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He was jolted awake when the carriage stopped. A look outside the window of the carriage informed him that they had arrived at the castle. The jostling had apparently also caused Helen to wake up.

Rising slowly, she stretched and then rubbed her eyes in a way that was adorable, in Alexander’s opinion.

“Have we arrived?” she asked, stretching.

It took Alexander some time to coordinate himself enough to offer a response, since he was riveted by the way that motion caused her breasts to press against her bodice in a really enticing way.

“Alex?”

“Sorry, my darling. Yes, we have arrived,”

He took care to drape his coat in a way to hide his arousal from onlookers and then he extended his hand to help her out of the carriage. He watched her look around in wonder. The smile that bloomed on her face caused an ache somewhere in his chest; she was just so beautiful, he was still finding it a little impossible to believe that this goddess was now his.His.

“Come on. Your castle awaits,” he said with an exaggerated bow.

At that, Helen chuckled, smiling widely at him, and he could not help smiling back.

Taking his proffered arm, they walked towards the castle door. There, at the entrance, the servants lined up smartly, and as they walked down, Alexander introduced her to each one, ending with the housekeeper, Mrs. Adams, a handsome woman in her fifties who welcomed them both with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Your Graces. I must say, it has been ages since this castle had a mistress. I am happy we have you now, Your Grace,” she said, with a bow in Helen’s direction.

“I am sure you are doing a great job here, Mrs. Adams. I will be happy to work with you to keep this fine castle in good shape.”

Mrs. Adams tipped her head graciously in acceptance.

“Mrs. Adams, after my Duchess takes her rest, I would like you to give her a tour of the castle. It is her home now.”

“Consider it done, Your Grace,” Mrs. Adams replied.

“Since that is settled, it is time to get you settled, Your Grace,” Alexander said to Helen, with a boyish smile on his lips

“Of course.” She made to go in, but he stopped her with a hand.

“Wait a while. We have a very important Blackhill tradition, and I will be remiss in my duties if I were to ignore it.”

Helen looked at him in confusion, and he smiled mischievously. He was so going to enjoy this. With one movement, he lifted her into his arms.

“What are you doing?” she gasped.

“Why, I would think it is obvious. I am carrying my lovely bride over the threshold of the castle.”

“Well, put me down. The staff are watching,” she urged, blushing.

He lowered her to her feet, making sure that her body slid down his front, ensuring she felt every contour of his body.

By the time she was standing on her feet, she was blushing fiercely. Alexander smiled in satisfaction. He really enjoyed that exercise maybe more than he was supposed to, but it felt nice to discomfit Helen.

“Your Grace,” the butler called.

Alexander turned to see the man standing beside him with a salver, a single letter on it.

“You have a letter from Lord Frampton.”

At that, Alexander collected the letter then he called out to the butler, “Ben, ensure the Duchess is comfortable, will you?”

“Right away, Your Grace,” the butler replied, but Alexander didn’t hear him, as he was consumed with the thoughts of what the letter might contain.

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