Page 25 of Courting the Duke (Reimagined Regency #2)

The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activity, and the wedding ceremony was brief, without fanfare.

Serena’s aunt had been absent; only her uncle, her brother Brandon, and Lady Roxanne served as witnesses.

A poke bonnet covering her honey hair pulled back in a simple style, his new wife stared out the carriage window.

She’d been quiet since their departure from Clarkingham Manor.

His wife.

The new duchess. Since coming into the title, the need to marry had loomed over his head, and he’d settled on Lady Roxanne because she fit the criteria.

Studying Serena’s profile, a mixture of emotions raced across his mind that he hadn’t expected to experience, mainly excitement and a sense of relief.

From her stony silence, she wasn’t of the same mind.

Had he been misreading her since the day they met?

A large hawk landed on a fence as the carriage passed, catching his attention.

Birds he understood. Women were more complex.

Her unenthusiastic agreement to marry him still rankled, and her refusal to acknowledge that their kiss in the cave had meant something to her.

He’d been shocked to realize that it had to him.

“What a majestic bird.” Serena angled her head to try to see the bird, her hips shifting with the movement. “Do you have one in your sanctuary?”

“We have had several over the years. Luckily, we have been able to return them to their natural habitat, except for Harvey. Mulligan—he is in charge of the sanctuary—uses him for hawking.” Hoxton appreciated her interest in birds, but he wasn’t sure if she did so for his benefit or if she genuinely liked birds.

His main concern with Roxanne had been her open distaste for the creatures.

Granted, many couples had interests they did not share.

Serena showed herself to be a curious person in general, thus he had faith her interest was real. At least in the short term.

“I should like to meet Harvey, and Mulligan for that matter.” Serena readjusted her position, a hint of her usual good humor returning. This couldn’t be any easier on her than on him. “I never had the opportunity to visit the sanctuary.”

“You are in for a treat.” He settled back into the seat, some of the tension leaving him. If they could rediscover the rapport that existed before the castle tour, old hurts might be forgotten. “Mulligan also taught the twins how to hawk.”

“Your cousins are very delightful children, although I suppose Daisy is no longer a child. She is out this year.” She continued to look out the window at the passing countryside.

“It was a pleasure to meet Brandon,” he said.

Brandon and Serena bore a striking resemblance to each other in terms of looks and temperament, and the bond between them seemed strong. He had no siblings of his own, but Daisy and he were very close. “Yes, he is the best of brothers.”

“Did you have a coming out?” Hoxton studied her expression, realizing that although they’d spoken often, he knew little about her.

Mainly, the focus had been on Roxanne, a woman he’d grown to know more through her letters than in person.

It felt odd when he considered it. She’d been uncomfortable in his company, and he in hers.

Perhaps it was for the best that they hadn’t wed.

“No, I didn’t,” she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. The woman he was used to conversing with had disappeared, and a troubled one had taken her place. “As I was without a dowry, Aunt didn’t think it was necessary.”

His disgust with her aunt continued to grow. “That’s unfortunate, or perhaps fortunate if you dislike society events, which you’ve indicated that you do not care for.”

Still in profile, one corner of her mouth lifted slightly, and she nodded. “You are indeed correct. However, I must admit that I do enjoy the occasional dance.”

“Dancing can be enjoyable.” The waltz especially shot to his mind.

As his wife, he would be able to hold her in his arms without censure.

Currently, it was not acceptable for a young woman to dance a waltz unless she was engaged or married to her dance partner.

They were married, and he would have a lifetime of opportunities to dance with Serena.

“I’d like to ask a question.” One small hand fiddled with a string on her sleeve. Her petite stature and delicate bone structure belied her inner strength. She might look fragile on the outside, but her fortitude spoke of resilience.

“You may ask as many questions as you wish.” Hoxton met her curious regard. A flush had touched her cheeks, and if he didn’t know better, she was becoming bashful in his company, which was odd. She hadn’t shown herself to be anything but frank in the past.

“Will Lady Imogene oppose my presence in her home?” The flush deepened as she lowered her lashes, which explained her unease. She was worried about her reception at Hoxton House.

“It is my home, well, our home.” Hoxton stretched his ankle to avoid the oncoming cramp. He preferred riding over carriages, but the ever-present threat of rain seemed destined to drive him indoors. “You are the Duchess of Hoxton, no matter how it came about.”

“If it wasn’t for Blackstone and my curiosity, you would be engaged to Roxanne right now, and I wouldn’t have brought shame on my family.”

