Page 104 of A Rescue by the Rakish Duke
“Montrose,” Damian said, keeping his voice low. “He’s been sentenced to death. They considered all his crimes, including the murder of your father.”
He saw the conflicting emotions pass over her face—sadness, relief, and satisfaction.
“So, it’s over,” she hiccupped. “Truly over.”
He nodded. “He’ll never harm anyone again. You are free, my love.”
She leaned into him, no longer caring about the crowd and propriety. “Thank you, Damian. For everything.”
“We did it together,” he reminded her. Then, he kissed her temple.
The news of Montrose’s impending death might have left a sour note, but the evening progressed with delicious refreshments and lively conversation.
As Gwendoline sipped on her lemonade, her dear friend Abigail approached, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She was being escorted by a handsome man with kind eyes.
“You look radiant, Abigail!” Gwendoline exclaimed as they exchanged air kisses.
“And you look glowing, Your Grace,” Abigail said with her characteristic mischief. “May I introduce my fiancé, Lord Edmund?”
Lord Edmund bowed politely to both Damian and Gwendoline. “Your Graces, it’s an honor.”
“Congratulations to you both!” Gwendoline exclaimed, taking Abigail’s hands in her own. “I’m ecstatic for you.”
Damian shook Lord Edmund’s hand firmly. “You’ll soon be part of the association of married men in our illustrious group. You are fortunate to have caught the attention of our dear Abigail.”
More good news followed when Damian and Gwendoline returned home. In the drawing room, Evan stood waiting. He looked nervous, which was rare for him.
“Evan,” Damian said, pleasantly surprised but also a little concerned. “What brings you here at this hour? Are you ill?”
“No, Your Grace. I’m here to announce something important.”
“Oh, what is it?” Damian asked, curious.
“I’m getting married, Your Grace.”
The announcement was surprising, to say the least. But Damian quickly tried to hide it by grinning widely.
“It seems like it’s the season for love! Congratulations! That’s certainly wonderful news.” He stepped forward and clapped Evan on the shoulder. “Take as much time as you need. Give your wife a proper honeymoon.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Of course. And thank you, my friend,” Damian murmured, suddenly feeling a little emotional. “We will make sure that you have something extra for your honeymoon purse.”
Evan’s eyes widened. “Your Grace, you have already been too generous to me. I can’t accept that.”
“Nonsense, Evan. You have not only been my second-in-command, but you have always been my friend. What my father said no longer matters now.”
“I do want to meet your wife, Evan. Please bring her after your honeymoon,” Gwendoline added.
“I will, Your Grace,” Evan said, bowing deeply. “Thank you, both of you.”
“It’s happiness all around,” Gwendoline commented as Damian lit a fire in the grate.
They were in their bedchamber, preparing to retire for the night.
“Oh yes, and I can’t believe I’m with the woman who makes me happy. I’m fortunate. So fortunate,” Damian said as he rose to his feet.
He stepped toward her and took her lips in a slow, deep, languorous kiss. It was a kiss that conveyed his belief that whatever they had would last. Gwendoline surprised him by pushing gently against his chest. He growled in protest.
