She would learn to have both for Sebastian’s sake.
He emerged from the dressing room in a splendid navy waistcoat, embroidered with golden thread, and a cravat tied in a new style that flowed about his neck in elegant lines. He was the perfect fashionable gentleman, and she was his perfectly elegant wife, and they were attending a small soiree together.
Together.
At the sight of her, his face broke into a smile. “You look splendid, shepherdess.”
She twirled, letting him take in the details of her gown, a deep red silk that clung to her curves and dipped daringly low at the neckline. Her breasts had begun to swell a little, which meant the neckline was still more daring.
“Thank you,Your Grace,” she said, teasing, turning her face up for the kiss that was her due. “You look rather dashing yourself.”
“One must not walk into the viper’s den without being fully armed.” He bowed, then took her gloved hand and pressed another kiss to it. “And you look as though you might start wars, Helen of Troy.”
“I intend toendwars,” Aurelia giggled, slipping her hand into his arm and making her way through their home. A large paintingof her adorned the top of the stairs, and she had negotiated the installation of sage-green curtains in half the rooms of the house. Both because it was a color in fashion, and also because she had a preference for it.
So much had transformed over the past few months, and although some of it had been difficult, she wouldn’t change any of it. After all, it had left her here, a duchess with a loving husband and a large home that felt like hers, and a place she belonged implicitly.
And a family.
She intended to tell Sebastian tonight, and she felt no trepidation at the prospect. No fear that he might change his mind and send her away—no concern that her only function in his life was to bear his children.
Oh, he stillwantedchildren; there could be no doubt about that. He had spent countless hours lying in bed with her, detailing all the things he wanted their children to have! Features of hers he would want to see replicated within them.
It was more than a dream come true.
He dreamed of a little girl who might take after her mother; she dreamed of a boy child with his father’s eyes.
They made their way downstairs to find Fellows waiting by the entrance, a wrapped package in his gloved hands.
“What is this?” Sebastian frowned.
“I have prepared a gift for Lady Mary Ann, Your Grace, for her help in renovating the servants’ quarters. With your permission, I thought to accompany you and deliver it personally on behalf of the staff.” Fellows’ expression remained perfectly neutral, but Aurelia caught the way his gaze flickered to her—brief, compassionate—before returning to his master.
Sebastian chuckled. “That’s unnecessary, old boy. We can deliver it ourselves.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Aurelia interjected smoothly, touching Sebastian’s arm. She understood what Sebastian didn’t—that Fellows had somehow pieced together her condition.
The man had always been coolly professional toward her, if a bit cold, but lately she had noticed small changes. The way he ensured she had a cushion at breakfast. How he’d quietly removed the heavier serving platters from her reach. This was his way of watching over her without overstepping. “Let him come. It is kind of him to think of Mary Ann.”
As usual, Sebastian ultimately relented with pure grace.
They made their way to the waiting carriage. Then, to Lady Mary Ann’s soiree, although on a technical note, it was being hosted by her father, seeing as she was not yet out. Still, one did not have to be presented to the Queen in order to host and take part in Society, and Mary Ann had taken that to heart. She would begoing to London proper soon, and from then, there would be no doubt she would make a splash!
Already, prominent members of thetonwere prepared to travel to attend her small soirees. That said a lot.
“What do you suppose the duchess will say upon seeing us?” Aurelia asked, the tiniest fleck of worry coating her voice.
“I imagine she will pretend as though she is enamored with us and the best of friends,” Sebastian said wryly. “After all, we have not been cowed by her previous attempts at intimidation.”
“You oughtn’t have gone after Lord Redwood and publicly humiliated him.”
“I did no such thing,” he protested, pouting innocently. “I merely pointed out that just because he had failed to secure you as a bride did not mean that he had the right to attempt to belittle you, and if he ever attempted such a thing again, I would make sure he regretted it.” Sebastian gave what she could only assume was his best attempt at a humble shrug. “It transpires that sage words are far less appreciated when a fist is being struck against one’s temple.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m hardly surprised. You might have set us back another year with that little showing.”
“But he won’t be a problem for you again.” He tilted his head, and this time there could be no denying the smugness in hisexpression. “You may be sure of that. And his aunt will be on her best behavior.”
Sometimes, Aurelia marveled at how far Sebastian had come. Once he put his mind to something, he committed until he had achieved it, and once he had decided they should retake their place in Society, he had gone out of his way to make that happen.
