Page 18 of Her Lion of a Duke
“We could go another time if you wish,” he said gently, “but I would like for you to meet them all, and for them to meet you. Mrs. Herrington tells me that they await your arrival.”
“Well, if that is what they want,” she relented, suddenly shy, “I suppose it is only right that I do my duty.”
As Leonard dressed to leave, he noticed that Henry did not make an appearance. He smiled to himself, wondering if that meant he was improving. For a moment, he considered telling his wife about his visions, but then he shook the thought out of his mind. There was nothing to be gained by doing so, and it presented far too great a risk.
He did not dare tell Cecilia that he was mad.
He waited for her at the door, and when she appeared, his breath caught in his throat. It was only a gown for an outing, nothing too elaborate, but it was a beautiful shade of green that suited her perfectly. He also liked the way she had left a ringlet loose.
She was a beautiful lady, he had always known that, but it was the first time he truly allowed himself to see her that way.
“Will they like me?” she asked, and he could hear the nervousness in her voice.
“Of course they will. Why would they not?”
“I suppose I will always remember who I was in London. That young lady was not particularly likable.”
“Of course you were, and you are now. You were admired, even.”
They left for the carriage, and she turned to look up at him with a wry smile.
Leonard knew that he had said nothing but the truth, as he himself had admired her for years, but he knew it was more than that. The ton saw her as a devilish and willful lady, one who did not respect many people, but in a strange way, they also respected her.
She was only perceived that way because she did not conform to what they wanted her to be, and though that angered most of them, it gave them something to watch.
Perhaps they saw their wedding as a triumph of sorts. The lady determined to be a spinster had ultimately decided to bend.
He watched her as they traveled, her hands folded in her lap, but he saw through it. She was trembling slightly. Instinctively, he reached out to cover her hands with his own. Her head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock, and he realized what he had done.
“I-I do not want you to be ill at ease. If it is too soon, we do not need to go.”
“No, it will be fine. I am rather nervous about what is to come, but I know that all will be well. I know how to be, after all. I simply have todoit.”
They arrived in the village, and Leonard stepped out first. He offered his hand, and when she took it, he was surprised by the warmth he felt. It was but a fleeting moment, and seconds later, she was on his arm and they were making their way to the bustling streets. But her touch lingered.
They were quickly spotted by the villagers, and at once they were swarmed. Leonard stepped back and watched as his wife introduced herself, appreciating the way she gave each villager their own moment to talk about themselves.
Soon, her shoulders relaxed and she was talking animatedly. The villagers seemed to like her a great deal, and when Cecilia turned to acknowledge him, she was smiling brightly.
A short while later, they continued on their way. She had tightened her hold on him, not out of fear but in excitement. They reached the market stalls, but just as she was about toperuse the first one, a young boy appeared out of nowhere, knocking into her.
Cecilia stumbled, unaware of what had just happened to her. She looked around frantically, only to see the child on the floor in a daze.
Leonard wondered if she would scold the boy, warning him to be careful. But of course, she did not. Instead, she quickly smoothed her dress and helped the child to his feet. He seemed rather frightened of her, but she smiled softly at him, which put him at ease.
“My word, what happened?” she asked gently.
“I was chasing my hoop,” he explained. “I was trying to throw it like my brother, but I did it too quickly, and I did not want anyone to trip over it.”
“Well, you certainly prevented that. Now, all you must do is make it so that nobody trips overyou.”
The little boy laughed, earning a few glances from the villagers nearby. They were of approval, and though Cecilia would not have noticed them, Leonard was pleased that he had been correct in his assumption. She was a good lady, and it showed.
“I am sorry, Your Grace,” the boy said quietly, turning to Leonard.
“Accidents happen,” Cecilia assured him. “I would rather you knock into me than some young girl or a frail older lady. Then, you might have truly been in trouble. Fortunately, it was only me.”
The boy laughed, and Cecilia helped him find his hoop and sent him on his way. She was yet to stop smiling.
