Page 92 of His Scarred Duchess
“Edmund!” she gasped, half-scandalized and half-thrilled.
He pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire. “Too much?” he asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice.
In response, Adeline did something she never thought she’d have the courage to do in public. She grabbed the lapels of his coat and pulled him down, crushing her lips to his.
For a moment, Edmund froze in surprise. Then, with a low groan, he responded, one hand tangling in her hair while the other wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
The kiss was everything Adeline had dreamed of and more. It was passion and tenderness, apology and forgiveness, all wrapped up in the heady rush of lips and tongues and shared breaths. She poured all her longing, all her love into the kiss, and felt Edmund respond in kind.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, she was vaguely aware of the shocked gasps and whispers from the park-goers around them. But she couldn’t bring herself to care. All that mattered was Edmund, the love shining in his eyes, the way he held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
“Well,” came Lady Gillingham’s amused voice, breaking through their bubble of bliss, “I suppose that settles that, doesn’t it?”
Adeline turned around, still wrapped in Edmund’s arms, to see her grandmother and sister watching them with matching grins. She felt a blush creep up her neck but couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face.
“I suppose it does,” she agreed, leaning into Edmund’s embrace.
Edmund pressed a kiss to her temple, then gave Lady Gillingham a formal bow. “My lady, I hope I can count on your blessing to take my Duchess back home? I know I’ve made mistakes, but I swear to you, I will spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
Lady Gillingham’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Oh, I don’t know. What do you think, Isabella? Should we make him grovel a bit more?”
Isabella, who had been watching the scene unfold with starry eyes, shook her head emphatically. “Oh, please say yes, Grandmama! It’s all so romantic!”
“Very well,” Lady Gillingham sighed dramatically, though her smile belied her stern tone. “I suppose we can give you our blessing. But mark my words, young man, if you ever hurt my granddaughter again…”
“You’ll have my full permission to thrash me within an inch of my life,” Edmund finished solemnly.
Adeline couldn’t help but laugh, joy bubbling up inside her. “I think that can be arranged,” she teased, reaching up to smooth a lock of hair from his forehead.
As they made their way out of the park, her hand firmly clasped in his, she felt as though she were walking on air. There was still much to discuss, wounds to heal and trust to rebuild. But for the first time in what felt like forever, Adeline was filled with hope for the future.
A future with Edmund by her side, loving her, supporting her. A future where her scars were badges of honor rather than marks of shame. A future filled with laughter, and love, and yes, perhaps a few more scandals along the way.
As they reached their carriage, Edmund helped her in, then paused before joining her.
“Adeline,” he said softly, his eyes intense. “I love you, more than I ever thought possible.”
Adeline’s heart soared. “I love you too, Edmund,” she replied, her voice steady and sure. “Now and always.”
With one last passionate kiss that set theton’stongues wagging for weeks to come, they settled into their seats.
As husband and wife, as partners, as two halves of a whole that had finally, beautifully, come together.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Adeline, my dear, are you quite sure you’re ready for this?” Lady Gillingham’s concerned voice broke through Adeline’s reverie as their carriage approached her townhouse.
Adeline took a deep breath, squeezing Edmund’s hand where it rested on her knee. They had barely spent a moment apart since reconciling a week ago. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Grandmama. It’s time we faced Father once and for all.”
As they descended from the carriage, Adeline’s stomach churned with anticipation and dread.
What if he hasn’t changed? What if this is all for nothing?
She pushed the doubts aside, straightening her spine as Edmund offered her his arm.
The door swung open, revealing Isabella’s excited face. “Oh, thank goodness you’re here! Father’s just arrived, and he’s in a frightful mood.”
Adeline felt Edmund tense up beside her. “Perhaps I should speak with him alone first,” he suggested, his tone protective.
