Page 65 of The Duke's Only Desire

“I’ll return within a sennight, and I promise to send word if I’m delayed.” Tilting her face up toward his, he sealed that promise with a kiss. “Trust in Pearson to help you in my absence.”

Another nod, this one as uncertain as before.

“Look on the bright side. You can use the time to make all the changes you want to Ravenscroft without me interfering.”

She laughed, yet he saw a watery glistening of tears in her eyes.

He slipped his arms around her to draw her against him, and she buried her face in his chest. He murmured in her ear in an attempt to soothe away her worry, “I think we have time for a nap. Are you feeling tired, my love?”

She nodded against his waistcoat and whispered, “Simply exhausted.”

He took her hand and led her upstairs to her bedroom.