Every time his mind wandered there and he started chewing fretfully on his lip where he sometimes still felt the ghost of Lassit’s touch, he turned his thoughts instead to Jack and Beckett.
To his faith in Jack, who loved him.
And in Beckett, who might not love him yet, but would, Arden knew down to his bones, fight for him.
CHAPTER 29
ARDEN
Marl was waiting to receive Arden when the carriage pulled up.
“Your Grace,” he said. “Allow me to welcome you back to Avendene.”
“Thank you, Marl. It’s good to be home.”
Home.
He’d called it that when he was talking to Lassit, and as he now stood in the vast, arched stone doorway of Avendene, with the long winding drive behind him and the warmth and security of the huge, bustling house ahead, Arden felt that it truly was home.
He stepped into the Great Hall and allowed Marl to sweep him off to the morning parlour to take refreshment while the footmen saw to unloading the carriage and carting his luggage upstairs.
Arden had broken his fast at a posting inn five hours ago. He was more than ready to be sweptandrefreshed.
Mrs Foley herself came in, with Garvey behind her carrying the tea tray, and she contentedly sat to drink a cup with Arden. She proceeded to catch him up on all the happenings on the estate since he’d left, finishing up with a casual, “And I hope wewon’t be losing you to Greylag, Your Grace? It is indeed a lovely place. I’ve been there myself once or twice. My cousin is the cook.”
“He is? Oh, he makes the very best strawberry tarts I’ve ever tasted.”
“I’ll be sure to let him know,” she said. “Although, Avendene’s cook makes tarts equally delicious. In my opinion, at least. I hope you’ll try them, and take that into consideration before deciding on whether Greylag or Avendene will be your primary residence.”
It took another moment for Arden to understand what she was really, and very delicately, asking. He flushed.
He didn’t think he would ever get over the mortification of being the last to know that he was in heat. Or that Marl had had to roust Beckett from his bed and ask him to take Arden through it, and everyone knew it had gone so badly that Arden, their new duch, had run away.
Cheeks now throbbing, he said, “Although I’m looking forward to returning to Greylag next spring, I do plan to be here for the foreseeable future.” And then, because along with the mortification of everyone knowing his business, he was aware that people might perhaps have looked upon Beckett with judgement even though none of it was his fault, he added, “Where I l-look forward to spending time with my husband. And my…and B-Beckett.”
She inclined her head with a pleased smile. “Do you have any idea when we should expect them?”
He sighed wistfully. “No. Jack had more Council business?—”
Mrs Foley made a disapproving sound that had Arden nodding along.
“—but hopefully it won’t take too long. He said perhaps a week.”
“It always takes too long,” she said darkly. “As soon as he’s done one bit of business for them, they oblige him to take on more. Luckily he has Nolan to help, but it would be nice if they’d at least allow him to enjoy being a newlywed. You’ve been married months now, and he’s spent mere days with his new duch!”
Arden’s cheeks were going to be red all day, it would seem. “He visited me at Greylag,” he offered. “With Beckett.”
“He did?” she said, pulled a comical face when she realised how she’d let her curiosity slip, then laughed. “Well, that’s something at least. And here’s something to tide you over until you see them again.” She drew an envelope from her voluminous skirt pocket and stood. “It arrived this morning.” Arden politely stood as she did. She paused as if surprised before bestowing a bright smile on him. Taking his hand, she gave it a gentle squeeze. “We are all so happy you’re home, Your Grace,” she said, and bustled out.
Arden looked down at the envelope. His name was scrawled on it in rich indigo ink, in what was now very familiar writing, and was sealed with Jack’s crest.
Arden’s crest, too.
Hapton clattered in to collect the tray, saw that Arden was still there, and reversed his steps.
Arden gave him an awkward wave. “Hello, Hapton. Do please carry on.”
Hapton gave him a cheerful half-bow in return. “Your Grace.”
