Page 18 of The Duke and the Hellion Bride

A very strange moment. A revealing one, at that. Diana hadn’t known what to expect from this marriage but thanks to the duke’s little visit, she felt that she had a better idea than she had previously. At least she thought that she did, for surely what had just occurred could mean only one thing?

Regardless, she was ready to marry now in a way she had not been even five minutes ago. A marriage of convenience? Or could it be something more?

ChapterSeven

“Welcome to your new home,” the duke said as he opened the front door for Diana and stepped back, allowing her to walk ahead so she might see the inside of the manor for the first time.

It was a strange feeling that pulsed through her body as she prepared herself. Stepping into a new world was how it seemed, while still not entirely certain that she had left the old one behind.

The wedding ceremony had been brisk and functional. A slight disappointment, seeing as after the talk she and the duke had before it began, she had expected it to be a little more romantic. A sense that despite the ‘convenient’ nature of the marriage, he was going to at least try and put on airs that this marriage was real. Or had she completely misunderstood what he had been trying to say to her?

There was no after ceremony celebration either. Often, it took the form of a breakfast hosted between family and friends. But the duke had insisted that they return home immediately, as his nieces would be waiting, and he did not want to leave them alone any longer than what was needed.

Little conversation had on the ride from the church too. A tension hovered between them, neither seeming sure what to say. His Grace did seem nervous, but not regarding her or them. Most likely, he was thinking about this moment right here, Diana and the two girls she was expected to raise.

It was thus that Diana did her best to appear calm as she smiled at her husband and stepped through the large doors and into the manor, bracing for... truthfully, she had no idea what!

“Uncle!” she heard a cry the moment she was inside.

“Uncle!” came another from behind.

It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the setting, all she could make out was the grandeur of the manor. Typical, for she had been in many a home like this before. A gigantic foyer. A winding staircase. Marble flooring. Rich tapestries on the walls. A decorative chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Everything expected from the home of a duke.

Through the haze of her adjusting sight, two figures rushed toward her. She gasped, expecting them to come upon her like wild animals on a freshly lain carcass. But they skirted her, she stumbled back in shock and nearly fell, and then she heard her new husband let out a grunt as they smacked into him.

“Careful now,” the duke said with cheer. “What did I tell the two of you?”

“You tell us a lot of things,” one of them said; Diana couldn’t tell which as she was still catching her balance.

“To be on our best behavior,” the other said. “But you did not tell us what that means.”

“Adeline...” the duke groaned. “You know very well.”

“It is not our fault, Uncle.” Steady now, Diana was able to see the two girls more clearly. They were eight and ten, she had been told, almost twins to look at, with the only noticeable difference being their size. “We are bored – you promised you would not be gone for so long.” That was the eldest speaking... complaining, more like.

“Excuse me?” the duke said, his tone firm and warning.

“You promised you would be home before midday,” the youngest of the two agreed. “You lied.”

“I did not such thing.”

“You did! You did!” the eldest cried. “You lied!”

Despite herself, Diana could not keep from laughing. The two little girls hung from their uncle’s legs, clutching at him as if to let go would see them fall. But they were rowdy and brave, happy to chastise him in a way that skirted the lines of playfulness and geared toward abrasive.

In a strange way, they reminded Diana of herself.

The duke looked up when he heard her laughter. His brow creased as if to warn her off amusement. “And this is how you behave when we have guests, is it?” he asked the two girls.

“Is that what I am?” Diana said. The youngest of the girls looked at her and she winked back. “A guest?”

The duke peeled himself free from his nieces and stepped about them, making his way to Diana. Her breath caught as he approached, and for a second she thought he was going to put his arm around her. Maybe take her by the hand. Indeed, the thought alone had her body tingling...

But no. He simply stepped in beside her, careful it seemed not to get too close. There was certainly no touching.

“Josephine. Adeline. This is...” He caught himself and smiled. “This is my wife, Her Grace, Lady Albury.”

“You may call me Diana,” Diana corrected with a big smile for the two girls. She had little experience with children, but she sensed that she might like these two. Again, it was the rebellious nature she could see in them both, one she felt a kinship with. “Her Grace is a little formal, don’t you think?”

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