Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

"W e should throw another ball."

Nancy's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she lowered her teacup, nearly losing her train of thought as her husband suddenly leaned in and kissed her cheek. He settled down in his chair again and waited patiently for her response, turning some of his attention to his breakfast.

"A-Another ball? Why? We didn't quite enjoy the last one. And it had only served as a means for the ton to observe and criticize our marriage."

"That's because we held their opinions in high regard last time. This time around, we'll invite them, leave the decision on whether to enjoy themselves or gossip for them to make, and enjoy ourselves regardless. And… I'd like to dance with you, all night long."

His admission made her blush, and she reached for his hand, gently squeezing it once their fingers were entwined.

"I would love that. So much. A do-over ball sounds like an excellent idea. When would you like to host it?" she asked with a smile.

"Whenever suits you, my love. It would be nice if it is soon. I'm quite eager to make up for all the moments I've missed out on with you," he replied casually.

She could tell he meant it, seeing as he had been very unwilling to leave her side for even a moment. As soon as they'd woken up, he had given the order to have her things moved into this room, stating that there was no need for them to have separate rooms anymore.

He had then reluctantly let her go to prepare for breakfast, and as soon as she was in his line of sight again, he had held her close and kissed her as though he hadn't seen her in years. Everything he did filled her heart with warmth and weakened her knees considerably.

His touch, his taste, and his manly smell filled her senses, making her crave him constantly, the yearning increasing with every moment they spent together.

Nancy had thought she had attained the highest form of happiness she could get the morning after their first night together. But the past hours with him had proven that there was room for more, and if he continued to uphold his promise and she kept on sticking to his side, then they would certainly obtain even more.

Then, Richard approached her with a huge grin on his face.

"What?" she asked.

Suddenly, he pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Once he pulled away, Nancy was certain she was seeing stars.

"What was that about?"

"What? Can't I enjoy my wife?"

"You most certainly can."

Then, he grinned again, tracing the seam of her lower lip with his tongue. "I have been thinking. About us. And our future. I think… I think I would want nothing more than to have a family with you, eventually. The thought of our love giving life to someone else makes me hopeful and happy."

"Oh, Richard," Nancy sighed, tugging him closer by the collar of his shirt for another kiss.

He tasted like wine, spicy and addictive, and soon, she was drunk on his lips and his scent, yearning to burrow into his arms and never leave.

"Me too," she admitted breathlessly when they pulled apart. "I want nothing more than to have a family with you, my love."

It might be soon, it might be later, but Nancy couldn't wait for what awaited them in the future, longing for more moments of love and healing to blossom between them.

As long as they had each other, they would be fine.

* * *

"My goodness, Nancy, it all looks marvelous!"

Nancy had to agree with her mother. This ball had turned out much better than the first one, and it was something of a mystery to the Duchess how that came to be.

After all, it was she who planned the first one as well.

Perhaps it was because her heart was lighter as she oversaw the preparations for the event. Perhaps it was because she had been given an incentive, prior to planning it.

Regardless, she already loved how the night was turning out to be, completely enamored with how beautifully the decorations and ambiance seemed to flow seamlessly, promising a memorable night to all in attendance.

"I think so too," she agreed with her mother easily, smiling as she watched her sisters talk excitedly, admiring the dresses women on the dance floor were wearing.

They all looked so relaxed now, and Nancy couldn't help but revel in the relief and joy that washed through her.

"Where is your husband off to now? I just saw you two together on the dancefloor! I need to thank him for securing your sister's dowries from your father's cousin," her mother said.

"You know how it is now, Mama. Everyone wants a word with him nowadays," Nancy responded.

Richard had kept his promise so far and had danced with her twice since the ball had begun, only stepping away to get her a refreshment. He had stolen a quick kiss and given her his word to return, and as silly as it was, Nancy found herself missing him.

"Well, I am his mother-in-law. I should be the very first in that line," her mother huffed.

She tried to distract herself from it by conversing with her mother, but her gaze kept wandering, searching for him with every minute that passed without him by her side.

"Mama," Nancy said with lightly scolding tone, "he's done so much for us already."

"I know, my dear. I merely wish to express my gratitude to him. If it weren't for him—and you, of course—we'd be at the whim of that terrible cousin."

Ever since Nancy had returned to Wexford, her mother refused to refer to her father's cousin by the Suttington title. She had expressed more than once, in the privacy of Wexford's parlor that is, that he was not worthy of it.

It wasn't that Nancy disagreed, but she couldn't care less about the new Lord Suttington. Now that her mother and her sisters' futures were secured, he was nothing but a black spot in their family history, a thing of the past.

"Why you even invited him here escapes me, though," her mother mumbled under her breath.

"Despite his unwillingness," and generally swine-like behavior, Nancy added inwardly, "he is part of our family. It would be uncouth of me not to, Mama."

"Always the virtuous one, my child," Lady Suttington responded and tucked one of Nancy's loose curls behind her ear, "I am ever so proud of the woman you have become."

"Thank you, Mama," she beamed at her mother.

"It is a testament to your influence that even more people were willing to attend this. You have done splendidly well again?—"

"Your Grace?"

Nancy turned around expectantly, her smile dimming slightly when she realized who was standing behind her.

"Oh, Lord Whitwood."

The Earl nodded, looking nervous. He glanced at her mother and said, "Pardon me, am I interrupting?"

"No. Not particularly," Nancy replied politely. "I hope that you are enjoying yourself tonight."

Lord Whitwood laughed awkwardly, making an odd picture she had never expected to witness as he glanced around.

"It certainly is lovely. Thank you for inviting me. I did not think you would, not after?—"

"I know. My husband told me," she pointed out, her brow furrowing when he seemed to shrink into himself somehow.

Richard had been against inviting his uncle to their ball at first. He expressed that he did not trust his uncle, even though the Earl had managed to undo the problems he had caused, and he wasn't particularly keen on seeing him anytime soon.

Richard had eventually agreed, although not because of the reasons his wife had mentioned but simply because he couldn't resist the plea in her lovely eyes and couldn't go against her wishes.

It had been a sweet sentiment which Nancy had not minded much as it had gotten her what she had wanted.

Still, she had almost not expected Lord Whitwood to actually attend, much less attempt to speak with her.

"I wanted to apologize to you. What I did… there is no excuse for it. My problems with my nephew should have been kept between us. The respectful thing to do would have been to steer clear of you and your marriage, but I did a dishonorable thing. And I am deeply sorry." Lord Whitwood bowed.

Georgiana was visibly displeased, and Nancy could not risk a scene on such a lovely evening, so she motioned for Lord Whitwood to rise.

"I have forgiven you, Lord Whitwood. I do hope that my understanding will enlighten you on my husband's displeasure as he will remain rather standoffish towards you until he feels as though he can forgive you. It is not out of spite. He just wishes to protect me," she explained.

"I am clearly not doing a proper job of it if such people still think it wise to approach you," a voice said from behind her.

Nancy jumped, startled as a hand pulled her towards a warm body, but she relaxed instantly, recognizing her husband's touch.

"Your Grace, I?—"

"I would like to dance with my wife, now. