Page 63 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“I do not fear your brother, Marianne. When I want something, really want something, no brother, even if he is a duke, will sway me.” He took her hand and kissed it.

“Are you sure it is me you want? My brother comes as part of the deal, I am afraid.”

“I know my heart, but are you sure you want me? I know you do not fully trust me yet, but I am willing to wait until you do. I swear, my heart is true.”

“Oh, Phin. May I call you that?”

“Of course.”

“Things are complicated right now. If you could wait until the end of the season, just so I may make sure that Rose’s situation is sorted.”

“You are a good friend; it is one of the many things I adore about you. I am sure the thing with her brother will be taken care of. The duke will see to that.” He smiled. “Now what else do we have in this basket? I have to distract myself with food or I will kiss you.”

“Goodness, in front of the family, at a picnic? That is one way to set a date.”

He fell back laughing, so much so that the others at the party all looked their way. So, she shoved a piece of cheese into his mouth. Her heart beat happily in her chest, and she was excited for the moment when he would kiss her. She hoped it was soon, for she longed to know if what she felt for him was true, and she was sure a kiss would tell her all.

*

Rose was happy to see her friend enjoying her day with Dunstan. They had seemed to work out their differences, and they looked good together. The fact that they seemed to have Edward’s approval at least was not an obstacle. He was sure to give his blessing to the union. She had hoped she would see him in the breakfast room this morning and have a moment to check on him after last night.

The panic she had seen in his eyes last night had alarmed her. And even after he left, she still worried that he might have another attack of whatever had brought on the tightness of breath. She had been afraid for him, but he showed no outward scars from it today. He had been stoic in the carriage and all through the service this morning. She had secretly hoped he would come to the picnic, but he had shown no intention of joining them.

Rose looked over to where Lucinda was cooing over her son, who was blissfully sleeping in her arms.

“If only he would sleep like this at night,” she said.

“It is like he is part owl,” Tony complained.

“I have given in and employed Gabrielle’s old nurse to handle him at night. I am simply too tired.”

“I insisted,” Tony interjected. “She cannot be a good mother to him in the day if she is dead on her feet.”

“You did the right thing. You need to rest too,” the dowager said to both of them.

“I still wake at night and have to go to the nursery to check on him,” Lucinda said.

“I confess I did the same,” Gabrielle said with a smile.

“I too for all of them,” the dowager confirmed. “What a soppy lot we are, but we do love them so.”

“Even the difficult ones, Mother?” Charles asked.

“Even him. I do not have to like him to love him. I pray every night that something will happen, and he will see the error of his ways. I must hope or all is lost.”

“Sometimes I want to punch him in the face,” Tony said. Everyone gasped. “Oh, do not tell me you have not thought the same, Charles?”

“I confess I have, though I know I am no good at pugilism. I would likely kick him in the…the nether regions instead.”

Tony burst out laughing. “I want a front row seat if you do.”

“Please, we may all be family here, but there is no reason to talk so rashly, especially about your brother,” the dowager scolded. “You are gentlemen, and there are ladies and children present. Think it if you must, but do not utter it.”

Both men looked contrite for a moment, heads bowed, but when Tony’s shoulders started to shake, they all knew he was not crying.

Rose frowned behind her fan. She did not like this talk. If they had seen him last night, they would not be talking like this. Rose had to admit that he was his own worst enemy, but she also knew that beneath that cold façade was a man who felt deeply. Who cared for his family, even if he did not always go about it the right way.

*