Chapter Sixteen

C herish realized she must have asked a stupid question when Gawain sank back against his pillow and laughed heartily. “Give me a moment to recover and I’ll have at your luscious body again.”

“Be patient with me. I didn’t mean to sound so foolish.”

He caressed her cheek. “No, sweetheart. It wasn’t foolish at all. How could you know? My laughter was because of my own relief that you enjoyed it. I hoped you would.”

“I did.” Cherish snuggled against him, loving that his muscled arms were wrapped around her. He seemed very well pleased, if that affectionate, slightly possessive smirk still playing on his lips was any indication.

She had never thought of herself as wanton, but he had evoked more passion in her than she thought possible. In truth, she had no idea that she possessed any. It left her stunned that such depth of feeling had been hidden within her all this time.

Only for him, of course. She could not imagine herself responding to another man’s touch in this way.

For all his jests about being a Silver Duke, he had a wonderfully fit body. A fully matured man’s body. Firm and muscled, but also slightly marred by battle scars. He was broad in the shoulders. She liked the mix of salt and pepper in his hair along his temples and the breadth of his chest. She also liked that he was not a ton ideal of elegantly thin.

His muscles had been honed by years of physical labor and exertion. He also had the scent of a man. Clean, of course. But hot, earthy, and with a hint of spice that made her want to inhale him deeply and run her tongue along his skin.

He might like it.

Should she try it?

She was not quite so bold yet, which seemed ridiculous, since they had discarded their clothing and she was enjoying the sight of his naked splendor as much as he was obviously enjoying the sight of her in all her glory.

She tried to tuck the sheet around her for the sake of modesty. He grinned and did not stop her, but he remained stretched out atop the bed covers, not caring that she had grabbed the lion’s share of them. Well, why should he be shy about his spectacular body? Her heart had yet to stop fluttering wildly. His arms fascinated her, the way his muscles rippled when he lifted her or put his weight on his forearms.

Dear heaven.

He was all hers to enjoy for the rest of her life.

She tried to be discreet, but he had to know she was looking her fill and enjoying all of him immensely.

He made a joke about his age and the gray in his hair, though she had not noticed more than mere traces. “Does the difference in our ages bother you, Gawain? It is not all that uncommon for a man to be significantly older than his wife. And need I remind you that most men would consider me old and firmly on the shelf.”

“Then they are fools.”

“I’m glad you think so.” In her opinion, he would look equally handsome with a full head of silver hair. She only hoped hers would look as good when she got older. “What happens next?” she asked.

Despite his assurances, she still wondered whether he only meant to protect her from her uncle but did not really wish to change his Silver Duke ways. He seemed sincere in making this a true marriage, and had even said he loved her. But how much did they truly know about each other? Even if all he said was true now, would it change within a month?

A kernel of doubt remained within her heart.

Perhaps it was foolish to worry about such a thing. He had said he loved her, and treated her as though he did. Nor was he the sort to make a statement merely to mollify her.

But surely he must have uttered words of love to other women he had bedded. Had he held them as sweetly as he held her now?

She hoped his love for her was no passing whim. It felt everlasting.

But dukes were different from other people.

Even if he did hold her in his heart, what would happen next?

“What do you mean, Cherish? Are you asking what happens next in our lovemaking?”

“Well, that too. You know I enjoyed it. But I meant our future. Do you truly intend for us to stay together? Please, I would rather have the truth.”

He gave her cheek a light caress. “I gave you my solemn marriage vow, and I aim to keep it. The only way we shall not be together is if you wish us to part ways.”

She gasped. “Did I not give you this same vow? I have no desire to live apart from you. But I would not presume to make such demands on you. No matter your assurances, I cannot overlook that you were pushed into marrying me to save me from my uncle.”

“No, Cherish. Let us put this to rest once and for all. I know my reputation is not an easy one to overcome. But I was not coerced, or made to feel guilty, or ever pushed into marrying you. I am here and will always be with you because I am in love with you.”

