Page 20 of Christmas with the Duke
ChapterFourteen
Caroline headed up to the ducal apartments to collect her warm woolen cloak. Once inside the bedroom, she took her time, savoring the peaceful moment of solitude. Today had started out so well.
The night spent with Ewan at the Key had helped to set a number of things clear in her mind. Once they returned to London, she was going to carve out time for herself. Perhaps even take up a new pastime. She wasn’t sure what that would be, but she wanted change. A fresh start for the new year.
The Kembal scandal, as she suspected it would become commonly known as, would not be hers to deal with alone. She would take all and any assistance that the rest of the family offered.
I can’t be a martyr any longer. Ewan is right; I have my own life.
The door opened, and her husband stepped in, closing it behind him.
“Did I do and say the right thing just now?” he asked.
Caroline gave him a reassuring smile. “Yes. I am glad that you asked everyone to stay. We have to accept that things are going to be unsettled for some time, so it won’t serve any of us to go racing back to London. Everyone understands that they will have a part to play. The Radleys and Kembals will meet the coming storm as one united family.”
She had noted the expression of quiet relief on the faces of both Adelaide and Charles when Ewan had announced that he expected them to remain until after Hogmanay. At least now they would get to spend time with family and friends.
He nodded at the cloak in her hand. “Are you heading out to watch the fireworks?”
“Yes. Aren’t you?”
A soft smile appeared on his face. “Could I spare you for a moment?”
“The bruises you left on my hips and thighs last night are voicing a loud ‘no’ to any thoughts you may have of the sexual kind.”
He came to her, taking the cloak from her fingers and tossing it casually onto the bed. Caroline softly chuckled. Ewan Radley was not a man given to taking no for an answer.
“I wanted to be alone with you because it is Christmas Eve. Which means tomorrow is our wedding anniversary.” He took her hand, placing his lips gently on her wrist. “It will have been twenty-eight wonderful years since you became my wife.”
Emotion welled up inside her. In all the fuss over the past few days, she had quite forgotten about their anniversary. Ewan, the hopeless romantic, had not.
He held her hands in his, and when he spoke again there was a tremble in his voice. “Every day, I am grateful that you and I were given the chance to build a life together. You have raised the children of your body, as well as David, the child of your heart. That was only possible because you chose to love me. You could have easily walked away and married another.”
Tears pricked at her eyes. There could never be another man for her. She had known that all those years ago, and it still held true.
“You have given me the gift of a union that few women are lucky to experience—a partnership based on love and respect. I love you, Ewan, and I hope that we shall grow old together. That when you are ninety, you will still want us to share secret trysts up on the ramparts.”
“We might need to find somewhere warmer and more comfortable by then. My back is aching.” He reached into his coat pocket and took out a small square box, handing it to her. “When we were in Edinburgh and you went for a walk to clear your head, I also ventured out. I found this and thought of you.”
Caroline held the box, furiously blinking back tears. “Oh, Ewan.”
When she raised the lid, her gaze fell on a gold necklace. It was set with a stunning black onyx stone pendant. Caroline was still staring at it in wonderment when Ewan lifted the fine chain out of the box. He placed it carefully around her neck and closed the clasp.
He bent and kissed her, capturing her lips in a long, lingering kiss. Her toes were definitely curling by the end of it. Her heart was beating fast.
“I love being your duchess,” she whispered.
“In my heart, you are much more than that; you are my wife. My everything. I love you. Happy anniversary, Caroline.”
“Happy anniversary, Ewan, my love. And a very merry Christmas.”
* * *
When Love Conquers Duty.
Gideon Kembal, Marquis of Holwell, vows to save those he loves from the shocking scandal which threatens to tear his family apart. Duty bound, he sails to Italy, determined to bring his wayward mother and sister back to England.
Serafina de Luca is the obedient daughter of one of Rome’s most wealthy and powerful families. Despite her heart’s secret desire, she knows her future lies in a loveless, political marriage.
