Page 113 of Dukes for Dessert

“Of course you don’t,” he said. “You’re as loyal as the day is long. Do you still want to help her?”

“I do. But—and I want to be very clear on this point—my primary loyalty is to you. To us.”

“You humble me.” His voice was deep and soft, his expression full of love. He slipped his arm around her waist and pivoted them toward Lady Gilpin. “If it’s acceptable to you, Mrs. Langton will still help your daughter prepare for the Season. After we are wed.”

Lady Gilpin’s eyes rounded. She lifted her hand to her chest. “That, ah, that isn’t necessary.”

“Perhaps not, but Juno’s word is her bond, and she would very much like to honor her commitment.”

“It would give me great pleasure to help Dorothy for my final act as a companion,” Juno added, loving Dare so much for his support.

“Then yes,” Lady Gilpin said with a grateful smile. “We would be thrilled to have the Duchess of Warrington prepare our daughter for her Season.”

Put like that, Dorothy was bound to have an unforgettable debut. Juno would make sure of it.

“Well, I think this calls for a celebratory dinner,” Cecilia said, beaming. She gave Juno a look of pure delight and gently inclined her head.

Thank you, Juno mouthed.

“Can we leave now?” Dare murmured against her ear.

“Yes.” She looked about the room. “See you at dinner.”

Then she and Dare left the drawing room, and he steered her outside.

“The orangery?” she asked.

“Seems fitting.” He held the door open for her as she stepped inside the warm building.

Moving farther inside, she sensed he wasn’t behind her. Turning, she saw him standing against the closed door, his gaze fixed on her with dark intent.

She shivered, but in the best way. “I really am sorry for not being more understanding last night. I shouldn’t have been so demanding. In hindsight, I was afraid that you were abandoning me as my parents did.”

He rushed toward her and took her in his arms. “My dearest, I could never do that. It will be torture for me when you go to help Lady Gilpin’s daughter.”

She kissed him, joy threatening to swallow her whole. “It will be torture for me as well.”

“As to you being demanding, what did I tell you about that?” he growled, kindling her desire. “I want you to do that with me. Always. One of the things I love most about you is your complete impatience for my nonsense. You make me a better man.”

“That was never my intent.” She caressed his cheek. “I’d never met anyone so stoic. You provoked me to provoke you. I never meant to change you, and I shouldn’t have expected you to do that last night.”

“I like that I’m less rigid—with you, at least. I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks.” He kissed her again. “Only what you think.”

“I think I’m glad that we both realized we’re better together than apart.” She bit her lip. “I just hope people—such as your family—are accepting of me.”

“My mother will adore you because I do. In fact, I can’t wait for you to meet her. I’m more concerned about your family.”

“Why? They don’t even signify.”

“I think they do,” he said softly. “I intend to drag them back into your life, and if you decide you don’t want them there, then it is us who will do the ignoring. Not them.”

Emotion clogged her throat. “You are the very best man. My mother will be shocked I am marrying a duke.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure I’ll believe it until it’s true.”

“I thought we’d wed by special license since you have other obligations. Is that acceptable to you?”

She met his eyes with love and gratitude. “It’s more than acceptable. It’s lovely. Where do you want to have the ceremony?”

“London—and not because I need to go there.” He rolled his eyes, making her laugh. “That will be easiest for obtaining the license. I’ll send for my mother to meet us there, if that’s all right with you.”