She sat up and stared at him, and then shook her head and blinked several times, as though fearing the dutiful husband might disappear and the cold-hearted duke he was reputed to be stepped back in his place.

He reached out his arms to take her back in them. “Do you have any idea how truly lovely you are?”

She cast him the sweetest smile. “Apparently not. You’ve caught me by surprise.”

“I know. I should have been more romantic with you. There wasn’t much time, and it turns out I’m not really very good at expressing love.”

She leaned over and kissed him. “Gawain, do you think it is possible for someone to fall in love before ever meeting the person of their dreams? I tingled the very first time Fiona mentioned your name. It was as though my heart already knew I was meant to fall in love with you. I was in a tizzy for days before you arrived, and almost fell into a swoon when I finally did meet you.”

“I kept all of Fiona’s letters about you. I’ve read every single one many times over. I would have recognized you the moment I walked in even if you weren’t standing right beside Fiona. I knew you would be beautiful, but not even her glowing description could do you justice.”

“How was I this first time…you know, our coupling?”

He cast her an irreverent smile. “Do you see me complaining?”

“Well, I did not think that you would.”

He shook his head. “Are you asking me to compare your performance to others?”

“Yes, I suppose I am,” she said with a wince. “Your reputation precedes you. Your prowess with women is legendary.”

He groaned. “Oh, bollocks. It isn’t.”

“Any lady would feel loved in your arms. But were you at all disappointed?”

“No, Cherish.” He rolled onto his side, propping himself on one elbow as he leaned slightly over her. “It was extraordinary. You were extraordinary. Nothing to do with experience or practiced tricks—which, by the way, I look forward to teaching you,” he said with another naughty grin. “What I loved was how genuine your pleasure was, and I know it was genuine because you are honest in your feelings.”

“I could never hide them from you. I think I was half out of control before you even touched me.”

“So was I, love. We have a very deep connection, something we each felt from the very start.”

She sighed. “Yes, it’s true. I’m sorry I am asking so many questions. It isn’t you I doubt, but myself. This is nice, you and me together. I feel so at peace beside you.”

“And you are worried we will not have this once we return to London?”

“Yes, this friendship and this intimacy.”

“Are you wondering about our sleeping arrangements?”

She nodded. “I know it’s common practice for dukes and duchesses to have their own separate quarters even if we do remain living under one roof.”

“I was never trained to be a duke and do not particularly care for this common practice of separate quarters, but what do you prefer? The choice is yours, Cherish.”

“Goodness, am I not obvious? I want to be with you.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “I thought I would finish out my days as a spinster, alone and not particularly loved, since my own relatives cannot seem to abide me. So, to find you and win your heart… It is not something I could ever take for granted. I would like us to share a bedchamber, if that is all right with you.”

“More than all right.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I hope you will let me know if there is anything else you would like to put into effect. You have a very easy nature, and I can be bullheaded. I don’t want you to hesitate in telling me if something is not to your liking.”

“I think you are going to spoil me as I have never been spoiled in all my life, even by my loving parents. I will have to think hard to find something to complain about. If I do find fault, it will likely be that you spoil me too much.”

“Do not deprive me of that joy,” he said with a laugh. “I can well afford it. And do not forget that you are not the only one saved by this marriage. I never thought it would happen. Not that I blamed anyone but myself, for I am hardheaded and insufferable. I had resigned myself to living out the rest of my days alone, an old goat fumbling around a ridiculously large manor on an enormous estate. I am delighted this will not be my fate after all.”

She burrowed against him, wrapping herself in his warmth. “Oh, how wonderful! We shall be two old goats rattling about your ridiculously large estate together.”

“Unless we are blessed with children. Cherish, I meant it when I said all my rules and plans were tossed out the window once I met you. If you desire children, then we shall have them.”

She nodded against his chest. “I ache for them, especially because they will be ours. I cannot imagine anything more wonderful than having a son like you. And a daughter, too. I hope they will have your zeal for life and are fighters. I know I am too complacent.”

