Page 147 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

“I know you have.” Ambrose raised his glass again. “To impossible people finding each other.”

Jane clinked her glass gently against his. “To impossible people.”

As afternoon faded into evening, the remaining guests began taking their leave. Lady Wynten embraced Jane several times before Hector personally escorted her to her carriage. Lavinia promised to call within the week.

Ambrose lingered longest, of course. He embraced Hector briefly before turning to Jane. Ambrose bowed theatrically. “Good evening, Your Graces.”

With that, he disappeared down the front steps, still grinning to himself. The front doors closed, and silence settled over the townhouse. For the first time all day, they were alone.

Hector turned toward the assembled servants. There were more than Jane had expected. The butler. Two footmen. Several housemaids. Kitchen staff peeked discreetly from the corridor, as did Mrs. Pemmons, the dignified housekeeper.

Everyone stood waiting. Hector’s expression softened slightly. “I should like you all to meet Her Grace, the Duchess of Sunderford.”

Jane still wasn’t accustomed to hearing the title.

Mrs. Pemmons stepped forward first. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”

Jane smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

Hector continued making introductions one by one. Every servant greeted her with quiet respect rather than exaggerated ceremony. It immediately put her at ease.

When the introductions ended, Mrs. Pemmons inclined her head. “If Her Grace wishes, I shall show her to her chambers.”

Jane glanced toward Hector. He nodded. “I’ll see you shortly.”

Something in his tone made her heartbeat stumble. She followed Mrs. Pemmons upstairs. The upper floor proved even more elegant than the rooms below. Portraits lined the corridors. Soft carpets muffled every footstep. Sunset painted warm gold across polished wood paneling.

Mrs. Pemmons stopped before a pair of carved double doors. “These are your private rooms, Your Grace.”

Jane stepped inside. Her breath caught. The suite was beautiful. A spacious sitting room overlooked the rear gardens. Beyond it lay an elegant bedchamber furnished in soft creams and pale blues. Fresh flowers stood upon the dressing table. The windows were open just enough to admit the cool evening breeze.

“It is lovely.”

Mrs. Pemmons smiled. “We hoped you would approve.”

Another young woman entered carrying folded linens. She curtsied. “Your Grace.”

Mrs. Pemmons gestured toward her. “This is your lady’s maid, Emily.”

Emily looked scarcely older than Jane herself. “I look forward to serving you.”

Jane smiled kindly. “I look forward to working with you.”

Emily’s expression brightened immediately. “If Your Grace would like, I’ve already prepared a bath.”

Jane had not realized quite how tired she was until that moment. “A bath sounds wonderful.”

Nearly an hour later, Jane stepped from the steaming copper tub feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Emily helped brush out her damp hair before leaving her to dress for the evening.

Jane chose a simple white nightgown trimmed with lace and wrapped a soft robe around herself while her hair dried naturally down her back.

The quiet felt almost unreal after such a crowded day. She wandered slowly around the unfamiliar room. She smiled. It would take time to grow accustomed to calling this place home.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. Jane turned.

“Come in.”

The door opened only slightly. Hector stood on the other side. He had changed from his formal wedding clothes into a dark dressing gown over a white linen shirt. His hair, usually so carefully ordered, looked slightly less disciplined than before.