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She did, however, appreciate his gesture of matching his waistcoat to her gown. She caught a glimpse of them in a mirror together, and if nothing else, they at least appeared unified. For a couple that were trying to prove their undying love to others, they had to hope for that.

“You look lovely,” he said kindly to her.

“As do you. I must have chosen a good color,” she quipped. “Are we going to be late?”

“Perhaps slightly, but it is no concern of ours. Drowshire shall not care, and his cousin shall simply be happy to see you at all.”

“I should have invited her to visit sooner,” she said, biting her lip.

“Nonsense. It makes far more sense for you to prepare the household for visitors before you accept any. After all, we want to show them the effect you have already had here, not the ghosts of the past.”

“I suppose, although I have asked my sister to visit tomorrow. I would like her to see how the household looks now, so that she will truly see the difference I have made.”

“That is also an excellent point. Now, we should leave before we become so late that itisa problem.”

Samantha giggled, following him to the carriage.

When she did not think about the Duke for too long, everything with him was so easy. He was good company, and she enjoyed being in his presence. But then when she began to wonder exactly what he wanted from her, if not what he had told her in the beginning, she found herself feeling confused.

She simply wished that he wanted what she did.

It felt strange to see Lord Drowshire’s estate again. It had felt so long ago that she had visited for the party, yet it was sofamiliar. It was no surprise to her; his household left quite the impression.

“Samantha!” squealed Penelope, who raced towards her in a most unladylike manner when they saw each other.

From how tightly she was being embraced, Samantha was quite sure that she was forgiven for her absence.

“How are you?” Penelope asked, and Samantha truly did not know how to respond.

“I have never been better,” she responded which was the truth. “And how have you been? I apologize for disappearing.”

“Samantha, you had a wedding to plan and a marriage to adapt to. It is not surprising to me that you needed some time. Believe me, it is all perfectly understandable.”

No matter how many people showed her kindness, it always felt strange. It had only ever been Diana that was nice to her. The other ladies hated her, thetonpitied her but did not pity her enough to show her grace, and the scholars saw her as some little girl to cast aside rather than a person. Now, suddenly, everyone around her seemed to genuinely like her, and she could not bring herself to believe it, even if she so badly wanted to trust it.

“It is so good to see you, Penelope,” she sighed. “It has been quite the change adapting to my new life.”

“But it must be quite wonderful, all in all. It might not be the path I want, but being a duchess has its benefits.”

“I have to agree with you there. I feel so fortunate, if a little bewildered at how quickly everything has happened.”

“And I must admit that I am still curious as to how it happened,” Penelope smirked, “but I shall know all in good time.”

Samantha wanted to tell her, but she did not know how. There was no way to tell her that they were blackmailed without worrying her, and the last thing that she wanted was for Penelope to think that she did not wish to be married to Graham because even though she could not bring herself to say it in so many words, shedidenjoy being his wife.

“Welcome, Your Grace,” Lord Drowshire said proudly to her. “I am pleased to inform you that you are the first duchess I have ever hosted.”

“That cannot be true. You are known for your parties. Surely you have had a duchess grace your home at some time or another?”

“Not to my recollection, no. I have had a duke or two, your husband for example, but never a duchess.”

“Perhaps because the company you keep is not the marrying sort?” Penelope smirked. “Your favorite cousin is a wonderful example of that.”

“Johnathon is married,” Lord Drowshire replied, and Penelope scowled at him.

“Well, if he is your favorite cousin, perhaps he can come and stay with you instead!” she pouted, and then the two of them laughed.

“And how are you, Graham?” Lord Drowshire asked. “I suppose you have been adapting to your new life every bit as much as your duchess is.”