“I will put a little fire in you.”

She laughed. “You already have.”

“As for our children, I hope their hearts are as kind and compassionate as yours. But we shall not have any offspring if all we do is spend the night talking.” He settled over her once again.

She liked the heat of his big, roughened hands on her skin, and the light crush of his body weighing down on hers. Then his mouth pressed down on hers and he cupped one of her breasts in the palm of his hand, running his thumb lightly across the tip.

Oh my.

She was lost to all sensibility as fire swept through her veins, and she soon shattered, leaving nothing of herself but glitters of starlight.

Had she responded too quickly? Did he feel cheated?

She had not mastered this art of love yet, but Gawain did not seem to mind at all. Indeed, he attained his own release shortly after hers and had a conquering smile when he took her back in his arms.

He seemed quite pleased with the progress of this night.

As the hour grew late, Cherish thought she would have trouble falling asleep after Gawain had claimed her this second time. So much was new to her, and her senses were excited. The intensity of their coupling had opened her heart and changed how she viewed herself, no longer ignored and unwanted.

Gawain had called her a temptress and proclaimed she had wrung every last drop out of him. She thought it was the most amusing thing she had ever heard. She? A temptress? Not in this lifetime. But she was glad he thought of her in this way.

She fell asleep nestled in his arms, and must not have moved a muscle the entire night, because she awoke in the same position come morning. She smiled, trying not to wake Gawain as she slipped out of his hold and stretched the ache out of her bones.

“Now that is a sight to wake up to,” he said with an appealingly husky growl, and arched an eyebrow as he studied her.

“Oh.” She drew the sheet around her bosom, knowing it was foolish of her to blush after what the two of them had done last night. “I did not realize you were awake.”

“I’m usually up at dawn, but did not want to disturb you.” He slipped the sheet off her and sat up to kiss the swell of her breasts. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld…clothed or unclothed, Cherish.”

“I suppose you have seen many.” She thought about him and Lady Albin, but was not going to mention her. She would rather undergo the labors of Hercules than ever bring up that woman’s name again. Not that she was jealous or particularly worried. After all, he had rejected his first love, as well as all the other beauties who had shared his bed in the intervening years.

“Gad, I said that awkwardly.” He shook his head and groaned. “My reputation as a hound is all in the past now. What I meant to convey, rather awkwardly, is that I am glad you are my wife. Last night was a pleasure beyond all my expectations.”

She nodded. “Same for me.”

He nudged her back into his arms. “I love you, Cherish.”

She thought he meant to couple with her again, but they quickly sat up when they heard a quiet knock at their door.

“That will be Fiona’s maid sent to attend to you.” Gawain rolled out of bed and hastily donned his shirt and trousers. “My valet is probably waiting for me in my old quarters.”

He handed Cherish her night rail and then crossed to the door, waiting a moment for her to don it before he opened up. “Your Grace, I was sent to see to Her Grace. Shall I order a bath for her?”

He nodded. “And have another sent up for me in my quarters.” He then turned back to smile at Cherish. “I’ll knock at your door within the hour. Take your time. Let Fiona’s staff spoil you.”

She wished they could have remained in bed all day. But they were at a house party. Even though they were newly wed, it would have been embarrassing not to make an appearance.

And yet her face would turn to fire the moment anyone looked at her. They would all know what had gone on last night, and—

Dear heaven.

Had any of them heard her soft cries? These walls were not particularly thick.

Her cheeks heated at the mere thought.

Fiona’s maid scurried off to order their baths and returned in short order. It was not long before several footmen came in rolling a tub and carrying buckets of heated water. Cherish stood quietly off to the corner, doing her best to keep out of the way. She let out the breath she had been holding once the footmen left her bedchamber and Fiona’s maid shut the door. “Your Grace, is something the matter?”

“No, just a little overwhelmed.”

