Page 83 of Claiming His Lost Duchess
“It is one of my most useful ducal skills,” Graham replied with a grin that was both boyish and thoroughly wicked. “That, and the ability to command immediate obedience through strategic use of intimidating stares.”
“I have noticed,” Joan said dryly. “Will you be protective of our daughters, should we be blessed with them, when it is time for them to secure matches of their own?”
“Undoubtedly,” Graham replied without hesitation. “I shall be the terror of every drawing room in London, frightening away unsuitable suitors with nothing more than a well-timed glare.”
“And our sons? Will you teach them to be equally intimidating in defense of those they love?”
Graham's expression softened as he considered the question. “I will teach them to be honorable men who treat women with respect and consideration. Men who understand that true strength lies not in domination but in protection of those who are vulnerable.”
Joan felt her heart swell with love for this man who thought so carefully about the kind of father he wished to be, who had already proven himself so devoted to Sophia despite having no blood claim upon her loyalty.
“Now,” Graham continued, his voice taking on a more practical tone despite the desire that still smoldered in his dark eyes, “Much as I would prefer to remain here with you for the remainder of the evening, I suspect our daughter will mount a search expedition if we do not make an appearance for dinner soon. She has grown quite accustomed to having both her parents present for meals.”
They dressed with reluctant haste, helping each other with fastenings and attempting to restore some semblance of propriety to their appearance. Joan caught sight of herself in Graham's shaving mirror and was startled by her own reflection — her lips were pink and swollen from his kisses, her eyes bright with contentment, and her hair, despite her best efforts to tidy it, looked thoroughly mussed.
“You look thoroughly loved,” Graham murmured, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, his chin resting on top of her head as they both regarded their reflection. “It suits you beautifully.”
Joan leaned back against his chest, marveling at how right they looked together — how natural and perfect their joined reflection appeared in the glass. “I feel thoroughly loved. And thoroughly grateful to be so.”
“Come,” Graham said, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. “Let us go find our daughter before she decides to come looking for us again. I have a sudden powerful desire to see my entire family gathered around our dinner table.”
Joan followed, eager to live out the rest of her days basking in the love this man was so willing to shower her with.
EPILOGUE
“Mama, are you quite ready?” Sophia called from the doorway.
Her new dress of deep rose velvet brought out the natural roses in her cheeks, and it made her look even lovelier on such a nice autumn day.
Even as she terrorized her mother on her punctuality — or lack thereof. “Papa says we must not keep everyone waiting, as Aunt Margaret doesn’t like when her schedules are disrupted.”
Joan laughed at her daughter's solemn repetition of what was undoubtedly one of Graham's teasing observations. “I am nearly ready, darling. Has your papa finished with his correspondence?”
“He has been finished for ages,” Sophia replied with mild exasperation. “He has been pacing in his study, checking his pocket watch every few minutes and muttering to himself.”
“Has he indeed?” Joan asked, amused by this evidence of Graham's hidden excitement about seeing his family again.
She too, couldn’t wait to see her in-laws again, determined to have a nicer time in their presence than last time, when she believed she had filled them into thinking she and Graham were in love.
As it turned out, they really were in love.
Eventually, Joan made it down stairs, giddy with more emotions than she could name as she pulled him down for a kiss.
“My my, good morning, duchess,” Graham smiled, his expression one of pleasant surprise.
“Good morning,” Joan winked, stepping into the carriage and holding her hands out and Graham lifted Sophia into the carriage. “How are you?”
Graham took a good look at his wife and daughter and he settled in the carriage, his heart light with love.
“I am absolutely perfect,” he told her softly.
Joan knew as much, after all, the last few days had been utterly perfect. And they still had the rest of their lives to make even more fabulous memories, an idea she could hardly believe.
And so, when she stared at him and smiled, replying, “I know,” she knew he understood perfectly what she was feeling and thinking.
It took about twenty minutes for them to arrive at the park and she was pleased to see that its glorious autumn splendor had come into full view.
It was not difficult at all to spot the Lennox family, with their loud and merry voices. They had claimed a prime spot near the lake and had set up a tent, beneath which servants were already spreading blankets and arranging elaborate picnic settings that spoke of careful planning and considerable expense.
