Page 99 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Kenneth chuckled, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Not entirely without my charms? My dear wife, you wound me. Perhaps I should demonstrate just how charming I can be when we’re alone later.”
Beatrice felt a delicious shiver run down her spine, her cheeks flushing at the promise in his voice. “I look forward to it, husband mine.”
Their flirtatious exchange was interrupted by the giggles of Lady Bernmere and the Dowager Duchess, who had apparently overheard their conversation.
“Oh, you two!” Lady Bernmere exclaimed, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Still as besotted as the day you got married. It warms my heart to see it.”
The Dowager Duchess nodded, a fond smile on her face. “Indeed, it does. I must say, from the moment I saw Beatrice, I had a feeling that she would be a perfect match for our Kenneth.”
Kenneth raised an eyebrow, a wry grin tugging at his lips. “Is that so, Duchess? And here I thought you were just enjoying the entertainment of watching us navigate our marriage.”
The Dowager Duchess chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. “Oh, there was certainly an element of that, my dear. But I could see the potential between you, even if you couldn’t see it yourselves at first.”
Lady Bernmere nodded in agreement. “Quite right. I remember the way they challenged each other, the spark of passion in their debates. It was only a matter of time before that spark ignited into something more.”
Beatrice blushed, leaning into Kenneth’s embrace. “Well, I suppose we have you both to thank for your keen observations and your unwavering support.”
Kenneth pressed a kiss to her temple, his eyes soft with affection. “Indeed, we do. Though I must admit, I never would have guessed that our early disagreements would lead us to this point.”
“Ah, but that’s the beauty of love, my boy,” the Dowager Duchess said, her tone wistful. “It has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it.”
Lady Bernmere sighed, a faraway look in her eyes. “Too true, Your Grace. Why, I remember when my dear husband and I first met. We couldn’t stand each other! But then, one day…”
As she launched into the tale of her own courtship, Beatrice and Kenneth exchanged a smile.
As the group continued their stroll through Hyde Park, Beatrice and Catherine found themselves falling a few steps behind the others. The Dowager Duchess and Lady Bernmere were engrossed in a lively discussion about the latest fashions while Kenneth and Thomas walked ahead, pushing baby George’s pram and talking animatedly about estate matters.
Catherine glanced at Beatrice, a concerned expression on her face. “Beatrice, I know you said you haven’t heard from your mother or brother, but have you had any news of them at all? I hate to think of you worrying about them, even after everything that happened.”
Beatrice sighed, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “Well, I haven’t had any direct contact, but you know how gossiptravels. Apparently, they’ve taken up residence in a leaky cottage somewhere in France, and they’re about as happy as two cats in a rainstorm.”
Catherine raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “A leaky cottage? My, how the mighty have fallen.”
Beatrice shrugged, “I suppose it’s a fitting end for them, after all the misery they caused. But I can’t bring myself to feel sorry for them. They made their choices, and now, they must live with the consequences.”
Catherine nodded, linking their arms in a gesture of support. “You’re right, of course. And you’ve moved on, built a beautiful life with Kenneth. Speaking of which, how are things between you two? Marriage can be quite the adventure as I’ve learned.”
Beatrice’s face softened, a warm glow of happiness spreading across her features. “Oh, Catherine, I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Kenneth is my rock, my partner in every sense of the word. He supports me in everything, including my work as Eric Westback.”
Catherine grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Ah, yes, the elusive Mr. Westback. How does it feel to be the talk of the ton, even if they don’t know it’s you?”
Beatrice laughed, a blush staining her cheeks. “It’s surreal, honestly. To hear people gushing over my work, speculating about the identity of the mysterious artist… it’s both thrilling and a bit overwhelming.”
“But you deserve every bit of the praise, Beatrice,” Catherine said earnestly. “Your talent is extraordinary, and I’m so glad the world is finally recognizing it, even if they don’t know the true genius behind the brush.”
Beatrice squeezed her friend’s arm, her heart full of gratitude. “Thank you, Catherine. Your support means the world to me. And having Kenneth by my side, cheering me on every step of the way… it’s more than I ever could have dreamed of.”
Catherine sighed contentedly, her gaze drifting to Thomas, who was now making faces at baby George, eliciting delighted giggles from the infant. “Isn’t it wonderful, Beatrice? To have found our perfect matches, the men who complete us in every way?”
Beatrice followed her gaze, her smile widening as she watched Kenneth and Thomas’s antics. “It is, Catherine. I wake up every morning feeling like the luckiest woman in the world. And to think, it all started with a scandalous encounter in a bedchamber!”
The two women dissolved into laughter, their mirth ringing out across the park. Kenneth and Thomas glanced back at them, their faces splitting into grins at the sight of their wives’ joy.
“Oi, you two!” Thomas called out, beckoning them over. “Stop gossiping, and come join us! George is putting on quite the show, and you’re missing it!”
Catherine rolled her eyes good-naturedly, quickening her pace to catch up to her husband. “Coming, my love! Though I daresayour conversation was far more scintillating than any baby’s antics!”
Kenneth fell into step with Beatrice, his hand finding hers and twining their fingers together. “And what were you two lovely ladies discussing so intently?” he asked, his tone teasing.