“None of this is your fault. Or my fault for that matter.” He reached over and took her hand between his own.

He would take care of Blackstone in due time, for now, he needed to assure her.

Years of being bullied and looked down upon had taken their toll on her.

“You have not brought shame upon your family.”

Her lips turned downward, and her solemn gaze tore at his heartstrings. The past few days had changed her, and he wanted the old Serena back. There was no telling what horrible things her aunt had put her through.

“I have brought scandal to the house of Clarkingham, but thank you for trying to defend me.” She gave him a grateful smile, a touch of her old self back.

Hoxton squeezed her hands and moved to the seat beside her. She was forced to look at him, and a new kind of tension took hold. Tempted by her lovely mouth, he leaned toward her and pressed his lips to her soft ones.

Her fingers flexed in his as he angled his head to kiss her more fully.

She released a tiny moan of pleasure, inciting his passions.

Playing his mouth over her pliant one, he continued to explore her lips.

She settled her hand on his thigh to steady herself against the rocking carriage.

Desire, hot and heavy, settled throughout his body, and he pulled her onto his lap.

A deep rut nearly unseated him, and he reluctantly withdrew from the kiss. Meeting her liquid stare, he continued to hold her hand. “Since we are wed, kissing is no longer considered scandalous.”

Her flush transformed to an all-out blush, and she shook her head, giggling softly. “You are incorrigible.”

“On the contrary, I can be readily encouraged.” He brushed his knuckle along her cheek, feeling the warmth of her blush on his skin.

In a few short hours, he’d be alone with her in the privacy of their bedchamber.

The tempo of his pulse increased, and he wanted to kiss her again, exploring the texture of her mouth and lips without interruption.

“Those words do not mean the same.” Serena closed her eyes, revealing long, dark lashes tipped in gold. The freckles over the bridge of her nose added to her appeal.

“No, perhaps not.” Hoxton settled her back on the bench seat and looked outside, pleased to see the familiar landmarks of his estate.

A sense of pride hit him each and every time he came home.

He loved Hoxton House, and he hoped Serena would love it as much as he did.

“I will readily admit to being both incorrigible and encouraged, as long as it makes you smile again.”

She inhaled a long breath and nodded. “I am sorry I am not my usual self. The past few days have been challenging.”

“I understand. When Lady Roxanne told me what happened, I was furious.” He frowned down at his lap and tapped his thumb on his knee, agitated all over again. “You didn’t deserve such treatment.”

“No, I didn’t. However, my relationship with Aunt is rather complicated.” Serena began to fiddle with the same loose string she’d been worrying most of the journey.

“It would seem so.” Beside her, Hoxton patiently waited for her to continue. He’d learned that listening earned more answers than leading questions.

“My grandfather had been married before he married my grandmother. Lady Agatha was from his previous marriage. My mother’s name was Miranda.

According to my mother, Aunt Agatha disliked her new stepmother and, in turn, her half sister, my mother.

Once my parents married, the rift increased.

Aunt didn’t approve of my father’s profession. ”

“You said he was a portraitist who painted the Queen and the royal family.” He had recalled their first conversation and had discovered one of her father’s paintings in an unexpected place. Once they returned to Hoxton House, he had a surprise for her waiting in the gallery.

“Yes, it was his greatest memory, one he cherished to his dying day. When they wed, he was an artist and some of his works hang in Buckingham Palace. Except in Aunt Agatha’s eyes, my father was a tradesman, no matter how illustrious the subject, or how well-received his paintings.”

To be an artist was a bold choice, and to paint the royal family was a great honor. He hoped Serena would be pleased with the painting he’d found amongst his mother’s cherished paintings from her time at Buckingham Palace. “We will have to visit the royal gallery and view his paintings.”

“Will the queen welcome us at the palace?” Serena adjusted her skirt, her voice barely audible. “I understand she is furious over the entire affair.”

“Perhaps, but she will come around. You must remember, you are a duchess and eventually she will ask you to court.”

“I wouldn’t be sure of that, but I will take your word on it.” She sucked on her bottom lip before releasing it. Even in her worry, she created a fetching picture. “What about your grandmother?”

“Please don’t worry about her.” He hadn’t spoken to his grandmother in person but he had sent her a note that morning informing her of the wedding.

He caressed Serena’s wrist with his thumb, wanting to offer her comfort regardless of what happened in the future.

His grandmother would have to live with his decision. “I will handle my grandmother.”

He wasn’t looking forward to it, but when the time came, he’d defend his choice. Serena deserved nothing less.