Page 36 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Eleanor touched Serena on the back gently, giving her an apologetic smile.
“I have ordered the treats to be made now,” she said. “I must take my leave, as I have a prior engagement with a friend in town. But please, enjoy yourselves, and do not hesitate to let the staff know if you need anything further.”
Serena’s heart fell a little that Eleanor would not be joining them for tea. But she had her two favorite people in the world with her. It would be a welcome distraction from her swirlingthoughts and the overwhelming whirlwind of the ball planning. She quickly embraced her mother-in-law, putting her lips close to her ear.
“Thank you for everything, Eleanor,” she said.
The dowager pulled away, kissing her on the cheek.
“It’s my pleasure, darling,” she said.
With that, Eleanor excused herself, vanishing from the room. Olivia and Imogen seated themselves on either side of Serena just as the trays of refreshments arrived. When the servants left, Olivia was looking at Serena with astonished smugness.
“Look who has earned the approval of a certain dowager duchess,” she said with a giggle.
Imogen nodded, looking quite impressed.
“I dare say this is a drastic change from what we observed at the wedding,” she said.
Serena nodded eagerly, filling them in on their plans for the ball. She had not yet had time to send their invitations, as the guest list was not yet compiled. She had planned to do that the following day. But with them there, she was able to invite them personally.
Naturally, both women were delighted to accept. Olivia hugged her again, squeezing her tightly.
“I can still hardly believe that my dearest friend is a duchess,” she said, releasing Serena and clapping her hands excitedly.
Imogen smiled with tears shining in her eyes.
“I am so proud of you, darling,” she said.
Olivia grinned, clapping her hands together and wagging her eyebrows at Serena.
“And what of the mysterious duke?” she asked. “Have you, perhaps, so enthralled him, as well?”
Serena giggled, covering her mouth to control the laughter.Olivia and Imogen exchanged pleasantly surprised looks, and Olivia spoke again.
“Oh, heavens,” she said with a sly wink. “That is the laughter of a happy wife, if ever I have heard one.”
Serena waved her friend away, trying to catch her breath. Her merriment caught her by surprise, as well, and it took her a moment to speak again.
“You are incorrigible, Liv,” she said. “Rowan and I had a very stimulating conversation just a couple of days ago. It seems that all is not lost when it comes to finding common ground with the two of us, and I have found that he is very enjoyable company.”
The other two women’s eyes widened, and Imogen took Serena’s hands.
“You must tell us everything, my dear,” she said.
With another laugh, Serena told them about the hours they had spent in the library discussing literature. She explained how she had witnessed her husband go from tense and withdrawn to almost boyish and childlike as he talked about his favorite characters and stories. She even told them about how reluctant he had been to leave the discussion when his man of affairs had arrived, and his request to continue the discussion another time. Olivia was listening, even more intently than Imogen, her eyes sparkling with happiness for her dear friend.
“Oh, darling, you simply must continue to foster that bond,” she said. “True love takes time and patience. And it seems that Rowan might be willing to consider opening up to you.”
Serena sighed dreamily, recalling the sheer joy she felt as the hours passed in the library with her husband.
“I certainly hope so,” she said. “I would take great delight in conversing with him in that manner every day.”
Oliva nodded, her expression sage and warm.
“Be understanding of his guarded nature, now that he’s shown you this part of him,” she said. “His walls might be theresult of some past wounds that he has yet to resolve. It might take time, and a great deal of trust, but I am sure that he could come around to fully opening up to you.”
Imogen nodded, her wisdom apparent on her face.
