Page 134 of Bound By the Duke

Aurelia laughed at that, but Percival was already turning to hover his mouth slightly over hers.

“You are insufferable, Papa,” Lottie groaned, covering her eyes.

But beneath her theatrics, her giggles betrayed her delight.

The carriage eventually rolled to a stop. Percival was the first to step out, taking his time to help the two ladies climb down.

Aurelia stepped out last, and she smiled tenderly at him. “You charm me in a way I will never grow tired of, husband.”

“You growing tired of me is my biggest fear,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear.

Instantly, heat coiled low in her stomach. It was insane. She hoped he didn’t plan to arouse her in such an open space.

But before she could tease him back, Lottie rushed between them and grabbed their hands with each of hers. “Stop whispering secrets! It’s picnic time!”

Aurelia let out a laugh, and they followed the girl into the park. The same park where they had first met.

Her steps slowed as her gaze fell on the familiar trees, the sunlight painting the world in gold. She touched Percival’s arm softly.

“This was where we first met,” she murmured.

He glanced down at her, his blue eyes tender. His lips curved slightly with quiet wonder. “And see how time has passed.”

She leaned in and closed her eyes for the briefest moment. Looking back, she was so grateful for that encounter.

As they continued to walk, searching for the perfect place to set up a picnic before her family arrived, whispers rose around them. Not the kind that criticized them. Not the kind that scorned Percival and called him a beast.

Their peers seemed to admire how he walked hand-in-hand with his wife. Their gazes weren’t sharp with fear, but warm and soft with curiosity.

There goes the duke who loves his wife. There goes the duchess who tamed him.

Two months of escorting Aurelia, of never leaving her side, had quelled the worst of the rumors. Yes, he was still formidable. Yes, he was still commanding. But now, he was something more dangerous.

He was beloved.

The Whitmores finally found the perfect spot. Just as they spread the blanket and unpacked the basket, Aurelia’s family arrived.

Nora and Louis were the first to rush toward her, their excitement evident. They have heard so much about Lottie, and they were looking forward to spending some time with her.

“So, you’re the little girl we’ve heard so much about!” Nora exclaimed, scooping Lottie into her arms.

Before Lottie could answer, Louis ruffled her hair. “Do you like fencing? Or do you prefer riding?” He grinned.

“She is a girl, for goodness’ sake.” Nora rolled her eyes.

Lottie’s eyes lit up like fireworks. “Both! Do you know any secrets about fencing styles? Can you show me later? And tell me about the races! And do you know which chocolate shop is thebestin all of London?”

The twins exchanged looks and burst into laughter as they tried to keep up with her endless questions.

Meanwhile, Lady Scovell approached with her arms wide open. “My sweet girl.”

The embrace was warmer than Aurelia had expected. Unable to help it, a tear slipped down her cheek as she buried her face in her mother’s shoulder.

For the first time, she felt it. That she was no longer a disappointment to her family, but a daughter who was truly loved.

“I’ve missed you,” Lady Scovell whispered, pressing a kiss to her hair.

“I’ve missed you too, Mother,” Aurelia breathed, her heart full.