Page 96 of His Scarred Duchess
For a moment, they simply looked at each other, marveling at the journey that had brought them to this point. From strangers thrust into an arranged marriage to true partners, bound by love, trust, and passion.
Edmund’s thumb brushed across her cheekbone, lingering on the scar that had once caused her so much pain. “Do you remember,” he asked softly, “when I told you that your scars were badges of honor?”
Adeline nodded, leaning into his touch.
“I meant it then, and I mean it even more now,” he continued. “Every mark, every experience that has shaped you, they’ve all led you to me. And I am grateful for each one.”
Adeline felt tears spill down her cheeks, overwhelmed by the depth of his love. “Oh, Edmund,” she breathed. “When I agreed to this marriage, I never dreamed… I never dared to hope for this.”
He pulled her closer if that was even possible. “Nor did I, my love. But you’ve awakened parts of me I thought long dead. You’ve given me a reason to believe in love again.”
Adeline pressed a soft kiss to his chest, right over his heart. “And you’ve shown me what it truly means to be loved, scars and all.”
As they lay there, entwined in the quiet darkness, Adeline marveled at how far they’d come. From a marriage ofconvenience, born of duty and arrangement, to this—a union of souls, forged in understanding, respect, and the deepest love.
“I love you, Edmund,” she murmured, sleep beginning to tug at her consciousness. “More than I ever thought possible.”
“And I love you, Adeline,” he replied, his arms tightening around her protectively. “Now and always.”
As they drifted off to sleep, still wrapped in each other’s arms, both knew with absolute certainty that they had found their true home.
Not in Holbrook Manor or any other place, but in each other’s hearts.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Adeline, my dear, you’re positively radiant!” Lady Sutton exclaimed, fanning herself as she approached. “Marriage clearly agrees with you.”
Adeline smiled, her hand unconsciously smoothing down her gown. “Thank you, Lady Sutton. I must say, I’ve never been happier.”
As Lady Sutton moved on to greet other guests, Adeline felt a familiar presence at her back.
Edmund’s hand came to rest on the small of her back, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Having fun, my love?”
Adeline leaned into him, relishing his warmth. “More than I expected, actually. It’s quite different, attending these events as a duchess rather than a wallflower.”
Edmund chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “You were never a wallflower, Adeline. Just surrounded by fools who couldn’t see your true worth.”
“Flatterer,” Adeline teased, turning in his arms to face him. “Though I must admit, your particular brand of flattery is much more enjoyable than Lady Beatrice’s thinly veiled insults.”
As if summoned by her name, Lady Beatrice appeared, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the affectionate couple.
“Your Graces,” she simpered, dipping into a curtsy. “How wonderful to see you both. Duchess, I must say, that gown is absolutely stunning on you. Such a becoming color.”
Adeline blinked, momentarily taken aback by the genuine compliment from a woman who had once been one of her harshest critics.
“Thank you, Lady Beatrice. That’s very kind of you.”
Lady Beatrice leaned in conspiratorially. “Between us, Your Grace, I do believe you have set the fashion for the Season. I’ve seen at least three young ladies trying to emulate your style today.”
As Lady Beatrice moved on, Adeline turned to Edmund with a bemused expression. “Did that really just happen?”
Edmund grinned, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Indeed, it did, my love. Though I can’t say I’m surprised. You’ve always been worthy of admiration, even if some were too blind to see it before.”
Their conversation was interrupted by an excited squeal.
“Adeline! Edmund! Oh, do come quickly, I have the most wonderful news!”
