“Inspired by Dante’s Inferno for sure.”
“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here,” she added.
He was ready to take another jab when the door opened.
“Leo! Primrose!”
Bridget was there, on the top of the stairs, with a bright look in her eyes.
“That is an interesting ambush technique.” It was his turn to hiss.
They went up the stairs to meet her, Leo stiffening with each step. She bowed formally to his mother and he tightened his jaw when he saw her lean for a kiss for Prim.
“It is so great you are here,” Bridget bubbled.
They were led inside to a big drawing room as the sun left to poetically mirror the dimming of light the moment he and Prim entered.
Leo scanned the room quickly. The gathering was not massive, it was a private family dinner after all. The Duke got up from his massive armchair to greet them. If he was surprised to see them, he didn’t show that.
“May I formally introduce the Duchess of Mildenhall?” Leo said.
He sensed Prim tensing for the curtsy that was integrated in her, but when he lightly tapped her hand, she held back. The older Duke bowed slightly at her.
“Welcome to my home and the family, Your Grace.”
“This is a unique occurrence,” Aaron said.
It was Prim’s turn to hold him back, gently tightening her fingers around his arm.
“The Duke of Mildenhall, gracing a family dinner,” Aaron continued, happily oblivious of how close he was to death. “And with his lovely new bride. We are… blessed.”
Aaron bowed deeply in front of Prim. If he made a move to kiss her hand, Leo would end the Covington bloodline in their own drawing room.
“Iinsistedon meeting the family properly,” Prim said with a wide smile.
Leo smiled. Aaron probably regretted his decision to implicate Prim in this nasty plan. Any other pliable, ignorant, innocent lady would have been a less formidable opponent.
“I hope our humble gathering meets with your approval, Duchess,” Aaron said.
“Gatherings are defined by their company, Lord Aaron,” Prim replied, her tone light.
The room went silent in the few seconds Prim allowed for her whip to strike before she added with a smile.
“That is to say, I am, as you said,… blessed.”
“Primrose,” Bridget cut in, “that is an exquisite necklace you have there.”
Prim touched the pearl, and a genuine smile adorned her face. Leo felt something swell inside him to see her wear his gift with pride. And it suited her better than sapphires.
“A Mildenhall heirloom,” Leo cut in.
Bridget’s smile faltered. The title that once was hers now belonged to Prim. He expected a reaction, but she only offered a smile at Prim and nothing more.
There were a few other people there, the Duke’s nephew and his family, and an elderly aunt.
“Let us move to the dining hall,” The Duke of Covington ordered.
Leo placed his hand over Prim’s.
