentlemen at the next table. “I only ask because Lord Hatton has apparently ordered one for his wife’s birthday, despite neither of them showing any previous interest in horticulture.”

Leo took a measured sip of his brandy, keeping his expression neutral despite the warmth that spread through him at the memory of what had inspired Marina’s latest tale.

“I wouldn’t know. Unlike some people, I have better ways to occupy my time than reading anonymous fiction.”

“Pity,” Noah replied with a knowing smirk. “It’s surprisingly educational. The author has quite an… inventive mind.”

Gerard cleared his throat, casting a warning glance at Noah. “Perhaps we could discuss something more appropriate for mixed company?”

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