Page 96 of Dukes for Dessert

He suspected her fierce loyalty stemmed from the fact that her family hadn’t stood by her. A need to remain at her side, to show her that she was valued rose strong within him.

“What an admirable quality to possess,” he said softly.

“I’ve told you about my life-changing decision. Now it’s your turn to answer my question.”

“I haven’t made any life-changing decisions,” he said.

“I didn’t think you had. You wouldn’t like your life changed. You didn’t even like the parameters of today’s walk changed.” There was humor in her tone, and he couldn’t help but feel a buoyancy that only she evoked.

“Is that why you didn’t give Marina a chance? Marriage is a massive life change. Perhaps you’re not ready for that.”

He flinched inwardly. A direct hit. “I did try to give her a chance. She just wasn’t what I’m looking for.”

Juno tipped her head as they walked, one eye assessing him. “Then here is my question. What are you looking for in a wife? What would motivate you to completely upend your life?”

When she put it like that, he wasn’t sure he wanted to upend his life. But he must. “I am a duke, and I need a duchess. I came here because my mother insisted I would find her. I believe she worked with Lady Cosford to set up this entire house party for the purpose of matching me with Lady Marina. Everyone, it seems, believed we would suit perfectly.”

“Except you didn’t.”

“No, we did not, and it wasn’t for lack of trying. You either engage with someone or you don’t. I realize many people wed without feeling a sense of connection or…rightness, but I am not one of them.”

“This is also an admirable quality,” she said solemnly. “Truly. I must apologize for haranguing you about not trying to make it work.”

“As you said, on the surface, the match seemed ideal. However, appearances are not always what we think. Only consider you and Langton—you were deemed an unsatisfactory match by your family and yet you knew it was the right decision.”

“I suppose you’re right, but in the end, things didn’t turn out well for me and him. Perhaps my parents weren’t entirely wrong.”

“You mustn’t doubt yourself, especially about things that have already transpired. You can’t change what happened. You can only determine how it affects you.”

“My goodness, but you possess far more depth than I anticipated. And that was my mistake,” she added with a soft smile. “You still haven’t answered my question. What sort of woman will provoke you to wed?”

He thought for a moment before answering. “Someone who appreciates life—not the trifles of Society, but the simple joy of a walk on a beautiful autumn day. Someone with courage and strength, who doesn’t need the title of duchess to feel accomplished.” He hesitated before adding, “Someone who won’t cower from me or find me too…rigid.”

Her gaze met his with sympathy and a tinge of something else—regret, perhaps. “I hope I haven’t insulted you. Sometimes I should really learn to hold my tongue.”

“Not at all—on either count. Your forthrightness is another admirable trait.” He realized everything he’d said described her perfectly. She radiated joy and strength. She was a woman who’d made the choices she wanted and made no apologies.

She also provoked him to smile and even laugh. To step outside his rigidity—to use her word—and to even find joy in spontaneity.

The silence stretched between them, punctuated by the nearby song of a bird. He hoped he hadn’t made things awkward. He wasn’t the most socially adept person. “Perhaps I ought to hire you to help me find a wife.”

She sent him a sharp look, then laughed. “You’re joking.”

“Yes. I realize I don’t do that very often.”

“You’re loosening up, then?” she asked.

“Apparently. I came on this walk when I didn’t really want to, didn’t I?”

She sent a gentle elbow into his arm. “Come now, did you really not want to come? I heard you take a walk every day. And a ride.”

“I love being outside. Just not with a host of others.” He inclined his head toward everyone in front of them.

“Are there other people here?” she asked coyly. “I hadn’t noticed.”

In truth, he’d barely registered them either. He’d been too focused on her, too engrossed in their conversation. Her green eyes glittered in the afternoon sunlight, and he silently acknowledged that he’d never met a more beautiful woman—and not just on the outside.

The village came into view as they crested a small hill. He didn’t want this surprisingly idyllic walk to end.

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