Page 111 of A Duke Changes Everything
She didn’t hesitate, didn’t hold anything back, and that was the best part of all.
“Thank you,” she said when he’d set her back on her feet. “For offering the ballroom. It’s as if you’ve given the whole village an early Christmas gift.” She ran her hand down his chest, hooking her fingers inside his waistcoat. “Puts me in mind of what manner of gift one gives a duke for Christmas.”
“You,” he told her without a moment’s hesitation. “All I want is you.”
“Wherever we are?”
“To tell you the truth, Duchess, when you’re this close to me”—he pressed a hand to her lower back, pulling her body flush against his—“I don’t notice where I am.”
“Me neither.” She lifted onto her toes, brushed her cheek against his, and whispered in his ear. “As long as we’re together.”
Nick tangled his hand in her hair, tipped up her face, and bent to kiss her. But he hesitated, whispering against her lips, “That’s the only place I truly want to be.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
In the end, Nick and Mina remained at Enderley far longer than expected.
After obtaining a special license, they married just as she’d suggested. A small ceremony was held at the village church with the local vicar presiding. Lady Claxton and her granddaughter attended, as well as Colin, a few villagers, and several members of Enderley’s staff, including Wilder and Emma.
Iverson and Huntley arrived in Barrowmere an hour before the ceremony to stand up with him, offering their unwanted advice on marriage.
And it had been perfect. The happiest day of Nick’s life. Until the next day. And the next. Each day with her still felt like a gift he didn’t quite deserve.
As the holiday approached, it made sense to remain at the estate rather than return to his private quarters at Lyon’s. He wished to make their first Christmas one she would never forget.
“Goodness, don’t you look wonderful.”
The sound of his duchess’s voice never failed to fill his chest with warmth, not to mention what it did to other parts of his body.
He turned to watch Mina approach the corner of the Enderley conservatory where he was inspecting a few newly installed panes of glass.
He tracked her gaze as she took in the evening suit he’d ordered from London. None of the interest and admiration waned when she looked at his scarred face and odd eyes.
Strange, wonderful woman.
She bit her lip when her gaze locked on his mouth.
Nick swallowed hard, and then his own gaze widened when he noticed her clothes.
“You’re wearing trousers to the dance?” Quite all right with him, of course. He would happily stare at the outline of her legs and backside all day, not to mention how much easier it was to touch her without layers of petticoats between them.
“Of course not.” She nudged him playfully when they were standing chest to chest. “But I thought they were more appropriate while I assist with any last-minute arrangements for the dance.”
“You needn’t worry about such matters. This is a night for you to enjoy yourself, not worry about everyone else.” Nick circled her waist with his arm and let his hand settle on the arch of her lower back. “That’s why we hired more staff.”
“The other staff expect me to assist them. I always have.” She bit her lip, not in the seductive way that caused him to haul her into his arms and rush to the nearest bed, but in the way that meant she was fretting. “Besides, I like organizing. I’m good at it.”
“You’re good at many things.” He bent to kiss her, a quick but reassuring taste of her lips. “You probably even have a list.”
“Several, if you must know.” She beamed proudly, but then her smile faltered. “I hope the staff will come to accept my change in circumstances.”
They would. Nick would insist, and he’d seen no evidence that any of Enderley’s existing servants were anything but pleased for their happiness.
“Anyone who knows you comes to love you.” His voice roughened. He’d fallen under her spell quickly and never wished it to end. “Enderley’s staff wish to see you happy. The villagers too. Don’t worry about the likes of Magistrate Hardbrook. I suspect he’ll come around too.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then you can content yourself with knowing your husband loves and adores you.” Nick pulled her tighter against him, needing her warmth and softness, needing her to feel how much he wanted her. “Alternatively, I’m prepared to pleasure you until you forget the stodgy magistrate.”
