Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
The last of the wedding guests lingered in Hector’s drawing room long after the wedding breakfast had ended.
Laughter drifted through the townhouse, mingling with the clink of crystal and the low murmur of conversations that had become more relaxed now that the formalities of the day were behind them.
Servants circulated with trays of tea, coffee, and wine while small groups gathered before the windows or around the fireplace.
Jane had spent most of the afternoon accepting congratulations. Every few minutes someone seemed to approach to admire her gown, compliment the ceremony, or remark upon what an unexpected yet excellent match she and Hector made.
It was strange. Only weeks ago those same people had whispered about her brother’s disappearance, her broken engagement, and the uncertainty hanging over the Deverell family. Now they smiled as though fortune had never deserted her at all.
Society, she reflected, possessed a remarkably short memory.
She had just escaped another lengthy conversation with one of Hector’s elderly cousins when Ambrose appeared beside her carrying two glasses of champagne.
“I thought you might require rescuing.”
Jane accepted one gratefully. “I was beginning to think no one would.”
He looked over his shoulder toward the lady who had cornered Jane moments before. “Lady Worthington has held unsuspecting guests captive for at least twenty years.”
“I believe it.”
“You survived admirably.”
Jane laughed. “I suspect marriage to Hector has already made me considerably braver.”
Ambrose grinned. “I should hope so.”
They wandered toward one of the quieter corners of the drawing room where they could watch the remaining guests without becoming part of every conversation.
Jane followed his gaze toward Hector. Her husband stood near the fireplace speaking with two gentlemen from parliament. Even from across the room, his posture was unmistakable. His hands were folded loosely behind his back. As usual, he was listening far more than he spoke.
Ambrose leaned one shoulder against the wall. “He is happier than he appears.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “You seem very certain.”
“I have known Hector since we were boys.” His smile softened. “He is not expressive. But I know him well enough to recognize the signs.”
Jane glanced toward Hector again. “What signs?”
“He has not stopped looking for you.”
She blinked. “What?”
“Watch.”
Jane did. Almost as though sensing her attention, Hector lifted his head. His eyes found hers immediately across the crowded room. He held her gaze for only a heartbeat before politely returning his attention to the conversation before him.
Ambrose chuckled quietly. “There.”
Jane felt warmth bloom in her cheeks.
“He does that constantly.” Ambrose spread his hands dramatically. “He married you.”
Jane shook her head. “I almost pity you.”
“For enduring years of Hector?”
“For enduring years of trying to convince him of things he already knew.”
Ambrose laughed loudly enough that several nearby guests looked over. “It has indeed been exhausting.”
A comfortable silence settled between them. After a moment, Ambrose spoke more quietly. “You’ve done him good. He needed someone who wasn’t afraid to argue with him.”
Jane looked once more toward Hector. “I think we’ve both changed.”
“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.
For a moment neither of them spoke. His eyes lifted. They met hers. She suddenly became acutely aware that she wore only a nightgown beneath her robe.
Something warm flickered behind his eyes before he quietly asked, “May I come in?”
Hector remained in the doorway. Jane’s heart beat a little faster as the silence stretched between them.
It felt like only moments ago the house had been full of guests, servants, conversation, and celebration. Now there was only the quiet crackle of the fire and the faint ticking of the clock upon the mantel.
Emily glanced uncertainly between them. “Your Grace?”
Jane looked toward her maid. “That will be all for this evening, Emily.”
The young woman dipped into a curtsy. “Yes, Your Grace. If you require anything during the night, simply ring.”
“Thank you.”
Emily slipped quietly from the room, closing the door behind her with practiced discretion. The soft click of the latch sounded strangely loud.
Jane turned back toward Hector. He had stepped inside, though not very far. Instead of looking directly at her, his attention wandered across the room.
Jane folded her hands loosely before her. “I believe you’ve inspected every piece of furniture.”
His mouth twitched. “I wished to ensure everything was satisfactory.”
“It is.”
He nodded once. “I’m glad.”
Another silence settled between them. Jane waited. He seemed oddly restless.
She had seen Hector calm while confronting criminals, composed while facing danger, and utterly unshaken in rooms filled with powerful men. Yet standing inside his own house appeared to unsettle him more than any of those things.
She smiled to herself. “I am settled.”
His gaze finally returned to hers. “Good.”
“And...” She stepped a little closer. “...thank you.”
“There is no need.”
“There is.” She looked around the room. “You’ve done far more for me than I can ever properly repay.”
His expression softened. “You are my wife now. It is my duty to care for you.”
Jane’s smile widened. “I know.”
Hector’s eyes darkened. “I intend to fulfill that duty.”
Their eyes met. For a long moment neither of them spoke. Then, slowly...his gaze traveled over her. From the damp curls falling over her shoulders to the pale robe tied loosely at her waist to the delicate nightgown visible beneath the soft fabric… Then back to her face.
Jane felt warmth spread through her entire body. His eyes darkened further with desire. A small gasp escaped her throat.
A quiet laugh escaped him. He exhaled slowly. “I have spent weeks attempting to remain a gentleman.”
“You are a gentleman.”
“I have done my best.”
She stepped closer. “I should think a gentleman may look at his own wife.”
A faint smile touched his lips. “That is a persuasive argument.”
“I thought so.”
He laughed quietly. She loved that sound. It was rare enough to feel precious.
“But,” he continued, “remaining merely a gentleman has become... increasingly difficult.”
Jane felt her pulse quicken. “Difficult?”
His gaze lingered on hers. “You know it has.”