Page 94 of Duchess Material

“Lunch, actually.”

“Fine, whatever. You can fuck me afterwards. It will help you regain your strength. And I will have to keep my hands off you.”

“You have no idea what you are agreeing to, Nat.”

“I do. I’m ready for it. You parents love me.”

“I don’t want you to put clothes on, Nat.”

Natalie giggled, “It’s a small price, darling.”

* * *

Lucy returned home after a long day avoiding Winston. Natalie was with Ed. She wasn’t going to bother her on their reunion day. Sheena asked Lucy if she wanted to go try on reception dresses at Whistles. Lucy jumped at the chance and proceeded to buy two work dresses she didn’t need and probably couldn’t afford. Retail therapy appealed once more. Lucy’s closet was exploding now. She now knew why Natalie and Vanna rotated their wardrobes. Even an impressive walk-in closet was no match for such a collection.

Lucy’s momentary distraction had given her clarity. Or, rather, Sheena had pointed it out. Lucy had to admit she could fantasise about her own dress preferences a bit. She could see life with Winston enough that she was capable seeing it. She could even form preferences. Sheena pointed out that Lucy had never done that with George. It was true. In five years, Lucy had never once fantasised about a wedding dress. She’d given George some rings she’d liked and called it a day. After all, a royal wedding wasn’t up to the couple. With Winston, she could almost see how it would work.

Lucy knew she wasn’t about to go from wedding daydreaming to breaking it off with Winston. So, she retreated to his house—their house—and was greeted by the usual suspects. Winston was making dinner. Ah, he was grovelling. Lucy wished that pleased her but seeing him upset did not satisfy her. Lucy kicked her shoes off, ready to settle in, and marched into the kitchen. She caught Winston off guard with a big kiss.

“I don’t want to fight you, Winston,” Lucy said, pulling away.

Winston stood there in disbelief.

“You fucked up. You know you did. I don’t need to prolong your agony. I love you. I don’t know what you were up. I just won’t ascribe malice to what I can say is probably incompetence.”

Winston sat the wooden spoon down and held her face in his hands. He kissed her, slowly. “I’m sorry. I regret wading into it. I shouldn’t have involved myself in it. I had to trust it was all we could do just to live our best lives. It will fade.”

“I know.”

“I am glad you are home. You frightened me. I probably deserved it.”

Lucy shrugged and looked around. “You have outdone yourself Tony. Bolognese, wine, a vase of flowers. Who are you?”

“A man-eating crow.”

Lucy smiled slyly and shook her head.

“I must leave this to simmer. You got home sooner than I expected. For the record, I know you were with Sheena.”

“Oh?”

“I wasn’t being a stalker. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Natalie nearly chopped my head off for bothering her.”

“She went to lunch with Ed’s parents. She wants to be left alone, though. They’re catching up.”

“I know that now, Lucy.”

Lucy wrapped her arms around Winston’s waist and held him close, burying her head in his chest. He smelled like basil and garlic.

“I love you,” Lucy murmured.

“I love you more.”

“Want to leave the stuff to simmer and leave the kitchen for a moment?” Lucy’s chin rested on Winston’s chest. She looked up at him, hoping she convince him.

“I was thinking we could have a conversation,” Winston said.

“Oh, God, why Winston? I’m offering makeup sex.”

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