Page 79 of A Promising Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

“Lady Blakely?”

Isadora drifted away as Molly Anning, Mary, and Joseph walked over to stand before her. Calliope reached out and grasped the older woman’s hands. “I’m so glad you were able to join the celebration!” she said sincerely.

“We wanted to thank you for the invitation,” Molly returned politely.

Calliope thought it was a good time to tell Mary what she’d been discussing with Mr. Bullock. “I have some good news. After some extensive debate with the Egyptian Hall, I am pleased to tell you that I have garnered you an audience with the board to discuss all your findings on the coast of Lyme Regis.”

Mary’s eyes widened. “It would be wonderful if they would actually listen.”

Calliope winked at her. “I daresay they will to both of us.”

“Look at them plotting over there. It likely has something to do with my ultimate demise.”

Grey rolled his eyes when Sebastian indicated Calliope and Mary, but while he attempted to keep a straight face, he finally broke into a grin.

“I’m relieved to find that you are still in possession of a sense of humor, even on your wedding day,” Grey retorted.

“Well.” Sebastian shrugged. “I find it necessary to entertain myself after you saw fit to forsake me.”

Again, there was a roll of his eyes. “Must you make me suffer for the rest of my days for marrying Araminta?”

Sebastian sniffed. “I just might.”

“Thank goodness I don’t have to suffer the same wrath.” Miles Stone, the Duke of Gravesend, joined them. His raspy voice was no match for his glittering, obsidian eyes. But although he looked intimidating, the duke fit into the family rather perfectly.

And now, so did Seb.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Oh, I’m sure I can find some sort of transgression to hold against you, some sin that you committed that caused me to suffer.”

“I have no doubt of your ability to spin a web of deceit to suit your needs,” the duke returned dryly. “Just kindly leave me and my wife out of it, or else it shall be very awkward around the dinner table during the holidays.”

“Speaking of which,” Seb held up a hand. “Where do we plan to hold these lavish gatherings of the nobility? Marlington Hall?”

The duke shook his head. “I gave up the dukedom for the Marlington line, remember? So, I’m afraid that is no longer an option.”

“Has the Crown already taken possession then?” Grey inquired.

“Not yet. It shall take a few months to move everything out and for all the legalities to be finalized. It is a lengthy process, but one I will be glad to retire when the time comes.”

As the duke and Grey continued to converse over the former estate of the Duke of Marlington, Sebastian found his attention wandering off. He searched out the vision of his bride and promptly excused himself when he saw her speaking to the Anning family.

He walked over and bowed deeply to Molly. “I appreciate your willingness to take part in our happy day,” he said sincerely.

“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Molly returned.

After a brief conversation, they moved away, and Sebastian was left alone with his wife. He glanced at the ring on her hand, the one she had picked out for herself, and marveled at the way the emerald glistened. He could have given her the Blakely ring, of course, but with such a despondent past attached to it, he’d decided against it.

“Did you miss me already?” Calliope said with that adorable wrinkle of her nose.

“Naturally,” he replied with a broad smile. He reached into his jacket and withdrew a sealed letter and handed it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked curiously.

“It’s from Lord Abersheen,” he said. “Since Grandfather is still recovering and wasn’t able to join the ceremony, he made me promise to give this to you once the vows were spoken.”

“Oh, dear.”

He chuckled at the look of wariness that crossed her face. Nevertheless, she unfolded the single sheet and began to read. He watched as several emotions flitted across her features. He was thankful that none of them appeared to be anger, because although he had promised to be the messenger, he had no idea what his grandfather had written.

When she was finished, she started to fold it back.

“What did it say?” he asked.

“I’m not supposed to reveal the contents,” she said firmly. She securely tucked it into her reticule. “Suffice it to say he reiterated his vow to welcome me into the family.” She smiled. “And it might have mentioned that he wasn’t getting any younger and he didn’t want to have to wait much longer to be a great-grandfather.”

Sebastian threw his head back and laughed richly. “The old codger! He’s so damned stubborn I wonder if he won’t decide to live forever, just to bedevil our children.”

She lifted a brow. “Are you saying we ought to disappoint him?”

Sebastian drew her into his arms. “Not at all. In fact, I think we should start right now.”

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