Page 96 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
Chapter Thirty
“Icannot believe it.”
John looked between Alexander and Madeleine, continually blinking at them. Alexander raised a brow.
“Why not?” he asked.
John laughed, shaking his head. It seemed that was all he had done since bursting into the music room. “It is just… Alexander, you are my closest friend. And… well, mysister. The world has changed since I left for war.”
Alexander saw Madeleine nod slowly out of the corner of his eye. “Believe me when I say that, for a long time, I could not believe it myself. However, I am happy, John. I truly am.”
John glared at Alexander, catching his gaze. “Do not think I am happy with you, though, Alexander. You may be a duke but that does not immediately grant you my forgiveness.”
“I understand.” Alexander nodded. “But over time you must make peace with the fact that Madeleine and I have joined in marriage. She is my duchess. I will not have our happiness thwarted simply because you threw a tantrum over it.”
“I think,” Madeleine said loudly, no doubt catching her brother’s narrowed gaze, “that we should eat now!”
“Good idea,” Alexander agreed, flashing a grin at John. “After all, I am sure your brother will soon realize that what I have to offer is good for you.”
“Undoubtedly.” John’s voice was flat.
“You doubt me?”
“No,” he admitted. “I… it has been some time since I have been in England. It has been some time since I have been insociety. That will take some readjustments. I wish to get to know you again, Alexander. Properly. As you are now.”
“We were boys back in school,” Alexander countered, “do not judge me on past, foolish decisions. I have?—”
“If you do not mind me interrupting,” Madeleine said quickly, looking between Alexander and John. “Alexander has shown me the utmost honesty and openness. It took a while for me to receive such things from him, yes, but I believe they are all the more genuine for it. I believe that the man I am now married to is one of fine character.”
“Unlike Kinsfeld,” Alexander muttered.
“I did not ever like him.” John scowled.
“Brother, I only ask that you trust my judgement. And that you do not try to punch Alexander again.”
John let out a laugh, as if awkwardly acknowledging what he had done. “Yes, well—we did get in a few scraps back in the day, did we not, Silverton?”
“Indeed.” Alexander felt himself smirking as he ate with his wife and brother-in-law.
“John, I shall need you to be very much at peace with this. Especially for when we have children.”
At that, her brother choked on his mouthful of wine. Alexander laughed, leaning back in his chair as he chewed. They had lightly discussed the topic but never long enough or hard enough to fully agree on a decision.
We have time, he thought.
“Oh, do not be so dramatic,” Madeleine laughed. “Nothing is certain yet.”
“I would hope not,” John answered, his voice strained. “For I at least wish to adjust to the concept of you two being married. To be an uncle… That is quite something else for now.”
Madeleine nodded, and for a moment, the table fell quieter as they ate.
She had become accustomed to running the household excellently, and Alexander had thought it would be far harder to give up the control he so dearly needed.
But seeing how easily Madeleine fit into the role of the duchess, how she had managed the staff, arranged their dinner choices, and spoke about hosting balls, he knew the control was something to loosen up on.
“John, I believe your sister was made to be a duchess,” Alexander spoke up. “And I wish to always witness her incredible way of handling my household. Marriage is allowing me that.”
Madeleine looked at Alexander, her brows flying up in surprise. He had not spoken so boldly to declare her such a fit for the role she had married into.
