Page 91 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“Your Grace,” Pritchard greeted him with surprise when Leo entered the shop, portfolio in hand. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“I’ve brought the Duchess’ latest manuscript,” Leo explained and placed the leather case on the counter between them. “She’s taken her work in a rather interesting new direction.”

Pritchard’s eyes brightened as he accepted the portfolio. “Her last story was extremely well-received, Your Grace. Several gentlemen’s clubs have standing orders for each new release.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. The thought of London’s finest gentlemen discreetly indulging in Marina’sstories alongside their brandy and cigars was unexpectedly amusing.

“Oh, indeed, Your Grace,” Pritchard continued eagerly. “While the ladies openly discuss her work in their drawing rooms, their husbands are quietly just as captivated.” He carefully opened the portfolio and glanced inside. “Please convey my gratitude to Her Grace. Her writing has significantly boosted my humble establishment’s business.”

“I will,” Leo said, feeling a curious pride at this confirmation of Marina’s popularity. “She’ll be delighted to hear it.”

After finishing his business with Pritchard, Leo directed his coachman toward White’s then changed his mind and redirected him to Noah’s townhouse instead. The sudden need for his friend’s particular brand of irreverent honesty was compelling.

Noah’s butler showed him into the study where Crawford lounged with a book and a glass of his favorite claret, looking thoroughly at ease.

“The Duke of Blackmere gracing my humble abode?” Noah closed his book with exaggerated surprise. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit? Surely you haven’t tired of marital bliss already?”

Leo removed his gloves and settled into the chair opposite his friend. “Hardly. I simply found myself in the neighborhood and thought I’d inflict my company on you for an hour.”

“How thoughtful,” Noah said dryly, pouring another glass of wine and sliding it toward Leo. “Though, I must admit, you seem suspiciously content for someone who once claimed marriage was a prison sentence.”

“Perhaps I’ve found that captivity isn’t entirely unpleasant,” Leo countered, a faint smile appearing as he accepted the wine.

Noah regarded him seriously for a moment, his usual teasing manner slipping away. “Honestly, Leo, I haven’t seen you this relaxed since before Felicity.”

The mention of her name struck Leo harder than he’d anticipated, abruptly dispelling his moment of ease. Noah winced slightly, clearly regretting bringing her up.

“Sorry. I know it’s still a sore subject.”

“No, it’s fine,” Leo said automatically, but something cold had settled in his stomach at the comparison. “Marina and I actually talked about Felicity recently.”

Noah’s eyebrows shot upward. “Did you?”

“She deserved to know the truth,” Leo said, swirling the wine in his glass without drinking. “After William and Felicity left, I kept everyone at a distance. Including you.”

“I noticed,” Noah replied dryly. “Though I continued irritating you with my presence anyway.”

Leo smiled despite the disquiet growing within him. “For which I’m grateful even though I neglected to tell you.”

“Good God, you really have changed.” Noah leaned forward, his expression turning serious again. “The Duchess must be quite the influence.”

“She is,” Leo admitted, finally taking a sip of his wine to disguise the sudden tightness in his throat.

There was something disconcerting about Noah’s comparison. Marina was nothing like Felicity. Felicity had been calculating beneath her charm, while Marina was forthright. While Felicity had pursued him in part for his title, Marina had married him reluctantly for protection.

And yet… hadn’t Marina also deceived him initially? Writing stories that exploited his reputation, hiding her true identity? Just when he started to trust her, to feel something beyond physical desire, Noah’s casual words had planted a seed of doubt that found fertile ground in Leo’s old wounds.

Their conversation drifted to safer topics, but the undercurrent of unease remained as Leo finished his wine and took his leave.

“Give my regards to your duchess,” Noah called as Leo departed. “She’s been good for you, Leo. Don’t sabotage it.”

The warning, offered with the brutal honesty of genuine friendship, followed Leo as he returned to his carriage. Noahknew him too well. Knew about his tendency to retreat when emotions threatened to overcome his carefully constructed defenses.

As the carriage made its way through London’s bustling streets, Leo’s mind began wandering toward unsettling comparisons. Marina had changed remarkably in recent weeks, her charm and wit earning her a respected place among society far beyond her former status as merely a countess. The ton had welcomed her warmly, drawn to her intelligence and newfound confidence.

But wasn’t that exactly how things had started with Felicity? Her rise in popularity, the growing circle of admirers, her increasing independence?

Leo shook his head, frustrated with himself for even drawing the comparison. Marina wasn’t Felicity. Their situations couldn’t have been more different.

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