The maid nodded. “Who wouldn’t be if married to that stunning man? A Silver Duke, no less. But anyone can see how much he cares for you. I’m sure he did not hesitate to show you, either. Quite fit, he is. If you take my meaning, Your Grace.”

Cherish stepped into the now-filled tub, relaxing as she eased into the warm water. “Do you know what Lady Shoreham has in mind for her guests today?” she asked, eager to change the topic because she did not want to discuss her wedding night with anyone, even if it was the best night of her life.

“A ride in the countryside for those who wish it and archery for those who prefer to remain behind. Then a picnic by the folly for all at midday. Then more lawn games for those who wish it or another shopping excursion into town. Of course, tonight will be more music and dancing.”

Cherish encouraged the girl to chatter, anything to deflect the talk from her extraordinary night with Gawain. “Do you have a beau, Molly?”

“Oh, yes, Your Grace. He’s a bit of a lump, but he’s a good fellow. Doesn’t drink too much, nor does he chase the ladies, although he isn’t much to look at, so I doubt he’d have much luck even if he were a bit of a rake. And no one’s ever going to look as good as those Silver Dukes, are they? But my Harry is quite a catch. He has all his hair and most of his teeth, and his family runs a thriving farm.”

Within the hour, Cherish was washed and dressed, but her hair was still damp from its washing. Molly had done up her hair in a soft bun at the nape of her neck. She would undo it and leave it long and loose to dry as soon as most of the guests rode off on their morning trot. There would not be many left behind, since this was an avid horse crowd.

She would enjoy the solitude, perhaps grab a book to read in the sunshine, and then ask Molly to do up her hair again once it had fully dried.

Her stomach went into a mad flutter when Gawain returned to escort her downstairs. He looked big and splendid, and she caught the fresh scent of lather on his skin when he bent to kiss her. It was merely a polite kiss on the cheek, but he had that appealingly naughty grin that had her heart melting and Molly giggling. “You are not dressed for riding,” she said with some surprise, knowing how much he enjoyed his early morning jaunts and was quite disciplined when it came to his routine.

“I’ve asked Fiona’s head groom to take Odin through his paces today. It is only our second day married and I did not want to abandon you, even if only for an hour or two.”

She shook her head. “I am holding you back. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll have plenty to occupy my time while you exercise Odin.”

“Tomorrow, love. I haven’t had nearly enough of you yet.”

Molly eeped and scurried out of Cherish’s chamber.

Cherish groaned. “My face is going to burst into flames the moment anyone looks at me, especially if you keep that wicked grin on your face.”

He laughed. “I’ll try to look grim and serious, but can you blame me for smiling? It’s all your fault, you know. You are delectable. How about we take a stroll on the beach once the riders head off?”

“That would be lovely.”

They walked downstairs, and Cherish was surprised to see Northam Hall’s butler standing in the entry hall, looking quite perplexed. “Potter, is everything all right? What are you doing here? Oh no! Did my ogre of an uncle sack you?”

“No, it is more that he has abandoned us.” He raked a hand through his hair. “He and your aunt had us pack up all their belongings and the family silver, which struck me as most odd, and then they took off before the crack of dawn for Goswell Hall in the north country.”

“But they hate it in the north. They were most vocal about never setting foot back there again, weren’t they, Potter?” The rambling estate known as Goswell Hall was the seat of the earls of Northam, and much of it was crumbling. Not even her father had had the wherewithal to save this drafty fortification built of ancient stone. The walls around the medieval keep were full of cracks and in danger of falling down.

“Yes, Your Grace. They were quite vocal in their dislike of it.”

“That is truly odd.” Cherish turned to Gawain. “Goswell Hall is the Yorkshire seat of the Northam earls. It is one of several entailed properties. But what would make them sneak off like thieves in the night to a place they have always detested? With the silver, no less. Potter, did my uncle say when they are coming back?”

“No, but I do not think they ever plan to return. When I dared ask Lady Northam, she cursed us all and muttered good riddance .”

Gawain’s expression turned dark as thunder.

