Sophia jerked back her fingers as if burned.
She knew the tragic tale of the previous Duke of Roxboro, along with the ridiculous tale that all the dukes were notoriously short-lived. Easy to believe when one is well on their way to drinking far too much brandy in the middle of the day, but far less certain now. Alexander had told her once that his mother had been a devious creature who after securing an heir in her belly, had her lover murder Charles Viceroy, Alexander’s father. Her husband claimed there had been no affection between his parents.
If they cared nothing for each other, why carve such a symbol with their initials into a tree at The Pillory?
“Sophie!”
Turning from the tree, Sophia lifted her skirts, running back the way she’d come. Her husband was searching for her, and she wished to be found. Stepping back onto the main path leading to the gardens, Sophia stopped at the sight before her.
Breathe, Sophia.
Alexander, in only his shirtsleeves, striding towards her, the color of his eyes matching the leaves above her head. Nearly. There was still a hint of stormy gray around his pupils. Her husband. The magnificentDuke of Roxboro. Sophia thought her heart might burst.
“I’m here,” she dipped into a curtsey, gratified to keep her balance.
“Oh, stop doing that. You’re awful at it,” a slow grin stretched across her husband’s face. “Mara is much better.”
“Pity you didn’t ruin her then, Your Grace.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist, spun her about and then lowered her to the grass. “I was missing you, Sophie.”
“I thought to leave you and Lord Damon alone before he departs.”
“Oh, he’s already gone. Didn’t even wait to bid you goodbye.” Alexander’s eyes widened, pretending great surprise. “How impolite.”
“I’m quite hurt,” she cried. “Devastated.”
“You aren’t. Damon is quite put out that I insist on bedding my wife and do not plan to stop.” His hands tugged at her skirts, lifting them until her stockings and underthings were exposed. “I’ve not yet fucked you under a tree, Sophie.”
“Well then, don’t waste this moment, Your Grace.” She pressed her lips to his, feeling the honey spill languidly between her legs as she stretched them wider in a plea for his touch.
“Little harlot.”
“I am what you’ve made me, Your Grace.”
“True.” He stopped tugging at her clothing, his hand running up the side of her hip and long one breast until she sighed. Cupping her cheek, Alexander regarded her intently, his thumb brushing along her lip. “Sophie,” his voice broke just a bit before his mouth caught hers.
Oh, Alexander could kiss a woman senseless.
“I love you,” he whispered against her mouth. “I love you. I am so—shamefully lost without you, my unwanted duchess. Whoever has been impersonating me, I owe him a debt I can never repay because he brought you to me.”
Sophia shut her eyes to hold back the tears gathering. What a somewhat sweet but rather perfect thing to say.
“You don’t have to love me back.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m rather lovely on the outside, but the inside requires a great deal of work. Not many would be up to the task. But don’t give up on me. Don’t—”
“Stop being an idiot, Your Grace.” A tear trickled down her cheek as she opened her eyes. “Your affections are returned tenfold.”
Epilogue
Alexander circled thetheater box, glancing at the stage with little interest. He didn’t really like the theater, but Sophie preferred it to the opera, which she likened to torture. Lord and Lady Canterbell had joined them this evening, as well as Mara and Lord Caster, who if Lady Canterbell had her way, would be betrothed soon. Violet and Rose, along with Lady Falmouth, rounded out the evening.
Damon, however, had declined the invitation, citing a previous engagement.
Probably not the last time his uncle would decline to join him. He and Damon had butted heads continuously, as of late. Alexander tried for patience, but Damon was having a great deal of difficulty letting go of the control he’d exerted over every aspect of Alexander’s life for nearly three decades. Lady Falmouth offered to speak to Damon on Alexander’s behalf, but considering how his uncle felt about her, that was a poor idea, though he appreciated the effort.
Damon continued to insert himself into every business transaction involving Alexander’s estates and other financial matters. His uncle refused to compromise. The final straw was when Timmons let Damon into Alexander’s study and he found his uncle going over a ledger he had no business reviewing.
Timmons was sacked. Sophie took care of the matter herself and sent for Barstow. Two butlers were unnecessary.
