Page 38 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

The dining room had been transformed. There were elegant floral arrangements on the tables, and champagne was already poured in crystal glasses.

“To the Duke and Duchess of Blackmere,” Lord Blytheton proclaimed, raising his glass. “May the nights ahead be as interesting as the stories that first brought you together.”

A shocked silence followed his toast.

“I mean—the-the events that brought you together,” the Marquess corrected himself, aware he’d narrowly revealed the Duchess’ secret.

“Always tactful, Blytheton,” Leo mumbled to him.

Marina felt a blush creep up her cheeks but managed a composed smile. “Thank you for your unique good wishes, Lord Blytheton.”

“He means well, but he has as much tact as a pig in a ballroom,” Leo murmured close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

Before she could respond, Harold stepped forward to offer his congratulations while Caroline embraced Marina tightly.

“Are you certain about this?” her friend whispered. “Everything has happened so quickly.”

“It is done now,” Marina replied softly. “And it’s for the best, truly.”

Caroline pulled back, studying her with concern. “You know where to find me if you need anything at all.”

“I do, and thank you.” Marina squeezed her hands. “Now stop looking so worried. This is a wedding, not a funeral.”

“A rather sudden wedding,” said a woman’s voice behind them.

Marina turned to find the Duchess of Irondale regarding her with curiosity. The Duchess of Ashthorne was beside her, looking quiet but curious.

“Your Graces.” Marina curtsied, uncertain of the protocol when addressing her new peers. “I am pleased you could attend on such short notice.”

“And miss the chance to meet the woman who captured Leo’s heart?” The Duchess of Irondale’s smile held genuine warmth beneath her teasing tone. “Gerard and I rushed back to London the moment we received word.”

“I trust we haven’t caused you any trouble,” Marina responded, aware of the flimsy excuse masking their rushed wedding.

“Not at all,” the Duchess of Ashthorne reassured her. “I have to admit, we are all quite intrigued by the sudden romance.”

Marina hesitated, not sure how to respond. How much had Leo told his friends about their arrangement?

“Some connections are impossible to ignore,” Leo said, appearing beside Marina. His hand settled lightly at the small of her back. “Don’t you agree, my dear?”

Marina glanced at him gratefully. “I do. Sometimes you simply know.”

The Duchess of Irondale raised an eyebrow at this, her skepticism barely concealed. Still, she kept her tone polite. “Then we’re delighted to welcome you, Marina—if I may call you that? We duchesses must support each other in this world run by gentlemen.”

“Of course. Marina is fine,” she replied. “I look forward to knowing you both better.”

Alice smiled warmly. “As do we. And please, call us by our names too. Won’t you come for tea next week? I have recently had my first child and haven’t gotten to leave the house much since, but I’d love your company.”

“That would be wonderful,” Marina said, genuinely touched.

Seraphina nodded politely. “We shouldn’t keep you any longer. Gerard has been waiting eagerly to offer his congratulations.”

As the two women walked away, Leo pressed his hand gently against Marina’s back. “You’re doing very well,” he said quietly.

“Did you think I’d fall apart?” she asked, keeping her voice steady.

“Not for a moment,” he said, smiling slightly. “But be warned—Noah is on his way, and it looks like he’s had too much champagne. Expect him to be more outrageous than usual.”

Sure enough, Lord Blytheton appeared before them, his handsome face filled with mischief.