Page 41 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Leo stood immediately. “Not at all. Please, come in.”

“Your expectations.” Marina met his gaze directly. “Beyond my ceasing to write about you.”

Leo weighed her question. “I expect you to fulfill the social duties of a duchess, naturally. There will be invitations now that we’ve returned to society. I would like you to accompany me when appropriate.”

“I understand.” She nodded. “And the household? I assume you would want me to oversee the running of the house?”

“Yes, though as I mentioned earlier, there’s no rush. The staff is well-trained.” Leo leaned forward slightly. “Marina, I do not intend to dictate your every move. You will have considerable freedom to spend your days as you see fit.”

“Including my writing?” she asked, a challenge in her blue eyes.

“I would prefer you find another hero for your writing, but I won’t stop you from writing altogether.” Leo held her gaze. “However, I do expect discretion.”

Marina seemed surprised by this concession. “I had assumed you would insist I stop entirely.”

“I am not your jailer,” Leo replied. “I have no wish to stifle your talents, only to direct them away from my personal affairs.”

A small smile touched her lips. “That’s… unexpectedly generous.”

“I can be generous when it suits me.” Leo allowed himself a slight smile in return. “Though, I’m curious what you might create when not constrained by Lupton’s demands for scandal.”

Marina glanced away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I have always wanted to write something more substantial. Stories with depth beyond mere… physical encounters.”

“Then perhaps this arrangement will prove beneficial to your literary aspirations after all.” Leo watched her closely, fascinated by this glimpse of vulnerability beneath her composure.

“Perhaps.” She looked back at him, her expression turning businesslike once more. “There’s also the matter of…living arrangements.”

“Your chambers are your own,” Leo stated firmly, wanting to reassure her on this point. “I will not intrude uninvited.”

Relief flashed briefly in her eyes before she masked it. “Thank you. And regarding social appearances…?”

“We should present a united front to society,” Leo said, understanding her concern. “The circumstances of our marriage are private.”

“Agreed.” Marina hesitated then asked the question that clearly troubled her most. “And what will you tell your friends? Lord Blytheton, the Dukes of Irondale and Ashthorne… they must wonder at the suddenness of our union.”

Leo considered this. Noah already knew some of the truth, having been present when Leo learned of Marina’s authorship.

“They need not know everything. A mutual attraction, a decision not to waste time with a lengthy courtship—it’s not entirely untrue.”

“A rather sanitized version of events,” Marina observed dryly.

“The truth often needs refining for public consumption,” Leo replied. “Isn’t that what you do in your stories? Transform reality into something more palatable?”

“Not precisely.” A spark of her usual spirit flashed in her eyes. “I transform reality into something more exciting.”

Leo chuckled at her quick retort. “A fair correction.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock as Henderson entered with a silver tray.

“Tea, Your Grace. I assumed the Duchess might wish for refreshment.”

“Thank you, Henderson.” Leo nodded approval at his butler’s initiative.

Marina smiled at the older man. “How thoughtful. I would indeed appreciate some tea.”

As Henderson poured, Leo noted the immediate ease with which Marina addressed the servant—neither condescending nor overly familiar but with the natural grace of someone accustomed to managing a household. It boded well for her transition to her new role.

“I have arranged for the modiste to visit tomorrow,” Leo said after Henderson departed. “You’ll need a wardrobe suitable for a duchess.”