Page 69 of The Duke and the Scarred Bride

“May I introduce my Duchess, Louisa Fletcher,” he said quickly, placing a hand on the small of her back. “Louisa, this isLieutenant Colonel Morgan Weston. I mentioned him some time before. He is visiting briefly but I have invited him to stay with us for the time being.”

“Oh, that would be lovely.” She smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you finally, Sir.”

“Likewise,” Weston said, taking her hand and bowing over it to place a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. “I see why he is taken with you. You are as beautiful as a spring morning.”

“How long have you been his commanding officer?” she inquired.

“Since he was a boy. Over ten years,” he answered.

“I see.” She nodded, feigning scholarly interest. “It’s a shame he didn’t learn anything about complimenting women from you.”

Weston laughed again, and Percival placed a hand on his chest, feigning heartbreak.

“I like you. I really do.”

“I like you, too.”

She noticed then that Percival had gone towards the door, and she turned to see if he was leaving, but then Weston yelled suddenly, startling her. She turned back to him, noticing hiseyes darting around, and wondered if he was all right. Her eyes flicked to her husband, who was looking worriedly at him. He shook his head at her, not wanting her to say anything. She nodded and smiled back at Weston.

“Would you like some tea, Colonel Weston?” she asked softly. “I had Cook make some nice biscuits with blueberry marmalade, which I think you will enjoy.”

“As much as that sounds delightful, dear, I think I should retire now,” Weston said, shaking his head. “I had a long journey, and these old bones need rest.”

“You are hardly old.” Percival smiled at him.

“I am at least twice your age, lad.” Weston laughed. “I will see you all after I have a good nap.”

“Do you need me to show you to your chambers?” Percival asked, looking concerned.

Weston waved him off. “No, no. Enjoy tea with your lovely wife. I shall ask that pretty housekeeper I spotted earlier to show me around.”

Percival shook his head as a small smile crossed his face.

It was a welcome sight, seeing his concern for the man, and Louisa wondered about their relationship.

When the door closed behind Weston, Percival settled into his seat with a sigh, but she didn’t want to ask immediately. So, she asked Tobias to send for tea, needing privacy. She said nothing until Anne set down the tea tray on the desk and left.

“Should I pour the tea, Your Grace?” the maid asked.

“I can do it,” Louisa told her.

Anne curtsied and left.

Louisa rose to pour the tea, before plating a biscuit and some of the marmalade.

“Do you want sugar?” she asked.

Percival nodded.

“Are you worried?” she asked after handing him a cup.

He nodded again. “He doesn’t seem very well,” he sighed. “I fear he’s starting to go senile. War does that to a man.”

Louisa laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “He didn’t seem senile. He seemed perceptive, and his memory was rather intact,” she noted. “What did he mean by companions, dear husband?”

Percival smiled but was quick to change the subject. “Do not tell me you didn’t notice his shouting.”

“He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Percival. He just has to adjust to being in polite society.”

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