Page 45 of Claiming His Lost Duchess (The Dukes of Sin #8)

“ M ama, are you quite ready?” Sophia called from the doorway.

Her new dress of deep rose velvet brought out the natural roses in her cheeks, and it made her look even lovelier on such a nice autumn day.

Even as she terrorized her mother on her punctuality — or lack thereof. “Papa says we must not keep everyone waiting, as Aunt Margaret doesn’t like when her schedules are disrupted.”

Joan laughed at her daughter's solemn repetition of what was undoubtedly one of Graham's teasing observations. “I am nearly ready, darling. Has your papa finished with his correspondence?”

“He has been finished for ages,” Sophia replied with mild exasperation. “He has been pacing in his study, checking his pocket watch every few minutes and muttering to himself.”

“Has he indeed?” Joan asked, amused by this evidence of Graham's hidden excitement about seeing his family again.

She too, couldn’t wait to see her in-laws again, determined to have a nicer time in their presence than last time, when she believed she had filled them into thinking she and Graham were in love.

As it turned out, they really were in love.

Eventually, Joan made it down stairs, giddy with more emotions than she could name as she pulled him down for a kiss.

“My my, good morning, duchess,” Graham smiled, his expression one of pleasant surprise.

“Good morning,” Joan winked, stepping into the carriage and holding her hands out and Graham lifted Sophia into the carriage. “How are you?”

Graham took a good look at his wife and daughter and he settled in the carriage, his heart light with love.

“I am absolutely perfect,” he told her softly.

Joan knew as much, after all, the last few days had been utterly perfect. And they still had the rest of their lives to make even more fabulous memories, an idea she could hardly believe.

And so, when she stared at him and smiled, replying, “I know,” she knew he understood perfectly what she was feeling and thinking.

It took about twenty minutes for them to arrive at the park and she was pleased to see that its glorious autumn splendor had come into full view.

It was not difficult at all to spot the Lennox family, with their loud and merry voices.

They had claimed a prime spot near the lake and had set up a tent, beneath which servants were already spreading blankets and arranging elaborate picnic settings that spoke of careful planning and considerable expense.

Margaret was directing the proceedings with military precision, her own children dancing around her skirts with barely contained excitement while Lysander attempted to organize cricket equipment for the older boys.

Catherine and Sampson had arrived with their brood of four, creating a cheerful chaos of running children and barking dogs that made Joan's heart swell with happiness.

“Joan, my dear!” Mary Lennox exclaimed, emerging from an elegant barouche with the assistance of her youngest daughter Isobel.

The youngest of Graham’s sisters possessed all the fresh beauty and bright excitement of a young lady on the verge of her first London season, though she was still young enough to join in the children's games without concern for dignity.

“Good afternoon, Mary,” Joan replied warmly, accepting her mother-in-law's embrace with genuine affection.

the older woman had significantly warmed up to her since their first meeting, treating Joan not as an unfortunate necessity but as a genuinely welcomed addition to the family.

“You look absolutely radiant today,” Mary continued, studying Joan's face with the sharp eyes of an experienced mother. “There is something different about you — a glow that was not there when last I saw you.”

Joan felt heat rise in her cheeks and shot a quick glance at Graham, who was trying unsuccessfully to hide his amusement at his mother's astute observation. “I have been feeling very well lately, thank you.”

Well, was an understatement. She felt so immensely happy lately, safe and content with her life and it was remarkable just how much the body needed peace to sustain itself healthily.

“Mmm,” Mary replied, her tone suggesting she was not entirely convinced by this diplomatic response. “Well, whatever the cause, it certainly suits you.”

Before Joan could attempt to understand what had brought about her mother-in-law’s suspicions, Margaret appeared at her elbow with the determined expression of a woman on a mission.

“Joan, thank heavens you are here,” Margaret said, linking their arms with familiar warmth. “I need your assistance with the children — they are all arguing about the puppet show schedule, and I fear we may have a small rebellion on our hands if someone does not restore order soon.”

Joan allowed herself to be drawn into the organizational chaos, grateful for a chance to assist in managing the family event.

