Page 13 of Her Lion of a Duke
He left to break his fast then.
To his surprise, she accompanied him that morning. She did not seem pleased about it, but at least she was willing.
“How was your tour?” he asked.
“Long,” she sighed, biting into an apple. “It was as you said; things are not as they were before.”
“And what of us?” he asked. “Are we as we were before?”
“I would like to think so. Then again, we are married now. Some things will undoubtedly change.”
“And are you happy for that to happen?”
“Leonard, yesterday was very strange. It lasted an eternity. I am tired.”
“I understand, but I wish to ensure that we have an understanding before we have spent too much time here.”
“Very well.” She nodded. “I am prepared for whatever changes will come, and I am happy that the matter is settled. I never expected to find a husband, but of all the men in London, you are the least awful. In that sense, if I must be the wife of someone, I am pleased that it is you.”
She looked at him firmly, and he knew he would not receive much more from her.
He cleared his throat, nodding.
“It appears that we are of the same mind,” he offered. “I was not in want of a wife, but as I must have one anyway, I am pleased that my wife is at least a friend.”
They sat in silence for a moment, Cecilia stabbing her fork into a sausage and eating it quickly.
“How is your cousin feeling? I suppose your aunt is pleased that she only has one lady to find a match for.”
“My aunt is more than pleased. Clara is unnerved. She has not told me in so many words, but I know my cousin. She does not want to do all of this alone, and now that we are here, she has no other choice. Beatrice will be there to watch over her, but it is not the same as having someone with you at all times.”
“And what of Lady Beatrice? She may not be a friend as you are, but I have no issues with her.”
“She will do as she has always done, I assume. She will hover on the periphery of ballrooms, too afraid to speak to any gentlemen. I hope that one day, she finds a way to bake for a gentleman, for he would fall for her at once.”
Leonard could not help but smile at the thought. Lady Beatrice was a kind young lady, and she deserved someone like her. He wondered if he was a good match for his wife, as they were not too different.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said suddenly. “It should arrive soon.”
“I do not need a gift,” Cecilia said firmly, though the corner of her lips quirked up.
“Consider it a wedding present. I did not purchase anything for you, and it is only fair.”
She did not ask anything further, but she seemed more at ease. He wondered why she had changed so suddenly, but he did notwant to ask her and ruin things when she was at last smiling again.
That afternoon, the wedding present arrived. It was something that Leonard had brought to the manor from his London townhouse. He would have had it brought the day before, but he wanted to ensure that Cecilia had settled beforehand.
She paled when she saw the chestnut-brown bundle stumble out of the carriage and charge toward them.
Brutus was the one thing that brought Leonard joy when he was alone. He was a beautiful dog, but he knew who his master was and did not tend to listen to anyone but him.
The footman watched on, confused as to what had just happened. Leonard laughed, but when he turned to his wife, she was as white as a sheet.
“Brutus, stop,” he said firmly before the dog could leap up onto her skirts.
Brutus sat at once, mouth open and tongue out, panting excitedly. Cecilia’s breathing was ragged, and she watched him with wide eyes.
“I am not so fond of dogs,” she admitted quietly.
