Page 54 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“Tell me your name,” he demanded. “I’ve heard it from others, but I wish to hear it from your lips.”
A shiver went down her spine. “It-It’s Wilhelmina.”
“Wilhelmina…” he echoed, and her name had never sounded sweeter.
“Ger—”
Crack!
The sound of a vase shattering in the hall made them jump apart.
His hand dropped back to his side, and the heat in his eyes cooled almost instantly, replaced by that familiar composure.
Wilhelmina’s breath came fast. Her skin tingled from his closeness, from the promise she had glimpsed in his eyes, and yet the coldness had returned as abruptly as it had vanished.
Then, an impatient knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Wilhelmina called, her voice pitched high, before clearing her throat.
“Are you finished talking yet?” Hector’s small voice preceded him, sharp with curiosity and impatience.
The Duke opened the door and stepped aside as Hector bounded into the room. The boy’s energy seemed endless. His wide eyesswept past his father’s imposing figure, landing on Wilhelmina with wonder and relief.
“We are not quite finished, Hector,” the Duke said, though his voice carried a softness she had not heard earlier. “But you may join us for the remainder of the conversation.”
“I get to hear too?” Hector’s tone wavered between excitement and uncertainty, the same timidness that often tugged at Wilhelmina’s heart.
The Duke crouched down to meet his son’s gaze. Wilhelmina’s heart warmed at the tenderness of the gesture, so different from his usual formality.
Hector blinked, as if surprised by his father’s gentleness, and then realization dawned.
“Hector,” the Duke began, “I have asked Lady Slyham to become my wife, and she has agreed.”
For a heartbeat, the boy froze, astonishment mirrored in his wide eyes. Then, as if sunlight had broken through the clouds, his face split into a brilliant grin, radiating joy that filled the room.
“Does that mean she’ll live with us always? That I don’t have to go to the country house, and I can stay here, with her?”
Wilhelmina smiled, her heart swelling at his unguarded delight. The legalities and complexities of marriage were irrelevant to him; all that mattered was permanence and affection.
“Partially, yes. It means that she’ll live with us,” the Duke replied, his voice firm yet gentle.
Hector launched himself at his father, hugging him tightly, before spinning toward Wilhelmina. She welcomed him into her arms.
The boy pressed close, as if afraid that his happiness would vanish, and she held him firmly, feeling the natural ease with which he had become an integral part of her life.
“Lady Slyham! You’re going to live with us forever!” he exclaimed, his small voice brimming with the absolute certainty of a child’s world.
“It appears so, my dear,” she murmured, brushing his hair from his face with a tender hand. “Though you must be gentle, or I might reconsider.”
“I’m sorry, My Lady!” Hector said earnestly, loosening his hold. “Papa, does it really mean I’m staying in London? I promise I’ll behave better!”
The Duke straightened, the authority in his posture restored. “You will remain with us. But you must follow the rules: nowandering without permission, no leaving with anyone, even Miss Elliot, without my knowledge. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Papa.” Hector nodded earnestly. “I promise! I only ran away the first time because I thought you needed my help. But now, you are marrying Lady Slyham! There is no need!”
Wilhelmina raised an amused eyebrow at the boy, who returned her look with a solemn nod, repeating his promise as if she were part of the pact.
The Duke exhaled, a hint of relief crossing his features. Turning to Wilhelmina, he spoke with his customary precision, though she caught a flicker of something deeper in his gaze.
