Each bookcase is brimming with leather-clad volumes, and the scent of ink and leather clings to the air. I hug myself, shivering at the deliciousness of it, before I can stop myself.
“Would you permit me to show you around, my lady?”
I’ve forgotten the duke’s presence entirely, but now that he speaks, I turn to him, a smile of joy claiming my features. Whenhe offers me his arm, I do not think of my mysterious want, or even my wounded pride. This surprise has surpassed all else, and I gratefully take his arm.
We walk together and he points out things I have not yet noticed—the rosettes carved with a delicate hand into the ceiling, the cushioned seat in the bay window, ideal for a long afternoon of reading.
“I have never seen a fireplace built nearby the window,” I remark as I gaze upon the marble hearth. The mantle is adorned by several tall candlesticks.
“I did not wish you to catch a chill, if ever your reading should carry late into the evening.”
When his intention strikes me, I turn to face him, my surprise surely evident on my face. “You did this for me?”
“Indeed, my lady.”
“I do not understand.” I feel a bit faint from excitement and astonishment.
“It is my wedding gift to you, my lady.”
“I…” My voice falters as I try to recall what my mother had commissioned for him. “How did you…We never spoke of my enjoyment of books.”
“Ah, there was no need. I… I have seen you sneak away to read when a party or ball allows for it.”
Heat steals over my features, but it is not the familiar prick of shame I am accustomed to in his presence. “I did not know anyone noticed.”
His lips quirk at the corners. “I suspected that might be the case.”
I turn my head, drinking in the sight of the beautiful, luxurious library. I have never dreamt of setting foot in such a palace of luxury, much less calling it my own. “I do not know how you managed it.”
“I must confess, I did ask your lady mother for help.”
This demands my attention, and I face him once more. “Truly?”
My husband stands tall and regal in his bearing, gazing down at me with pure delight in his gaze. “I speak the truth, I assure you. I merely inquired what gift would suit you best.”
“But this…” I am feeling overcome by his display of generosity. “You do not mean to say it did not exist?”
“The late duke had a modest library. I employed builders for more bookshelves and ordered books to have the shelves stocked. It is a small thing, yet I wished you to have it.”
My head is fairly spinning, and it is all too much to take in. “It is no mere trifle,” I manage to say, still in awe as I look around.
“I confess, I have spent nearly all of this year’s allowance, but if it has brought you any measure of happiness, I judge it well worth it.”
Finally abandoning the decorum that has been a strict governess all my life, I throw my arms wide, raise my face to the ceiling, and spin in a circle of pure, delighted happiness that I have not felt since being a small child.
When I open my eyes and face my lord husband, the joy in his countenance is nearly my undoing.
“It pleases you? Truly? For… I wish there to be no secrets or falsehoods between us, my lady.”
A chink of vulnerability is apparent in his gaze, and it catches in the rich timbre of his voice. A feeling for this man I scarcely know surges through me, and I step forward to take his hand in mine. “Iadoreit. Truly. And… I feel as you do, Your Grace. I do not wish us to have an unhappy union.”
“You must promise me then. No falsehoods, no secrets? We are in agreement?”
Staring into his dark eyes, I nod my assent.
“I must hear you say it, my lady.”
“Yes.” My voice is a breathy murmur of agreement.
