Page 56 of Her Lion of a Duke
Cecilia found him easier to handle as time went on. Or rather, she found it easier to ignore his comments. It helped that Leonard did not leave her alone with him again and that he insisted they fill their days with activities so that there was little time for idle chat.
If anything, she noted that Leonard was trying to keep his cousin away from her.
“Would you like to visit Emma today?” he suggested at breakfast the day Lord Renshaw was set to leave. “It has been a while since you last saw one another.”
“I could pay her a visit. Why do you ask?”
They were eating alone together, and he was speaking in a hushed tone that suggested he did not want to be overheard.
“I wish to speak with my cousin, and I want to do so alone.”
“I see. Have I done something wrong?”
“Not at all. I will explain once he is gone. In the meantime, it would be best if you find something to occupy yourself with.”
Cecilia agreed without questioning him any further. She had always trusted him, but since they got married, her trust in him had only grown stronger.
He had never led her astray before, and so even though she was confused, she did not feel the need to argue.Besides, there was something she had been meaning to do.
She had received a letter from her parents, but she had not yet opened it. She knew that she would not find anything unkind, but that only made her feel more guilty. She had ignored them for too long, and they did not deserve it, even though they had sent her away to avoid handling her during the social season.
After her meal, she sat at her desk, holding the sealed letter with trembling hands. The thought of reading it frightened her more than it should have, but she had to do it.
Trying not to think too much about it, she tore it open and read it.
My dearest Cecilia,
Cecilia Kingsman. I cannot believe it. It has always been my hope that you would find a gentleman who loved you for who you are, but I had never once considered that you would find that in the Duke of Pridefield. You know how your father and I have always been fond of him, but he never seemed the marrying sort. Then again, I suppose you were not either.
I wish that we had known about your wedding. I would have loved to see you in your wedding gown, but your aunt has explained that there would not have been enough time for us to arrive, and we are to blame for that.
We never should have sent you away to London, not when you needed us. I will never forgive myself for that, especially knowing that I missed your biggest moment.
You are more than welcome to visit us anytime. You know where we are. His Grace may come too, though we have never lived with the means of a duke. I hope that you are settling into your role well, but you can tell me all about it when I next see you. I am so proud of you, Cecilia. I always have been.
With love,
Mama.
Cecilia felt a tear roll down her cheek. It was a brief letter, but it conveyed everything she needed to hear.
Her parents were not angry with her, and there had been no mention of her not writing to them. They were proud of her—the one thing she had never expected.
Her mind was made up. She would have to visit Emma another time.
“I will be away for a few days,” she told Leonard when she saw him. “Will you be all right with your cousin?”
“He leaves this evening. I am certain that I can handle his behavior until then. Are you going to stay with the Luptons?”
“No, I am going to stay with the Puntons,” she replied, smiling softly.
Leonard’s eyes widened, and he grinned at her.“You have read your parents’ letter at last?”
“Indeed. They say that we may visit them whenever we please. I am going to leave very soon. I have so much to tell them, and with everything that has happened, I think it might be best to stay for a short while.”
“As do I,” he agreed. “I will join you once my business is concluded here. Will tomorrow do?”
“You need not come straight away. If you need some time alone after your cousin’s visit?—”
