Page 27 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“First, I swear that I will always protect you and your children. Those who harm you or seek to do you harm will face the full force of my wrath.”
Tobias thought of everything she had said, the way her late husband had let her down.
You deserved better.
“Though our marriage is one of obligation, I vow that my support is unconditional. No matter what happens between you and me, you will be safe. You will always have enough money, a roof over your head, and anything else you and your children will ever need.”
He felt her fingers tremble between his, and he squeezed them gently.
“As your husband, your problems are mine. If it is in my power to solve them, then I will do so. On this hallowed ground, and on my honor as man, colonel, and duke, I swear these things to you. I make them without obligation, without agenda. They are my gift to you, should you accept me as your husband.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, and his eyes flicked from the movement back to her face. She closed her eyes, a crease forming on her brow. A gentle breeze drifted between them as she opened her eyes.
They were red-rimmed, but were full of a light that had not been there moments ago. It was determination and something else that Tobias could not name.
“I do.” Rowen let out a long breath. “I, Lady Rowen Berrymore, the Dowager Countess of Irving, make these vows to you, Colonel Tobias Rothwell, Duke of Erindale. I shall not be a burden on you. I will be of use to you, as I have no wish to take without giving what skills I have in return.”
Tobias wanted to interject, to tell her that she was not a burden and that he did not need her to be useful, but he stopped himself. He could tell that this was important to her. Yet his thoughts must have shown on his face, for she smiled and squeezed his hands.
“You may not need me to be useful, nor demand it, yet this promise is mine to make. I have a few things in this world to gift, and what skills I have are at your disposal. I vow that I will be helpful, that I will be an asset, and that I will add more than I take. I also swear to be less combative.” She gave him an impish smile and added, “Or at the very least, I will try to be. These vows are our truths, and as such, I have no wish to promise something I cannot deliver. Consider this a fresh start. Let us aim for a more cordial relationship and proceed as allies, rather than adversaries.”
“I like the sound of that.” Tobias smiled.
“So do I.” Rowen smiled back, and he felt a warmth spread across his chest. “I make these vows as your wife, as a woman, a mother, a dowager countess, and a future duchess. On this hallowed ground, I swear to honor them until the day I die. These vows are made without obligation or agenda. They are my gift to you, should you accept me as your wife.”
“I do.” He held her hands for a moment, letting his words echo in the space around them. “To our fresh start, as man and wife.”
“A fresh start,” Rowen echoed.
Her hands slipped from his, and he stepped away, gesturing to the church as he held out an arm to her. “Now, Duchess, I believe you and I have a wedding to get to.”
“I believe we do.” She slipped an arm through his and let him lead her back towards the church.
“If you need a moment, we can wait,” Tobias offered.
“I am fine, thank you.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“I mean it. If you need more time, even during the ceremony, just say so.” Tobias squeezed her arm gently.
“I know.” She rested a hand on his arm. “But you have already given me what I need.”
Tobias paused, trying to think of something to say. His mind felt sluggish under the weight of her sincerity. His heart leaped and fluttered, and he frowned.
Rowen shook her head, an unreadable expression on her face. Tobias felt an odd emptiness spread through his chest, but before he could say anything, she tugged on his arm.
She nodded towards the building. “Now, it is high time we get back to the church, or there will be all sorts of rumors about what we have been up to for the past few minutes.”
“Oh, I would not worry about that, Duchess.” He grinned and leaned towards her, letting his eyes drift across her face. “You have far too few grass stains for that.”
Her eyes widened, and a blush spread across her face right up to her ears. She shook her head and gently swatted at him, making a noise that was halfway between exasperation and frustration before continuing towards the church.
“So much for a fresh start,” Tobias murmured as he followed after her, trying to ignore the unease in his chest.
Nine
“Mama, why is it so empty?” Georgia whispered in Rowen’s ear while Tobias’s housekeeper, Mrs. Patmore, guided them through the house.
Rowen, Alistair, and Georgia were being given a tour of their new home, Kidlington House.
