Chapter 26 #2
Penelope is safe because of you and Her Grace. She is recovering well, and her spirits are high. The pregnancy is going well, too. My father, Viscount MacKenna, has gifted us a small estate in the Highlands.
It is a modest home, but it is ours. And you and Her Grace are welcome whenever you wish to visit. We owe you both more than we can ever repay.
With respect,
Edward MacKenna
Austin read the letter twice, warmth settling in his chest. Penelope had been a fragile shadow when he last saw her.
Knowing she was safe and happy felt like a victory he hadn’t expected to need.
He folded the letter just as Deena entered the breakfast room, her fiery hair was loosely pinned, and her cheeks were still flushed from sleep.
She wore a soft muslin gown the color of cream, and the sight of her stole his breath away.
“Good morning,” she said, smiling as she took her seat beside him.
He handed her the letter. “This arrived this morning…for us.”
Her expression fell. “Who is it from?”
Austin knew who she was thinking about, but he gently assured her. “It is nothing bad; it is from Edward and Penelope.”
“Oh!” Deena exclaimed and opened the letter.
Austin watched her read. He noted the way her eyes widened, and her lips parted. He memorized the slow, radiant smile that bloomed across her face. It was a sight he could have stared at for hours.
“Oh, Austin…” she whispered. “I still cannot process that she is safe. Truly safe.”
“She is,” he said softly.
“And happy.” Her voice trembled with relief. “And they have a home. Everything has worked out for them.”
He noted a hint of sadness in her tone.
“Is everything all right, Dee?” He wanted to reach out for her, but, if he was afraid that one simple touch would unravel them both.
“Yes, everything is fine.” She gave a small smile.
Something is on her mind.
“Do not worry about anything. You are protected.” Austin encouraged her.
It always surprised him how much he was noticing about her.
She looked at the letter again and grinned. “Will we be going to Scotland?”
Austin chuckled. “If you wish it.”
“I would love that!” she said excitedly.
Austin silently enjoyed seeing her light up. He made a mental note to take her to Scotland once he was certain that they were safe to travel.
They began breakfast, though Deena was too buoyant to eat much. She kept rereading the letter, her smile returning repeatedly like sunlight breaking through clouds.
But then, as she set the letter down, her expression shifted.
“Austin,” she said quietly, “I know it is troublesome to keep bringing this up, but have you heard anything? From… your blackmailer?”
Austin could not lie to her.
“No,” he answered. “Not a word.”
Deena exhaled slowly. “Nor have I. But I can’t shake this feeling. Something in my gut feels… wrong.”
He felt the same. He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. Her fingers were cold compared to hers, but she did not pull away.
“You have nothing to worry about,” he said. “No matter what comes. I won’t let anything touch you.”
She gave him a weak smile. “I know. I trust you. But the feeling will not leave.”
Austin nodded. “I understand your concern, Dee. But now that Dominic is on board, too. We are protected.”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Austin did not dismiss her gut feeling. He had learned to trust her and understood when to reassure her.
“I am going to speak with my solicitor tomorrow,” he said. “See if there are any updates. But so far… everything has been quiet.”
“Too quiet,” she agreed.
He squeezed her hand. “Then I’ll make noise.”
That earned him a small laugh, which eased the tension in his chest.
They ate in silence for a moment before Deena asked him shyly, “Will you be joining me tonight? Or will you be working late again?”
He winced. The last couple of days kept him away from her, and he hated it. He promised her a night of pleasure, and he did not deliver, yet. But so many duties were left unfinished ever since their wedding day, and he had to address them.
Duty comes first.
“I have a few more matters to settle. Estate accounts. Correspondence. A meeting with the steward. Dull things,” he said apologetically.
Her disappointment was subtle but unmistakable.
Austin leaned closer. “I promise that once everything is settled, I will be yours.”
Deena’s eyes reflected his own desires. A primal heat curled through him.
“Careful, sweetheart. I like it when you look at me like that.”
Deena blushed and hid her smile behind her teacup, but he saw it anyway.
“This is not polite breakfast talk,” she scolded him playfully.
Austin smirked and cleared his throat before he forgot how to speak under her piercing green eyes. “Since the ton has finally quietened down about us, I have some duties for you. Things you might enjoy.”
Deena’s curiosity piqued. “Duties?”
“Yes, your duties as the Duchess of Windemere.”
She straightened, excitement flickering in her eyes. “Tell me.”
He loved that about her. How she leaned into purpose, how she wanted to help, and never shied away from responsibility.
“Well,” he began, “It is quite simple, all you have to do is speak to our housekeeper and organize baskets of food for the poor as well as an event in our estate.”
Austin could see her mind swirling with ideas already.
“I believe you will find these tasks enjoyable,” he said softly.
She reached across the table and took his hand this time. Her touch sent a fire throughout his entire body, and it took all his effort not to grab her and take her there on the breakfast table.
“Thank you, Austin.”
“I told you to stop thanking me, Dee.”
“I cannot help myself.”
“I cannot help myself either. It is getting harder each day.” His eyes dropped to her chest, which rose and fell with every breath she took.
How I long to taste her again.
He swallowed. Hard.
Austin stood reluctantly. Deena gently let go of his hand, knowing he needed to leave.
“I apologize, Dee. I have to meet with some tenants,” he said softly. “I will try my best to be back before dinner.”
She nodded, though her eyes lingered on him, tempting him even further.
“I understand,” she whispered.
Austin stepped away reluctantly and grabbed his coat.
“I believe Mr. Whitman will have some good news for us tomorrow.” He looked at her from the doorway.
Deena’s face brightened instantly. “Austin, can there truly be any more good news?”