Page 66 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
She frequently found herself in Philip’s chambers since he had insisted it was her rightful place as his wife. Their bond had deepened, blossoming into something she hadn’t anticipated but now cherished.
Philip turned her around gently, his hands still resting on her waist and leaned in for a kiss. But just as his lips were about to touch hers, Aurelia placed her hand on his mouth, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Philip,” she chided softly, “I have a lot to do. If I let you kiss me, I fear I will lose all sense and accomplish nothing.”
Her tone was teasing, but there was truth in her words.
Philip sighed dramatically, resting his forehead against hers. “You are right,” he murmured, inhaling her scent before pulling back. “I will let you go…for now.”
She chuckled softly at his theatrics, appreciating the lightheartedness between them.
Before she left, Aurelia reached up, cupping the side of his face and pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “I promise to return soon,” she whispered.
Philip smiled, his eyes following her every movement. “I love this version of you,” he said, his voice warm with admiration. “Taking charge, kissing me like that…I am also proud of you, Aurelia. You have done a perfect job arranging this dinner party for my friends. They will be impressed, I am certain of it.”
Aurelia blushed slightly at his praise. “I have learned a lot from Mrs. Jarrow. I wanted to put it all to use as soon as possible,” she replied, her voice tinged with excitement.
All those countless hours with Mrs. Jarrow had been overwhelming at first, but Aurelia had embraced them with determination. This dinner would be her first opportunity to showcase her newfound skills.
Philip’s smile widened and he took her hand, placing a soft kiss into her palm. “You will be perfect,” he assured her.
With a nod and a quick look of affection, Aurelia left the room, her heart light but her mind focused on the task ahead.
She wanted everything to go smoothly, not only for Philip’s sake but to give herself a sense of accomplishment. It was time for her to step fully into her role as Duchess, and tonight would be her first true test.
Aurelia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as the guests arrived. She and Philip stood together at the entrance, greeting them as they stepped out of their carriages.
Aurelia had donned a lovely navy-blue gown that contrasted perfectly with her fair skin. A radiant smile spread across her face as her new friends approached them. Philip stood beside her, and although he was more reserved he appeared to be at ease, although his expression carried its usual trace of stoicism.
Catherine and Beatrice were the first to notice Philip’s demeanor.
“Look at you, Philip,” Catherine teased with a smirk, her arm linked with Thomas’s. “All stern and proper as usual.”
Beatrice chimed in with a playful grin, “We half expected to see a smile tonight. After all, this is a party!”
Kenneth chuckled and the two women exchanged amused glances.
Aurelia laughed softly, leaning closer to Philip as if to encourage him to smile. “I suppose not everyone is as easily pleased as we are,” she teased gently.
Before they could move inside, Oliver, who was standing alone, let out a dramatic sigh. “It seems I am the odd one out tonight, without a wife to accompany me,” he said, feigning disappointment.
Philip raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into the faintest smile. “Yes, it seems you are,” he quipped, causing the other men to chuckle.
“Oh, Oliver, do not pay them any heed,” Beatrice chimed in with a warm smile. “You are as welcome here as any of us, if not more so. I daresay I prefer your company to the rest of these brooding men.”
At that, the playful banter turned on the husbands, Catherine and Aurelia nodding in agreement.
“Indeed! We could use some pleasant conversation instead of the usual grumbling,” Catherine added, her eyes twinkling.
Thomas and Kenneth exchanged mock-offended glances, their smug expressions turning into exaggerated frowns, which only caused the women to laugh louder.
Even Philip’s composure slipped and a faint smile crept onto his face. Aurelia noticed it, her heart swelling at the sight of her husband joining in the merriment.
As they made their way into the house, Thomas remarked, “It is quite a rare thing for us all to be gathered like this. Not at some grand ball or event, but for a quiet dinner amongst friends.”
The group nodded in agreement.
Catherine gave a grateful smile and said, “Thank you for organizing this Aurelia. It is lovely.”
