Page 100 of If the Duke Dares
“When I saw the announcement in the newspaper about your fake betrothal, I was livid.” His gaze turned sheepish. “I couldn’t stop myself from going to see them and demanding they leave you and Pandora alone. I’m afraid it’s something my father would have done.” He grimaced.
“And that’s when you told them that if you married anyone, it would be me?”
“They’d suggested I bow to the gossip about me and your sister and wed Pandora.” He shuddered. “I’d already begun to think of her in a rather sisterly fashion. Can you imagine? I could not, however, tell your parents that, so I gave them the truth. Which is that I would marry you—if you would have me. I just didn’t think you would.”
“I was a fool to stop you from proposing. I didn’t think I could fall for a rogue as my sister did, nor did I want to. I couldn’t see how that would end in anything but heartbreak, because I was convinced a rogue could never change. I’d failed to fully acknowledge that you are not the rogue that Bane is.” She gave him a faux serious stare. “There are rogues and there arerogues.”
Acton laughed. “I’m delighted to hear that my rogue status is not as egregious. I shall endeavor to continue on that path. He kissed her again, and Persephone surrendered for a moment before dragging herself away. “We need to get back.”
“Yes,” he said with great disappointment. “But I will find a way to see you later.”
On her way to the door, she looked back at him over her shoulder with a sultry smile. “You know how to find the scullery at my aunt’s house.”
“I do,” he said, moving to open the door for her.
She paused, turning toward him. “But tonight, I’ll show you how to get to my chamber. My bed is far more comfortable. Not to mention larger.”
His eyes glowed with promise. “I can hardly wait.”
Epilogue
Acton drew his wife close as they snuggled into their new bed together, the day’s excitement behind them. They’d married that morning and enjoyed a wonderful wedding breakfast hosted by her Aunt Lucinda, which was just ten doors down from the house that Acton had leased in the Crescent for the remainder of the Season, which was now in full swing.
They wouldn’t be here the entire time, of course, because he’d have to go to London once Parliament was in session. He and Persey had already discussed their intent to avoid Cousin Harold at all costs. However, Acton had promised to meet with him regarding Parliamentary business as a means to smooth things over after the broken engagement that hadn’t even really been an engagement.
“You’re sure you’re looking forward to London?” he asked his new wife. Persey said she was excited to see London for the first time, especially with him, but he knew she’d been through a great many changes of late. She was no longer associated with her parents, as evidenced by the scant number of words they’d exchanged after this morning’s ceremony at the abbey. And they had not been invited to the breakfast that followed.
Persey had expected them to complain about not being included, but what she didn’t know was that Acton had paid them to leave Persey—and Pandora—alone. He’d settled their debts and informed them that there wouldn’t be any more financial assistance. Ever. He’d also advised them to keep to themselves for a while, that their meddling and deception had not endeared them to anyone.
Time would tell if they would listen.
“I would look forward to rowing to America if it means I’m with you,” she said sweetly, kissing his neck.
Acton laughed. “That sounds abominable.”
She snorted. “Doesn’t it?”
How he loved her snort. He’d learned that very day that it was snorting that had brought Persey and her dear friend Lady Minerva together. Acton had discovered many things about his bride in the past few weeks, namely that she had a delightful group of friends that included Shefford’s sister, Minerva, Somerton’s cousin, Tamsin, with whom Pandora had departed following the breakfast, and several others. Pandora had stitched something called Rogue Rules, but Acton hadn’t had a chance to look at it closely.
“What was that Pandora stitched for you?” he asked. “I thought I saw the words ‘Rogue Rules’?”
He was rewarded with another snort. “It is my favorite gift, if I’m being honest. After Bane was seen compromising Pandora, we all came up with a list of rules for rogues. How to avoid falling for their wicked charms, that sort of thing.”
“I see. Were they useful to you?”
“Clearly not,” she said with a laugh. “Since I find myself married to one!” Persey sobered. “They are still important. Too many young ladies have fallen prey to men who think they are above reproach or consequence.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said sincerely. “I will do everything I can, as a reformed rogue, to further your cause.”
“I don’t know that we have acause. But I do think you serve as proof that a roguecanchange and that for some, the rules may be broken.” She seemed to think a moment, her brow creased. “On second thought, Pandora might have a cause. She has said on more than one occasion that she will help other young ladies avoid the trap she fell into.”
“I will miss Pandora,” Acton said, stroking Persey’s shoulder. “Do you think she will consider joining us in London for the Season? Your aunt seemed to greatly favor the idea.”
Persey exhaled. “I doubt it. And not because she’s concerned about people shunning her. She simply has no desire to consider marriage. I did try to persuade her to come for a fortnight, just to visit and see the sights. But I am not sure she’ll want to. She does plan to spend August in Weston as we have done the past several years.” She tilted her head to look at him. “Will you mind terribly if I go for a week or two?”
“Not at all. I adore Weston. I will lease a cottage, if that suits you.”
“That would be splendid.” Her gaze turned serious. “However, you mustn’t interrupt my time with my friends. This sojourn together is very important to us.”