Cherish looked up at him in surprise. “What does it all mean?”

“Can you not guess, Cherish?” he asked with furrowed brow.

“No. What are you suggesting?”

He gave her cheek a light caress. “We are married. He knows I will be coming after him shortly demanding a full account of your inheritance. Why would he leave a place that he rightfully owns?”

She inhaled lightly, and then gaped at him. “Are you suggesting Northam Hall has been mine all along? I know it was not part of the entailment, but I just assumed when they moved in and took it over that… Dear heaven. Is it possible it has been mine all along? Those despicable cheats!”

“I will have to check the deed records to make certain they did not attempt to convey the property to themselves. Even if they did, I will quickly get it straightened out. I have no doubt in my mind that your uncle and his witch of a wife were the usurpers. They are now fleeing like rats abandoning a sinking ship, but they will be made to pay. Same for everyone else involved in this larceny.”

Potter nodded. “Their plan to keep you isolated and unmarried has fallen apart now that you are Duchess of Bromleigh. Rest assured, I will order the staff to shoot them on sight if they ever attempt to return. We’ll show them no mercy for what they tried to do to you. Loathsome people. We shall gladly assist you in any way possible, Your Grace.”

Cherish regarded Gawain. “It is frightening how complete their betrayal was, and that they might have gotten away with it had you not married me.”

“You were catching on to their thievery and would have done so sooner had your father shared his intentions with you,” Gawain muttered. “It cannot be overlooked that he enabled them to act this boldly. It is a lesson for me, as well. You are smart and capable, Cherish. I will make certain you are aware of all my holdings and know exactly what my plans are for them.”

She nodded. “I am also to blame for not being more insistent. The few times I tried to talk to my father, he dismissed my concerns, claiming it was not a woman’s place to deal with these legal headaches.”

“Backward and stupid,” Gawain said with a growl. “But all too common. All this could have been avoided had he shown you his testamentary documents or even once discussed them with you.”

Cherish tried not to get angry about this, since it would all be put back in order shortly. “He patted my head and told me not to worry about anything. He assured me that he had left me in good hands.”

Potter snorted.

So did she. “He was so fond of his younger brother and completely taken in by him.”

Gawain appeared to be getting angrier as he gave the situation more thought. “I’ll make certain everything your father left you is rightfully transferred to you and fully accounted for before the end of summer. I think I must ride to London this very day, Cherish. I need to stop that unholy alliance of uncle, banker, and solicitor before they can cover up their misdeeds.”

Cherish’s heart ached. “You would leave me?”

“Only with the greatest reluctance,” he assured her.

Potter cleared his throat. “There is more, Your Grace. They are gone now, but not before ransacking Northam Hall. They must have done it during the night when we were all asleep in our quarters and could not hear them moving around. I shudder to relay the news. But you will soon see for yourself. It is a terrible sight.”

Cherish gasped. “Those vile villains!”

Gawain raked a hand through his hair. “Is this not more proof that they must be stopped before more harm is done?”

She hated to admit that he was right. “I’ll ask Mrs. Harris to help us pack right now.”

He took her hand. “No, Cherish. Not us, just me. You cannot ride a horse. We’ll lose precious days if we go by carriage. Odin is a beast and can fly over the terrain. I already have my solicitor at work on the matter of your inheritance, but my letter must have reached him only today. He could not have gotten anything done yet. I will engage a good Bow Street man to follow those curs and investigate them thoroughly. He’ll ferret out whatever those thieves are trying to hide. If I leave now, I can reach London hours before Northam and his wife arrive to plot their next mischief.”

Reggie had come down while they stood in the entry hall discussing what was to be done. He must have overheard most of the conversation. “Let me attend to it,” he insisted, tossing his uncle a pleading look. “This is my chance to prove myself to you. Give me a letter authorizing me to act on behalf of the Duke of Bromleigh and his wife. As for the Bow Street runner, I know you use Homer Barrow. Give me the authority to engage his services and we’ll get the old earl’s solicitor and banker hauled into prison so fast, their heads will not stop spinning for a week.”

