Page 32 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
“Very well,” she said, matching his tone. “The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne, A Sicilian Romance, The Romance of the Forest, The Mysteries of Udolpho, and The Italian.” She paused, deciding to add a little extra to her husband’s recitation request. “And they were published in 1789, 1790, 1791, 1794 and 1797, respectively.”
Rowan’s jaw fell open, and he gaped at her in awe. It took him a moment to speak, but when he did, his cheeks were pink and his smirk was one of silent adulation.
“Well done, Serena,” he said. “You went above and beyond impressing me just now.”
Serena dipped her head in a playfully humble bow, but inside she was rejoicing.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with a grin. “Jane Austen was my first literature experience, beyond the children’s stories that my governess used to tutor me.”
Rowan raised his eyebrows in genuine interest.
“Oh?” he asked.
She laughed, recalling the first time she had read an Austen classic.
“Indeed,” she said. “Sense and Sensibility, it was. I was only quite young, I believe. And when I found the book, I thought that the words meant the same thing. I was very confused when I first read through the book. I had many questions for my father, and he took great amusement in my perplexity.”
Rowan’s laugh bellowed throughout the library, heating Serena’s blood as well as her cheeks. It was a sound that was sweeter than all the music she had ever heard. She knew that she would do anything to hear more of it.
“That is quite precious,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “And did you enjoy the book more once you madeaccurate sense of the title?”
Serena laughed once again at his little pun, but she nodded.
“I’ll have you know that I did,” she said. “Today, it is still among my favourite novels.”
Rowan nodded, wiping at his eye.
“I imagine it is,” he said with a wink.
They continued to talk, losing track of time as they discussed Ann Radcliffe and other authors, then circling back to Lord Byron. The library became a sort of sanctuary for the two of them, where they could forget about the world and the weight of duties and expectations and simply enjoy each other’s company. Serena marveled at the change in Rowan, and how much more open and relaxed he was in those moments. And the more he laughed and challenged her, the more attracted she became to the new facet of his personality. The budding hope in her soul grew, and she prayed their bond could continue to grow.
