The Lady and the Duke (12 page)
If the viscount was standing in front of Will in that moment, nothing could have stopped him from choking the life from the bastard. His nephew was only three, sweet as puppy and twice as much trouble. Such an accusation would have ruined him. Even though the boy was born in wedlock, and therefore inherited his father's earldom, gossip of an scandalous affair between his mother and the viscount would follow him for the rest of his life.
"I imagine that Claremont cautioned you against asking me for help," Will ground out. Lisle nodded.
"He told me that he would sue for custody, should I even think to pass along the papers."
"Oh, I really wish I had that arrow aimed higher."
Will and Lisle exchanged startled glances at Audrey's outraged comment, then began to laugh. His sister leaned over and enveloped her in a fierce hug.
"What a wonderful sister you will make me. And speaking of such...Will."
"Ah. Yes?" Will reached for his wine. He had a feeling he would need it.
Sitting back in her chair, Lisle folded her arms over her chest and focused her gaze on him. The same disconcertingly knowing one that had been directed his way frequently since he had gained his feet as a toddler. Lisle seemed to be recovering from her ordeal at an astonishing rate.
"The innkeeper called Miss Ellis your wife."
Will took a large swallow of the warmed liquid, ignoring Audrey's soft laugh. He lowered the cup to face Lisle's expectant expression.
"Well, technically...she isn't."
"I am aware of that, William. What I want to know is if you intend to rectify the situation."
As Lisle regarded him with her best older sister expression, Audrey grinned, her face dancing with mirth at his lecture. They had been through much since that afternoon, when he had kissed her in the garden. Losing faith, finding faith, danger, near death and the realization of love. Because after everything that had happened, Will knew. He didn't just admire Audrey, or desire her. He loved her. He wanted to spend every single day for the rest of his life with her.
His wish must have translated into his expression, because Audrey's eyes widened. Her gaze filled with such anticipation that Will nearly forgot where they were, and took the kiss he needed as much as he needed to breathe.
"Oh, yes, I do have a plan," he said softly, unwilling to look away and break his connection with Audrey.
He knew everything felt was his gaze, telling her how much he wanted her, how much he loved her. Will didn't want to,
couldn't
, live his life without her. He didn't care where they spent their time, in Town or the country, or on the damn moon if that's what she wanted. He didn't care if she dressed in silk or cotton, wanted to dance or to fish in a creek, as long as he got to do it with her.
He did hope she would teach their children to shoot, since she was a much better bowman then he was.
All that and more he put into his gaze, filling it with everything he felt for her. Two feminine sighs were his reward.
Will's smile was slow and sure.
"I'm going to marry the lady the first chance I get."
Epilogue
The sun beat down on Audrey's hair, but she felt too relaxed and lazy to bother finding her bonnet. She rolled over and eyed her handsome husband where he lay on the picnic blanket, arms tucked behind his head, bootless feet crossed at the ankles.
They had been married eight months and she didn't think she would ever get enough of looking at him. Will must have felt her gaze on him, because he opened his eyes and smiled, his dimples creasing his stubble roughened cheeks.
Lord, she loved those dimples.
He rolled on his side, propping his head on his palm, chocolate colored eyes twinkling down at her.
"Hullo, Duchess."
Audrey laughed. "Hullo yourself, Your Grace."
Her fears of not rising to meet the challenge of her new station had been almost immediately banished when soon after she married Will, the dowager duchess took Audrey under her wing, ensuring the transition was seamless. Will's sister and Mama were so welcoming, just delighted to have her in the family. They had promised that they wouldn't abandon her to her new duties, and they hadn't. Always ready to lend a helping hand or answer a question, but not taking over if she made a mistake, the women had been exactly what she needed. As a result, Audrey had found that now only was she perfectly capable of running Will's household, but quite good at it. In fact, she had come to enjoy it.
As if reading her thoughts, Will reached out, smoothing back a wayward curl that had freed itself from her arrangement, and searched her eyes.
"Are you sure you want to invite all those people here next week? Don't feel as though you must. I've told you before, I don't care if we never entertain. It doesn't matter to me."
As a celebration of the opening of the new Season, Audrey had decided to host her house party as a duchess. It was a bit overwhelming and there were a ridiculous lot of details, but with Lisle and her Mama in law's help, things were coming together nicely.
Plus, though it was small and petty of her, Audrey had quite enjoyed
not
inviting Beatrice Lettington.
"No. I want to. We cannot just retreat to the country and become hermits."
Will laughed. "That's quite the change of heart, my love."
Glowing a little from his endearment, Audrey smiled up at him. She wound her arms around his neck, breathing in his scent, loving the hint of spice from his aftershave and sun warmed grass.
"Well, I don't know that I'll ever be
thrilled
to go about in society, but your sister needs to meet available, nice men. She's too isolated here in the country." She poked Will in the belly when he rolled his eyes and continued. "Also, I'll soon be too large to hide my condition and we shall be retiring to the seat for a good long while."
Will stilled, his lips frozen where he had begun to explore the skin at the base of her throat. He raised his stunned gaze to meet hers.
"Condition?"
Audrey bit down on her lip, unable to keep her grin contained. Ever since she had become sure a few days ago, she had felt like a being made up entirely of light and joy.
"Yes."
"
A baby
?"
Audrey laughed, unable to contain her happiness at his hoarse question. She nodded in affirmation and he pulled her close, crushing his lips to hers. His mouth moved against hers ruthlessly, stealing her breath and making her ache for more. She would never have enough of this man, never. Audrey moaned, sliding her hands over his shoulders, holding him close as he rolled her beneath him on the blanket.
Will broke the kiss and stared down at her as he braced himself on one elbow above her.
"I love you, Audrey Langston. You have made me the happiest man alive. Just being here with me, you've done this." His gaze kindled, touching the depths of her soul with the raw and utter happiness she saw in his eyes. "And now there is a child. A family. Our family. My life couldn't possibly be any more perfect, and I have you to thank for it."
"And I, you." She touched her lips to his again, gently. "I'm so glad you almost bowled me over in that corridor. Otherwise we might have never met!"
"What?
You
almost bowled
me
over."Will's dimples popped out, his grin brilliant as he teased her. "I was minding my own business and you came along, nearly knocking me off my feet. I've never been the same since."
As they laughed together, Audrey marveled at how different her life was then it had been a year ago. This man, this wonderful, kind, funny man, saw her for who she was and loved every part of her. It was something she had not dared to hope for during her two dismal Seasons, and was thankful for every day since they had married.
Audrey Langston was no longer in need of a duke. She had found hers and they were going to live happily ever after.
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