Page 41 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Throughout dinner, Serena observed the easy rapport between the couple. Every interaction, every hand brush and word spoken in unison displaying more of the doting affection they had for one another.
“Harry has been so thoughtful, Mother,” Louisa said, interrupting Serena’s thoughts. “He has a red rose picked for me every single day since we found out that I am with child. And he ensures that the kitchen staff prepares any foods that I am craving, even if he does not like them.”
Harry blushed, but his smile widened.
“I would do anything for my wife and child,” he said. “The two of you are my entire world, and there is nothing that makes me happier than to please you both.”
Louisa laughed, patting her husband’s hand.
“If you are not careful, you will have this child spoiled to no end,” she said.
Harry puffed out his chest, his grin widening further still.
“If I am lucky,” he said.
Serena sighed softly to herself at the display of support between the pair. They understood each other seemingly without words much of the time, and there was no question of their devotion to one another. It was the kind of relationship she longed to have with Rowan. She wanted a deep connection built on trust, love and the same understanding that Louisa and Harry shared.
As the third course of the meal was served, Louisa turned to Serena and smiled.
“How are you faring in your new role as duchess?” she asked. “You certainly look as radiant as ever. It would seem your status agrees with you.”
Serena blushed, shrugging sheepishly.
“Eleanor has been a blessing in teaching me the things I must know,” she said. “I believe I would be utterly lost without her guidance.”
Louisa smiled fondly at her mother and nodded.
“Mother is an excellent teacher,” she said. “She raised me well enough that I was able to find a husband such as Harry. I always dreamed of having a family of my own. And like you, without Mother’s guidance, I do not believe I would have earned such fortune.”
Serena smiled. She, too, had long dreamed of having a husband who she adored, who adored her in return, and of having children of her own. Just days prior, her heart would have been saddened with the certainty that she was never destined for those things. But after her recent conversations with Rowan and the delicate but clear bond they were forming with one another, she thought there might be hope for a family, as well as a loving marriage.
Moreover, she could see a kindred spirit in Louisa, a womanwho found having a family as important as she did. She was thrilled more than ever to have inherited such a wonderful sisterly figure in whom she was sure she could confide.
“You are very fortunate, indeed,” she said, smiling fondly at Louisa. “And I cannot think of anyone more deserving than you.”
Louisa blushed, waving her hand humbly.
“Oh, darling, you are too kind,” she said. “And I want you to know that you can talk to me any time. I know that with your new title, as well as a new marriage, you must feel overwhelmed. I understand what that is like, and I would be happy to mentor you, or just offer you sympathy, or perhaps a little tea and gossip, whenever you need.”
Serena laughed as her sister-in-law gave her a conspiratorial wink.
“That is most gracious of you, Louisa,” she said. “I am grateful for the offer.”
But despite the lighthearted conversation and the feeling of belonging and acceptance that was rapidly settling upon Serena, her mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the secrets that seemed to surround her marriage. She did not know if Louisa knew, although she felt that the pregnant woman must have some idea, since she was Rowan’s sister.
She longed to have a moment alone with her husband to continue the progress they had made in the library and to begin breaking through the walls he had built around his heart. And as she watched Louisa and Harry and the happiness they had created in their home, her resolve to get to the truth only grew stronger.
