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“Is everything all right, Your Grace?”

With measured steps, James crossed the room to where his coat lay, draped across the polished wooden valet stand. Its deep sapphire hue caught the morning light, casting a regal glow upon the room. As he slipped his arms into the sleeves, he could not help but feel the weight of upcoming events settle upon his shoulders.

“I never thought things would end up… like this,” James said. “I thought they would be here.”

The butler bowed his head, knowing exactly to whom the duke was referring. “Those we love are never really gone. They are always with us, as long as we carry them in our hearts, Your Grace.”

James managed a small smile. “I never took you for the emotional type, Collingsworth.”

“Old age reminds man what truly matters,” Collingsworth spoke wisely.

“Family,” James said the word he both yearned for as well as dreaded.

This was an occasion long awaited and yet, fraught with uncertainty. Her parents’ delays had left him questioning their intentions, but he pushed aside such thoughts as he smoothed the fabric of his coat. Despite the lingering doubts, there was a sense of anticipation in the air.

“That is why I am doing this,” James said, as if in an effort to explain himself.

“You don’t have anything to prove, Your Grace,” Collingsworth reminded him gently.

“The ton begs to differ,” James frowned.

He was painfully aware of the reputation that preceded him.A killer.He shuddered at the thought. He remembered how many times he endeavored to explain to everyone what had happened, but no one believed him. So, eventually, he stopped explaining himself. He learned not to pay attention to what they called him. Despite being the pariah in the ton, he built a name for himself, a name even his own father would have spoken in awe. He built an empire of wealth. But that meant he could never trust anyone. He had learned that the hard way. Those who were the closest could hurt him the most. He could not allow that to happen again. His heart would remain locked forever.

“The ton doesn’t matter. Only you matter,” Collingsworth reminded him. “Your dear mother wouldn’t have wanted you to live your life bound to the chains of the ton.”

“That is easier said than done, Collingsworth,” James sighed. “I have a duty to my family. I need an heir, and with my reputation, I cannot afford to be picky.”

That was why when a chance presented itself for him to marry Vanessa Middleton, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Montgomery, he had jumped at it. He had not seen the young lady in question, but others had assured him she was quite beautiful and well-mannered. Neither of those things was important. Whatwasimportant was that she would be willing to bear him an heir. Once that duty was done, she was free to live her life as she saw fit, within the boundaries of propriety, of course. He saw it as a fair trade.

“Just do not forget to be true to yourself, Your Grace; that is what matters in the end,” Collingsworth bowed respectfully. “I shall go and tell the guests that you will be down shortly.”

“Yes, thank you, Collingsworth,” James murmured.

He listened to the sound of closing doors then closed his eyes. Personally, he would have been content remaining a bachelor for the rest of his life. He did not feel like he needed a partner, especially not the sort of partner his father was for his mother. However, he felt like he owed it to his mother and his brother. They would have wanted it for him. His mother would not have wanted him to remain alone. She believed in the restorative power of love. After all, that must have been why she remained with his father until the very end, the very tragic end. He opened his eyes, banishing the thoughts from his mind.

This is what needs to be done,he kept reminding himself. It was as simple as that. With determination and conviction, he stepped out into the corridor, ready to welcome his wife-to-be.

* * *

Penelope waited in the drawing room with Adeline seated by her side, and her parents resting on the chaise longue opposite them. They were ushered in by the butler who told them that the duke would be joining them shortly. Penelope’s heart was already beating like mad, but the moment the doors to the drawing room opened, she could barely breathe.

A man entered, his presence commanding attention with each measured step. He stood tall and imposing, his frame broad and muscular, hinting at strength restrained beneath the surface he was exposing to the world. His face, though stern and impassive, bore the chiseled lines of rugged masculinity, accentuated by a strong jawline and high cheekbones.

His eyes, a piercing shade of blue like the depths of a winter sky, seemed to hold a world of secrets within their icy depths. They surveyed the room with an intensity that made the air crackle with tension, every gaze a silent challenge to those who dared to meet it.

Penelope stifled a gasp as he walked over to them, closing the door behind him. Dark, tousled locks framed his face, adding to his allure with a hint of untamed wildness. Despite the severity of his appearance, there was undeniable magnetism about him, a raw charisma that drew the eye and held it captive.

From the moment Penelope laid her eyes upon him, she felt an inexplicable pull, a stirring deep within her soul that she struggled to comprehend. Why was she having such a strong reaction to that man, one she could barely control?

It was as if fate had woven their paths together in that single moment, binding their destinies in a way she could not yet understand. Though she knew she should avert her gaze to deny the allure that emanated from him like a tangible force, she found herself unable to tear her eyes away.

She longed to be the first person the man addressed, but he approached her father first, who immediately jumped to his feet.

“Your Grace,” her father spoke reverently, “it is an honor to be welcomed into your home.”

“Montgomery,” the duke nodded barely perceptibly at her father while Penelope and Adeline also stood up, waiting to be introduced. He did not extend any formal greeting other than that, nor did he acknowledge her father’s comment.

At that moment, the duke turned his attention to the two daughters, and Penelope knew that he was trying to assess which one had been brought over to be offered as his bride. A part of her understood Vanessa and her actions. The man seemed completely devoid of any emotion, and it was yet to be determined whether he possessed the basic qualities of politeness. So far, Penelope could not see any.