Cherish readily agreed to the plan, for being apart from Gawain after a single day of marriage was no way to start their lives together. “I like the idea, Reggie. Can you ride out immediately? There is everything to be gained by reaching London ahead of my uncle. You’ll be able to cut him off from his fellow conspirators before they can do more damage.”

She had come into the marriage with nothing. Gawain had not cared, but it still wounded her pride. He was now trying to make things right for her, but was it not just as important for Reggie to prove his worth?

“Gawain, we can follow in a day or two. But I would like to assess the damage to Northam Hall first, and make certain the farms have not been touched. We’ll then take up the fight wherever Reggie left off.”

He sighed, contemplated the suggestion, and then nodded. “Potter, alert the staff that we will arrive within the hour. I’ll be seeing my nephew off first.”

“Very good, Your Grace,” Potter said, and returned in haste to Northam Hall.

“Cherish, I’ll do as you wish and remain here with you. But it is important for us to get to London quickly afterward.”

She nodded. “We will. I promise.”

He now turned to Reggie. “You had better ride like the wind. There’s to be no straying from your mission. Take Durham with you. He has connections to those in power that you don’t have yet.”

Reggie appeared eager to embrace the task as he ran off to find Durham.

Gawain then strode to Fiona’s study to write the necessary authorization letters while Cherish went in search of Fiona. She found her in the dining room having breakfast with several of her other guests.

Cherish drew her aside and quickly explained what had happened.

“Those beasts! I hope their carriage rolls off a cliff with them in it,” Fiona said, outraged on Cherish’s behalf. She then gave Cherish a fierce hug. “What a way to start your marriage. Are you all right?”

Cherish nodded. “Yes, truly. I am angry, of course. But I am not dealing with this on my own any longer. I now have a true family to support me, and it is a great weight lifted off my shoulders. Those two will get their comeuppance.”

She knew Gawain was even more incensed over their actions than she was. Being a Silver Duke, he was going to act immediately and fiercely. Was this not part of his appeal?

He strode out of the study with a frown on his handsome face. “These are done,” he said, indicating the letters he held. “Are Reggie and Durham ready yet?”

Cherish nodded. “They’re grabbing a quick breakfast while waiting for you. Gawain, I see you are champing at the bit to go with them, but they will get the job done. Neither my father’s solicitor nor banker will get away with their crimes. I am most concerned with the Northam Hall farms, for those are the profitable properties. I have no idea what he has done to them, and those need to be restored as fast as possible.”

He had to be thinking of her as weak and ineffectual in some respects, for she was afraid of horses, had allowed her father to dismiss her as a helpless female even though she had run Northam Hall on her own for several years, and then allowed her father’s half-brother to make a servant of her and almost steal her property. But she also knew how to manage an estate and make best use of its potential. She hoped he saw her as something more than incompetent.

Well, she knew he did, for he had never once looked at her in a condescending way. In truth, he looked at her with love in his eyes. It was very nice to feel the warmth of his gaze now that they were married and he was no longer hiding his feelings.

Fiona was fussing over Reggie and Durham as they marched out of the dining room and met them in the entry hall. “I’ll have my cook put together food and ale for your journey,” she insisted. “What about your clothes, Reggie? Shall I help you pack?”

“Gad, Fiona,” he said with a grunt. “All done. I am a grown man, not a six-year-old boy.”

Durham grinned. “Me too. All done. But you are welcome to burrow through my unmentionables if it pleases you.”

Fiona pinched his shoulder. “Do not make fun of me.”

“Ouch!” He gave his shoulder a rub. “Who’s making fun? You’ve known me most of my life. If not you, then what other woman would I trust with my unmentionables? There comes a point in a man’s life when he begins to think about such things.”

“Oh, really? Stop grinning at me in that simpering way. It is most unattractive. And do not lump me in with your sordid conquests. I’ve seen the sort you escort about London. Your taste in women is execrable, Durham.”

