Page 39 of Secrets of a Duke's Heart
“No, stay put. You look very comfortable. I did order that confounded maze to be removed.”
“But I have such happy memories of it.” She stretched out one hand and wiggled her fingers. Grumpily, he took her hand and let her pull him down onto the sofa beside her. He took up almost all the available space. The scent of fresh snow clung to his hair. She ran her fingers gently through the soft strands. He laid his head on her stomach and closed his eyes.
“The maze is a liability. I instructed it to be torn out and replanted for spring.”
“I did contradict you. Are you angry?”
“I was, for a moment. I’m not anymore.” He kissed the bulge of her stomach and lifted his gaze to meet hers. “They are only plants, after all.”
This was how most of their disagreements ended: with Jude distracted by his soon-to-arrive heir. She stroked his hair fondly.
“You know,” he said thoughtfully, “I never thought I’d be here.”
“In the library?” Clarissa teased, continuing to stroke his hair.
“No.” Jude sat up, his expression serious. “Married to a woman who challenges me. A woman who countermands my orders to the gardeners.”
“Oh.” Her smile faltered. “I didn’t mean to overstep. If you really want it gone, I’ll tell them to proceed.”
“Not yet,” he said quickly, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “I worry that the hedgerow thorns will be a problem for a reckless toddler. I was musing about how grateful I am to have you. Even before I inherited the title, I was raised to expect obedience. And then I met you.”
Clarissa felt a flutter beneath her ribs that had nothing to do with the baby. “I’ve never been particularly good at obedience.”
“Except when you choose to give it.” He traced circles on her palm with the pad of his thumb. His knowing smirk sent warmth pooling between her thighs.
“I do delight in provoking you.”
“The most arrogant duke in England,” he grinned. “Who had the audacity to propose to you as if he were doing you a great service.”
“You were rather high-handed,” she agreed, unable to keep the smile from her lips.
“I was a fool.” Jude’s hand moved to rest over hers on her stomach. “A fool who nearly lost everything that mattered because of pride.”
The baby kicked then, as if in agreement, and they both laughed.
“Our child already has opinions,” Clarissa said.
“Like mother, like child.” Jude’s expression grew tender. “I’ve had a letter from London. The scandal sheets have finally moved on to fresher gossip—apparently Lord Huppence’s niece has eloped with her drawing master.”
“How deliciously scandalous.” Clarissa’s eyes twinkled. “I’m almost disappointed to be displaced as the subject of drawing room speculation. Especially by a lord whose name reminds me of hiccups.”
“I thought you hated the attention.”
“I did. I do.” She sighed. “But there was something rather exhilarating about being discussed in households across England. The spinster who ensnared a duke.”
Jude brought her hand to his lips. “It is I who remain your willing captive.”
A comfortable silence settled between them. Outside, snow had begun to fall, dusting the landscape with white. Clarissa watched the flakes dance past the window, thinking of all the twists and turns that had led her here.
“What are you thinking about?” Jude asked, his voice low.
“That life is rather like your maze,” she replied. “Full of unexpected turns and dead ends. Moments when you think you’re lost forever.”
“And then?”
“And then sometimes, when you least expect it, you find exactly where you’re meant to be.”
He shifted to face her, his expression suddenly serious. “Are you happy, Clarissa? Truly?”