The next hour passed in a whirl of activity as blankets were properly arranged, food was distributed, and the various children were sorted into groups based on age and temperament.

Sophia immediately attached herself to her cousin James — Margaret's eldest — who had appointed himself the leader of all outdoor adventures.

Together with Catherine's children, they formed an enthusiastic band that raced across the grass with the boundless energy of youth, their laughter ringing out across the park.

“They look happy,” Lysander observed, settling beside Graham on one of the larger blankets while the ladies arranged themselves nearby with appropriate attention to their skirts and the protection of delicate fabrics from grass stains.

“Indeed they do,” Graham agreed, his eyes following Sophia as she attempted to keep pace with her older cousins. “Sophia has thrived having so many family members to dote upon her. I sometimes think she enjoys her aunts and uncles more than she does her parents.”

“Nonsense,” Catherine interjected from where she was unpacking an elaborate tea service. “Children may enjoy novelty, but they always prefer the security of parental love above all else. Sophia clearly adores both of you.”

Joan felt a warm glow of satisfaction at Catherine's words. Graham's middle sister had always been somewhat more reserved than Margaret, but her approval meant a great deal to Joan, who had initially worried about winning over all members of her new family.

“Speaking of adoration,” Isobel said with a mischievous grin as she settled gracefully onto the blanket beside Joan, “I could not help but notice that you and Graham seem particularly... harmonious today. There is definitely something different about the way you look at each other, compared to our last visit.”

Joan felt her cheeks warm under the younger woman's keen observation. “We are very happy, yes.”

“Wonderfully, blissfully happy,” Graham added with such obvious contentment that several family members exchanged knowing glances.

The puppet show began soon after, with all the children gathering in rapt attention as colorful marionettes danced across a makeshift stage.

The performance told the tale of a brave knight who rescued a beautiful princess from a terrible dragon, complete with dramatic sword fights and true love's triumph over evil.

Joan found herself thinking of the parallels to their own story as she watched Sophia's delighted reaction to the heroic knight's victory.

Graham had indeed rescued her, though not from a dragon — from her own fears and insecurities, from a life of loneliness and uncertainty, from the belief that she was unworthy of genuine love.

“The knight reminds me of Papa,” Sophia announced loudly during a particularly exciting battle scene, causing several adults to chuckle and Graham to look both pleased and slightly embarrassed.

“Does he indeed?” Graham asked, scooping his daughter onto his lap as the puppet show concluded. “And why is that, poppet?”

“Because he fights the bad men and protects people he loves,” Sophia replied matter-of-factly. “Just like you protected Mama and me from that horrible man who took me away.”

Joan felt her throat tighten at her daughter's innocent words. Even now, weeks after the traumatic events, Sophia spoke of her kidnapping with the resilient acceptance of childhood, secure in her faith that her parents would always keep her safe.

“Your papa is indeed very brave,” Joan agreed, meeting Graham's eyes across their daughter's head and seeing the love there that still made her pulse quicken.

As the children scattered back to their games and the adults settled into comfortable conversation, Joan found herself observing the easy camaraderie between Graham and his brothers-in-law.

Lysander and Sampson clearly held her husband in high regard, seeking his opinion on matters of business and politics, while Graham treated them as true brothers rather than mere family connections.

This was what she had gained by marrying Graham — not just a husband and security for Sophia, but an entire network of relationships that enriched their lives immeasurably.

Margaret's children called her “Aunt Joan” with genuine affection, while Mary Lennox had begun consulting her on matters of household management and social obligations as though her opinions truly mattered.

“Joan, my dear,” Mary said, appearing beside her with two cups of steaming tea, “You seem rather contemplative today. I hope you are not overtaxing yourself with all this activity?”

“Not at all,” Joan replied, accepting the tea gratefully. “I was simply thinking about how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful family.”

Mary's smile was warm and knowing. “As we are blessed to have you. Graham has been transformed since your marriage — I have not seen him this content since he was a boy.”

“He has transformed me as well,” Joan admitted. “I was... quite different when he found me. More guarded, more fearful. He has helped me become someone I never thought I could be.”