Page 19 of The Wayward Duke
The corner of Julian’s stern mouth flickered. “Let’s refrain from debauching on the baked goods, if you please. I do have some standards.”
“Well, something salacious that won’t get us banished from society for lewd acts. Anything else would be permissible.”
Amusement warmed Julian’s eyes. “I’ll do my best to walk that fine line between scandalising dowagers and getting us exiled to one of my dusty estates.”
“That’s the spirit.”
A crush of carriages and ladies arrayed in frothy muslin crowded the drive of Lady Fairfax’s estate. Caroline gripped Julian’s arm for balance. There were too many eyes on them. Too many whispers behind fluttering fans.
They strolled through the elaborate topiaries flanking the garden path, ignoring the stares following their progress. Julian’s hand found the small of her back, spreading warmth even through layers of fabric as he guided her through the crush. The intimacy of his touch made Caroline’s breath catch.
“Smile, my duchess. We’re the very picture of connubial bliss.” His breath stirred her hair, and desire curled hot and sweet inside her.
She threw Julian a dry look. “I’m contemplating how much laudanum in my tea might make this afternoon tolerable.”
His thumb stroked a distracting pattern over her lower back. “Let’s refrain from drug-induced stupors until after the dessert course. I know how you love your sweets.”
“Oh, very well.” She heaved a theatrical, long-suffering sigh. “I’ll resist the siren song of drug-induced oblivion for the sake of the puddings. However—” A footman appeared bearing a salver with champagne. Caroline accepted one and gulped it down. “Champagne, I will have.”
“Pace yourself,” Julian said. “It’s a bit early to be in your cups.”
“It’s either this or fashioning myself a noose from the table linens,” she returned sweetly.
“Let’s refrain from hangings, if at all possible.” He plucked the empty champagne flute from her hand and passed it to a hovering servant. “It would put a damper on our performance of wedded felicity if you turn up dead in Lady Fairfax’s garden. As would a drunken scene, no matter how entertaining.”
“But aren’t you curious how many glasses it would take before I’m compelled to fling myself into Lady Fairfax’s garden fountain?”
“At this rate? I’d wager one more,” Julian said dryly. “Behave, and I’ll procure you a jam tart later.”
She considered that. “Very well. But I insist on another glass of champagne as compensation for good behaviour. And a generous slice of cake to go with my jam tart.”
“You drive a hard bargain.”
“I always do.”
Just then, Lady Fairfax bustled forth in a froth of violet silk. “Duchess! Here you are, and with your husband after all this time!” The countess’s attention shifted between them. “We had quite despaired of your wanderings to the Continent, duke. I do hope you’ll stay longer than the Parliamentary session. I confess I’m most eager to hear of your travels.”
Julian’s expression remained coolly polite. “I’ll consider it. I’m finding much to enjoy in London after my travels.”
“Wonderful.” Lady Fairfax’s calculating stare bounced between them. “You really must join Horace and I for dinner soon. I’d love to hear how you’re both getting on.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “And whether you have any happy news to share in the coming months.”
Happy news.Caroline’s emotions turned the simple statement into a blade that pierced deep. She blinked around the sudden tears, taken off guard.
But Julian didn’t pretend to misunderstand. His hand came to rest again at the small of her back. “Should we be so blessed,” he answered smoothly.
Oblivious to the turmoil roiling inside Caroline, Lady Fairfax beamed approval. “Lovely. Do come join us in a few minutes for a bit of sport. We’re about to commence an archery competition.”
And with that, she bustled off, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
“Come with me.” Julian tucked Caroline’s hand into the crook of his elbow and drew her towards a secluded little alcove tucked behind an artful screen of roses. Safe for the moment from prying eyes.
Caroline sucked in a lungful of air. Still, it couldn’t fill the hollowed-out space left by Lady Fairfax’s words. Children. A simple concept most husbands and wives didn’t have to think twice about. But for her and Julian, it was a wound that would not stop bleeding.
“Are you all right?” Julian asked gently.
She focused on a point just beyond his shoulder, throat tight. “I should have expected that question eventually.”
Julian shifted closer. “Expecting it and it not hurting are very different things.”
