Page 90 of Deviant Duchess
“It truly is over,” Hester murmured, her tone full of wonder as she looked slowly from Deborah to Cedric.
Cedric nodded after taking a long drink from his champagne.
“It will not be long now before society regrets how they treated you, Hester,” he stated solemnly. “It could mean that you could stay in London if you wanted to. You would no longer be a pariah.”
Hester gave him a small smile as she looked down at the tiny bubbles popping in her glass.
“It has already started,” she told him, “Today at the conservatory, several ladies apologized to me. It was a…it was like a fever dream, I suppose, being asked for so much forgiveness from them.”
Deborah leaned closer to her sister and put her arm around her. Hester gave her an appreciative smile, then leaned her head on her shoulder as she wrapped an arm around Deborah’s waist.
“Still, if the invitation is still open, I should like to travel to Calder with you. Even if I have their apologies, I am not ready to integrate fully back into society as of yet. Maybe in a year or two…” Hester said, her words drifting off as she fell into obvious thought.
“Of course you are still welcome to stay with us,” Deborah replied, giving her a little squeeze. “Besides, selfishly, I want you all to myself for a while. Society can have you later.”
Hester’s laugh was a bit hollow, but she nodded as she set her still-full glass of champagne on the nearby table.
“Forgive me, but I feel so very overwhelmed by the day,” Hester sighed. “I think I shall follow Adeline’s plans and ask for a cool bath before settling down with a book. Would you be terribly offended if I took the rest of the day in my room?”
Worry laced through Deborah’s heart, but she understood that hovering over her sister would do no good.
“Of course we would not, my darling,” Deborah assured her. “Take as much time as you like. The servants will do most of the packing tomorrow so you needn’t worry about anything until we leave for Calder. Even then, the most you have to do is get into the carriage.”
“Thank you,” Hester replied, her tone full of gratitude as she looked from Deborah to Cedric, “Both of you. I would not be here if it weren’t for your valiant efforts.”
“You are most welcome, dear sister-in-law,” Cedric replied, his tone solemn as he raised his glass toward her.
“I would do anything for you,” Deborah whispered, pulling Hester into a hug.
“You already have,” Hester rasped, hugging Deborah tightly.
As Deborah watched Hester take her leave, she felt Cedric’s arms come around her and wrap around her waist. With a sigh, she let herself relax into his arms.
“You did it,” she said softly, relishing the feel of his strong arms holding her tightly.
“Wedid it,” Cedric corrected her, then planted a kiss on the side of her neck.
Deborah’s smile grew more serene, but she said nothing. She was still trying to forgive herself for all of her mistakes, even though, despite them, they were still able to redeem Hester and punish Sylvester.
“So my love,” Cedric said, turning her in his arms so they could face each other, “I have a question.”
“Hmm. I think I know which one it is,” she mused, reaching up to lace her arms around his neck. Even though there was no music, Cedric began to sway her gently back and forth as he smirked.
“You do, do you?” He teased. “Well then pray tell, what is this question that you know I am going to ask you?”
Deborah mirrored his smirk as she playfully reached up into his hair and gave it a teasing yank. Cedric’s answering laugh waslow and throaty, sending those delightful tingles throughout her body.
“I believe it is something along the lines of ‘after’?” She asked.
“Hmm,” Cedric hummed, staring deep into her eyes with stark affection, “What a wise wife I have.”
His hands traced down her back, sending sparks along her body. They stopped at the ties of her dress, where he slowly began to loosen them.
“And tell me, my wise darling, does the question still spark fear in you?” He asked.
Deborah’s smirk shifted into a warm smile as peace radiated through her.
“No,” she confessed, “It sparks hope for our future.”