“Did you ever consider I might have someone perfect in mind?” Durham maintained his irreverent grin as he stared at her.

She pinched his shoulder again. “Get to the stable and stop leering at me. I powdered your bottom when you were but a babe, you insolent clot.”

Margaret and a few other guests joined them as they all shuttled to the stable.

Cherish ought to have felt miserable, but she could not summon any bad feeling when she had Gawain by her side, a new friend in Margaret, and just realized Durham was in love with Fiona. Maybe—just maybe—Fiona cared for him, too. So what about the difference in their ages? If it did not bother Durham that she was older, why should it bother Fiona? There could not be more than six or seven years between them.

Fiona was still fussing over Durham and Reggie. “Don’t forget to stop at coaching inns along the way for some proper, hearty meals. The fare at those inns is usually quite good. You’ll have to stop at regular intervals, since your mounts will need rest and tending. And be careful. These are wicked, wicked people you are dealing with.”

Cherish stepped forward to thank them, and Gawain did the same. “The Bromleigh townhouse is fully staffed and all is at your disposal.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Reggie cast Gawain an impertinent grin. “I intend to make full use of your excellent stock of brandy once our assignment is done.”

Their little group now circled Reggie and Durham as they all stood beside the stable.

Cherish tried not to be obvious about keeping well away from their enormous beasts who were as big as Gawain’s horse, Odin.

Gawain was ever aware of her fear and did not make a point of it. He led her aside and took her in his arms. “You’re shivering, Cherish.”

“I’m trying very hard not to, but my body doesn’t seem ready to cooperate. I must be such a disappointment to you.”

“A disappointment?” He turned her to face him and kissed her until her legs turned to water.

It was a thoroughly inappropriate and wonderful kiss.

Fiona, Margaret, Durham, and the houseful of guests at the stable with them were watching and cheered Gawain on. That kiss would have thoroughly compromised her had they not already been married.

The man certainly did know how to kiss.

Reggie cleared his throat. “Great idea. I think I need to bid Margaret a proper farewell.”

Gawain growled. “Reggie! Don’t—”

But his nephew had taken Margaret in his arms and was kissing her with shocking heat.

Cherish exchanged a delighted glance with Fiona. There would be another wedding in the works.

Gawain growled.

Cherish laughed as she placed a restraining hand on Gawain’s arm. “You have only yourself to blame. You really are setting a terrible example for him.”

“Because I love my wife and wish to kiss her?”

He’d said it aloud, proclaimed his love in front of Fiona, Reggie, Durham, and everyone present, including Margaret and her parents. Margaret’s father appeared livid until Reggie approached him and asked to speak to him upon his return from London. “I love your daughter,” he said, and then turned to Gawain. “You’re not the only one who found love this weekend.”

Lord Durham was a very good sort and would not gossip about what he had just seen and heard. But Fiona? The news would be all over Brighton within minutes. If gossip could fly, the news of this Silver Duke being in love with his wife would reach London within the hour. That his nephew had also fallen in love was perhaps less interesting, but that news would also travel fast because Margaret’s family was not without prominence.

Gawain stole another scorching kiss from Cherish.

“Are you trying to outdo your nephew?” she teased, her cheeks turning to fire.

“No, sweetheart. Just kissing the woman I love.”

Fiona and Lord Durham were grinning at her. Had they heard this, too?

Of course, everyone heard. Gawain had made certain of it.

She wanted to berate him, then stopped herself. How foolish was she to rebuke a husband who showed affection for his new wife? Yes, he was being apish about it in order to make certain everyone understood theirs was a love match and not him stepping in to save her from her wretched uncle because he pitied her.

She did not think it was necessary, for who would ever dare touch her now that she was his wife? No one was ever going to challenge the Duke of Bromleigh or dare take anything that was his.

Everyone knew Silver Dukes protected what was theirs. And after last night, was there any doubt she was his?