Page 19 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction (Dukes of Passion #3)

CHAPTER 19

“ A nother brandy or have you had enough?” Noah asked, sliding into the chair across from Leo at the smoke-filled gaming hell.

The establishment buzzed with the usual nighttime crowd—gamblers hunched over cards, wealthy merchants celebrating deals, and young bucks looking for excitement away from proper society.

Leo gestured for the serving girl to bring another bottle. “Not nearly enough.”

“I take it married life isn’t the paradise you expected?” Noah smirked, pouring himself a generous measure when the bottle arrived.

“I didn’t expect paradise,” Leo muttered, draining his glass and immediately refilling it. “I didn’t expect anything.”

“Except perhaps a grateful bride eager to fall into your arms?” Noah suggested, dodging the dark look Leo shot him. “Come now, what’s really bothering you? The Duchess seemed perfectly amiable at the opera.”

Leo grunted noncommittally. The memory of Marina’s flushed face as he whispered in her ear at the opera, followed by her cutting words at home afterward, had driven him here to drown his frustration. “Leave it alone, Blytheton.”

“Ah, so it is your lovely duchess causing this foul mood.” Noah leaned back, studying his friend with interest. “What did she do? Refuse to redecorate your townhouse? Overspend her allowance? Or perhaps she’s simply immune to your legendary charm?”

“I said leave it,” Leo snapped, slamming his glass down harder than intended.

Noah raised his eyebrows but wisely changed the subject to a recent horse race at Newmarket. Leo barely listened, his mind replaying Marina’s words from earlier that evening.

I know how men like you behave. I won’t be just someone you turn to when you’re bored.

Then, Leo noticed two women sauntering over, their movements languid, practiced.

The taller of the two, a blonde with kohl-lined eyes and a gown cut scandalously low, fixed her gaze on Noah with a knowing smile. Her companion had dark hair, flushed cheeks and a gown that was equally revealing and drifted toward Leo, her every step a promise.

“Perhaps something to lift your spirits, handsome?” the blonde purred at Noah.

Noah grinned broadly. “What an excellent suggestion. I am finding the conversation here sadly lacking in charm.” He rose, offering his arm to the blonde. “Shall we find somewhere more comfortable?”

The woman giggled, pressing herself against Noah’s side. “I know just the place.”

Leo contemplated the brunette who had moved closer, her delicate hand coming to rest on his shoulder.

“What about you, My Lord?” she purred. “I’ve been told I’m very good at improving a gentleman’s mood.”

A month ago, hell even a week ago, Leo would have accepted without hesitation. A night of sex with no expectations or complications was exactly how he had distracted himself for years. The woman was beautiful, willing, and discreet—everything a man in his position could desire for a brief encounter.

However, the moment he opened his mouth to agree, he pictured Marina, her blue eyes flashing with anger as she condemned him for his treatment of women.

Those other ladies might have been content with such arrangements, but I am not.

“Not tonight,” he said, reaching into his pocket for several coins which he pressed into the woman’s palm. “But I appreciate the offer.”

The brunette looked surprised but accepted the money with a practiced smile. “Another time, perhaps.”

Leo stood abruptly. “Noah, I am leaving.”

His friend, already halfway to a private room with the blonde, turned with a bemused expression. “So early? This isn’t like you.”

“Nothing is like me lately,” Leo muttered, too quietly for Noah to hear.

He grabbed his coat and left, ignoring the curious glances that followed.

The night air was cool against his face as he emerged onto the street. Leo dismissed his waiting carriage driver, needing the walk to clear his head. What the hell was wrong with him? Since when did he pass up willing company in favor of returning to an empty bed?

Since Marina.

Since her accusations had struck too close to home.

Since he had wondered if perhaps she was right—that his carefully cultivated charm was nothing more than a shield against genuine connection.

Leo wandered the dark London streets for hours, frustration building with every step.

When he finally returned home in the early hours, he wasn’t any clearer about his tangled feelings.

All he knew was that his marriage was turning out to be much more complicated than he’d planned.

Two days later, Marina was returning from the morning room when hushed voices from the corridor caught her attention.

“It’s the third piece this month,” a maid whispered urgently. “First the silver salt cellar, then the small candlesticks, and now the serving spoon.”

“Mr. Henderson will have our heads if more goes missing,” replied a footman’s voice. “He already suspects Thomas.”

“It can’t be Thomas,” the maid insisted. “He’s been here fifteen years without incident.”

“Well, it’s not one of the housemaids. We’re never allowed near the silver cabinet without supervision.”

Marina hesitated, uncertain whether to make her presence known. Before she could decide, Mrs. Phillips’s authoritative voice joined the conversation.

“What are you two doing gossiping in the hallway? There’s work to be done!”

“Sorry, Mrs. Phillips,” the maid replied quickly. “We were just discussing the missing silverware.”

“That is not your concern,” the housekeeper said sharply. “The inventory will be properly managed without idle speculation from staff.”

A floorboard creaked beneath Marina’s foot, alerting the group to her presence. She stepped forward, finding the housekeeper with two red-faced young servants who immediately bobbed into curtsies and bows.

“Your Grace,” Mrs. Phillips said, her expression mortified. “I apologize for this unfortunate situation.”

“Missing silverware, Mrs. Phillips?” Marina inquired, keeping her tone neutral.

The housekeeper shot a quelling look at the two servants before turning back to Marina. “A minor discrepancy in the inventory, Your Grace. Nothing to concern yourself with. I suspect it’s merely been misplaced during cleaning.”

“I see.” Marina nodded, finding it difficult to focus on household matters when her thoughts remained tangled around Leo, who had barely spoken to her since their confrontation two nights ago. “Please let me know if anything significant turns up missing.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Mrs. Phillips looked relieved at Marina’s lack of concern. “I assure you, it’s nothing.”

As the servants hurried off to their tasks, Marina continued toward her room, barely noticing their talk of missing silverware.

Her mind was stuck on Leo—how he’d stormed out after their argument, returned home late, and avoided joining her for breakfast. He’d been polite but distant, a sharp contrast to his usual playful charm.

She realized she’d hurt him—or at least bruised his pride. The thought gave her mixed feelings: a strange sense of satisfaction along with genuine regret. She had been honest, but maybe she had been too harsh. Yet, how else was she supposed to handle the powerful attraction that was slowly undermining her carefully guarded independence?

Marina shut her bedroom door behind herself and leaned against it, exhaling.

Lost silverware felt trivial compared to the fact that her practical marriage was becoming dangerously complicated.

Marina crossed to the window, trying to distract herself from thoughts of Leo. She spotted a familiar carriage approaching the house, and a genuine smile broke across her face for the first time that day.

Caroline’s bright yellow bonnet was visible through the carriage window, a welcome dash of color against the gray London afternoon.

“Betty,” she called to her maid, who was arranging fresh flowers on the bedside table. “Lady Clarkshire has arrived. Please ask Henderson to prepare tea in the blue drawing room.”

By the time Marina descended the stairs, Caroline was already in the entrance hall, handing her cloak to a footman.

“Caroline!” Marina embraced her friend warmly. “What a wonderful surprise.”

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d see how duchess life is treating you,” Caroline replied with a smile, linking her arm through Marina’s as they moved toward the drawing room. “Harold sends his regrets—he’s trapped in some interminable meeting with his solicitors.”

The blue drawing room had quickly become Marina’s favorite space in the house, its elegant proportions and excellent light making it perfect for afternoon callers. A tea tray awaited them, steam rising invitingly from the silver pot.

“Is the Duke at home?” Caroline asked as Marina poured the tea.

“No, he’s at his club, I believe.” Marina handed Caroline a delicate porcelain cup. “Some business matter or other.”

Caroline nodded, studying Marina’s face over the rim of her cup. Once the footman had withdrawn, closing the door behind him, her expression turned concerned.

“Now, tell me truthfully, how are you? And don’t say ‘fine’ because I can see perfectly well that you’re not.”

Marina sighed, setting down her cup with a soft clink. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who knows you as well as I do.” Caroline reached across to squeeze Marina’s hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, really,” Marina hedged then relented under Caroline’s skeptical gaze. “It’s just being around Leo is more difficult than I expected.”

“Difficult how?” Caroline pressed.

Marina struggled to find the right words. “He’s so… present. Even when he’s not in the room, I’m aware of him—his belongings, his scent, his influence over the household. And when he is near, it’s…” She trailed off, embarrassed by the admission.

“Overwhelming?” Caroline suggested gently.

“Yes.” Marina rose, moving to the window to avoid her friend’s perceptive gaze. “I thought we could maintain a polite distance. A marriage of convenience. But it’s proving far more complicated.”

Caroline sighed, setting her teacup down. “I must admit, at first, the whole situation with the stories and the Duke seemed exciting. A romantic adventure.”

“And now?” Marina turned back to face her friend.

“Now, he’s your husband which changes everything.” Caroline’s expression grew serious. “I should warn you, my friend. He has quite the reputation. Harold says half the married women in London claim to have shared his bed at some point.”

“I’m well aware of his history,” Marina replied, remembering their confrontation two nights ago. “He makes no secret of his rakish past.”

“Past, perhaps, but old habits are difficult to break.” Caroline hesitated, then continued. “I don’t wish to see you hurt. Men like His Grace… they’re not accustomed to commitment. They seek pleasure wherever they find it.”

Marina returned to her seat, suddenly weary. “You’re right, of course. And I’ve told myself the same thing repeatedly.” She picked up her cooling tea. “Can we change the subject? I’ve spent far too much time dwelling on my complicated marriage.”

“Of course.” Caroline smiled sympathetically. “But know that whatever happens, I’m here for you. Always.”

“Thank you.” Marina felt a rush of gratitude for her loyal friend. “Now, tell me about Lady Gregory’s garden party. I heard something about a wayward swan and the ambassador’s wife?”

Caroline laughed and launched into the story with relish.

As her friend’s animated chatter filled the room, Marina allowed herself to relax. For a blissful hour, she could set aside thoughts of her enigmatic husband and the confusing tangle of emotions he stirred within her.

Yet even as she laughed at Caroline’s tales, Marina couldn’t entirely banish Leo from her mind. Like the missing silverware, something important seemed to slip away.

Something she hadn’t realized was valuable until it disappeared.