Page 60 of Her Lion of a Duke
She was a woman, and despite his cousin trying to plant doubt in his mind, he knew that he could handle that. He liked that she had spirit and a mind of her own. He always had.
That was what he missed about her. The manor felt empty without her, and although he was aware of the strain between Cecilia and her parents, there was no doubt in his mind that he would be happier in a new place with her than he would have been at home without her.
He had fallen for her, which was proving to be dangerous, but he could not bring himself to care.
However, it meant that he could no longer keep his secret from her.
He had to tell her about the investigation. She would be angry with him, as he had always expected, but she would understand. He did not have a choice, and she would accept his reason.
He arrived at Punton Manor and walked up to the door with as much confidence as he could. He had not seen her father in months, and her mother in over a year. He did not know how they would react to seeing him, nor what they would think about him marrying their daughter without so much as asking for permission.
“Your Grace!” Lady Punton exclaimed, dashing toward him. “We are so pleased that you have arrived!”
He wondered what he had been so concerned about.
The Puntons were good people, and as he dined with them, he asked himself why he had ever doubted that. He was welcomed with open arms, and Cecilia sat beside him with a warm smile.
“I have missed you,” she whispered.
“As have I,” he admitted. “Mercifully, we will not be bothered by Renshaw again for a while.”
“Did he at least leave gracefully?”
“Not quite.” He chuckled. “But I had expected as much. That is why I am pleased that you were not there to witness it.”
“Cecilia tells me that your cousin was visiting, Your Grace,” Lord Punton said. “Lord Renshaw, yes?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I will not pretend to enjoy his company.”
“Nor will I. Not seeing him this year was a blessing, for he has never spoken about anything of importance.”
“Only his gambling, yes,” Leonard sighed. “Unless he has not been on a winning streak. If that is the case, he hardly says a word.”
The two gentlemen laughed, and Leonard noticed that Lady Punton’s cheeks had reddened. She was more proper than herdaughter, very different, even though she looked so much like her.
“Is there more family that you plan to visit?” Lord Punton asked. “Cecilia has a few cousins, if you wish to see them.”
“I believe we shall stay here for a short while, then return home,” Cecilia replied. “That is, if we can make Brutus leave.”
They all turned to look at Brutus, who was asleep by the fireplace with a large bone between his paws, his head resting on it. Leonard shook his head in disbelief, and Cecilia giggled beside him.
“He has certainly made himself at home,” Lord Punton remarked. “Will he go to be with you?”
“If that is what you would prefer, but he tends to sleep where he likes.”
“He may stay there, then.”
When they retired to the parlor for drinks, however, Brutus woke up and followed Cecilia. Leonard smiled, not jealous that his dog seemed to like his wife more. When they retired for the night, Brutus did the same, following Cecilia to her bedchambers.
She paused at the door and turned to Leonard in surprise.
“Do you wish to take him?” she asked. “He is yours, after all.”
“He isours,” he corrected her. “He likes you, so it is no issue if he wishes to guard you.”
“Then I am the most protected lady in England.” She smiled. “Good night.”
He hoped that she also considered him as her protector.
