Page 79 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“Alice says Marina seems quieter lately at their gatherings. Seraphina noticed it too.” Dorian gave Leo a casual look. “They wondered if married life isn’t quite what she expected.”

“Marriage takes some getting used to,” Leo said. “For both sides.”

“True enough,” Dorian said. “But in my experience, talking things out usually helps.”

Leo was about to respond when the orchestra began playing a waltz. Across the room, Marina turned and looked directly at him for the first time that night. Something in her gaze, a challenge mixed with invitation, made Leo’s heart beat faster.

Without bothering to excuse himself, Leo moved through the crowd toward her. Society expected married couples to share at least one dance at events, no matter their private relationship. Tonight, Leo found himself thankful for that rule.

“Duchess,” he greeted her as he reached her, “may I have this dance?”

Marina studied him for a moment before nodding. “Of course, Your Grace.”

As they stepped onto the dance floor, Leo felt eyes watching them. London society loved any hint of gossip, especially when it involved the intriguing Duke and Duchess of Blackmere.

“You look stunning tonight,” Leo murmured, placing his hand at her waist. “That color suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you,” Marina replied, neutral and polite. “Madame Beaumont suggested it was time to try something new.”

“She chose well,” Leo said, guiding her into the dance and enjoying the slight pressure of her hand on his shoulder. “Though I am guessing the final decision was yours.”

Marina smiled faintly. “I might have nudged her a bit.”

“It worked. Lord Hatton could hardly hide his surprise,” Leo said lightly, unable to hide a hint of possessiveness. “You have made quite an impression.”

“Isn’t that what a duchess should do? Lead rather than follow?” A familiar spark lit Marina’s eyes again and reminded Leo of the woman who had fascinated him from the start.

“That is certainly part of it,” Leo agreed, his gaze drifting to her bare shoulders. “Among other duties of course.”

Marina blushed slightly. “You are being bold tonight.”

“I am simply appreciating my wife,” Leo said softly, pulling her just a bit closer. “Isn’t that allowed?”

Her expression grew uncertain. “I wasn’t sure you still felt that way.”

The honesty of her words caught Leo off guard. Had his attempt at restraint made her question how much he wanted her?

“Marina—” Leo began, but the music ended before he could say more.

They separated and exchanged the usual polite gestures with the other dancers.

As Leo led Marina away, he struggled to find the right words to close the distance between them.

But before he could speak, others quickly surrounded them, eager to chat with the Duke and Duchess. The chance for a private moment was lost.

For the rest of the evening, Leo watched Marina from a distance as she moved through the ballroom with newfound confidence.

The crimson gown drew admiring glances from both men and women, but it was Marina’s quiet dignity that commandedrespect. Whatever others might whisper about her past or the circumstances of their marriage, no one could deny that she wore her new title with grace.

Pride mingled with a more complicated emotion as Leo observed Marina across the terrace. She leaned toward Seraphina, her eyes bright with interest as they discussed charitable initiatives.

“The children’s hospital lacks funds for expansion,” Seraphina said. “The board refuses to proceed without guaranteed support.”

“Perhaps a benefit concert would be the answer,” Marina suggested, her hands graceful as she gestured. “My cousin plays the violin with remarkable skill, and several musicians of my acquaintance would perform for such a cause.”

Seraphina’s face brightened. “What an excellent notion. We might host it at Irondale House where the music room provides superior acoustics.”

Leo watched as the elderly Countess of Harrington joined their circle. Marina shifted to make room beside her. When the Countess began describing her work with war widows, Marina listened with such attention that the old woman seemed to glow under her regard.

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