“I do not see how marrying Adele changes any of that. I will still be Hugh Baxter, the twelfth Duke of Swynford, after I marry.”
“But your children would be related to the Earl of Canbury.”
Hugh stood. “So is that all you care about? Names and reputations? What about happiness? What about the potential for healthy grandchildren? What if, in a generation or two, titles don’t matter anymore?”
“I’ve given you my answer, Hugh. I do not wish to debate this any longer.” And with that, she left the room.
Hugh sat back down. The more his mother had fought him on this, the more he felt determined to marry Adele.
Chapter Nineteen
Hugh arrived atthe Sweeney house the next day having made what was likely a rash decision. He was greeted in the front hall by the earl, so Adele must have explained the circumstances. And then Adele came down the stairs looking perfect. Her dress was modest, a simple blue muslin with no adornments, and her hair was back to its severe knot at the base of her head, but her smile went straight to his heart. He could not help but smile back.
“I’ll have a footman bring your trunks to His Grace’s carriage,” said the earl.
“Yes,” said Hugh. “The carriage is right out front. My driver can help as well.”
“That will not be necessary, but thank you, Your Grace.”
Hugh turned to Adele. “Hello, my lady.”
“Hello, Your Grace.” She laughed. “I hardly even know what to say.”
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I am happy to see you.”
The earl chuckled. “When Adele told me why she had chosen not to take the position with the Winchesters, I almost did not believe her, but I see now that it was true. I will see to your luggage.”
He walked away, leaving Hugh and Adele essentially alone in the house’s foyer.
“I am happy to see you as well,” she said. “I dreamed of you last night.”
“Did you? Was it a good dream?”
“Yes. It was lovely. I never…” She looked away and pressed a hand over her mouth. Then she said, “I never thought this day would come. You have… you have given me a second chance, Hugh.”
He was touched by that. He knew that he was changing the course of her life, and he wanted to do right by her. But he also knew the road ahead would not be easy. “Hold that thought. We may yet encounter some obstacles.”
“Such as?”
“I will tell you when we are on our way.”
A series of footmen carried Adele’s trunks out to the carriage. She did not own much. He’d arrived in his largest coach in anticipation of the great number of trunks for all the many things most ladies of his acquaintance had, but there seemed to be only three that carried everything she owned.
The earl appeared again with his wife in tow this time. Adele shook hands with each of them and said good-bye, but it seemed to Hugh much more of a business transaction than anything else.
At last he escorted her outside on his arm. They were far from Mayfair, but Hugh spared a thought for who might see them. He wondered if commoners in London ever thought about seeing and being seen. His neighbors were too close and too nosy for him to enjoy much anonymity in Mayfair, but sometimes he craved it.
When they arrived at his carriage, Hugh grasped Adele’s waist and lifted her onto a seat. He climbed in after he and she smiled at him as he settled into his seat.
He couldn’t breathe, though.
She was so beautiful. He’d hire her a lady’s maid who could do her hair in a less severe style, and he’d buy her more dresses than she could ever wear, but those things would only serve to heighten the beauty she already had. She met his gaze now and he thought he might get lost in her blue eyes.
And because they were finally alone with each other and because he could stand it no longer, he kissed her.
He was rewarded by her soft lips parting and he thought he might never get enough of her taste. That helped confirm that he’d made the right decision. To hell with what anyone said, Adele was his choice.
Without breaking the kiss, he knocked on the roof of the carriage.
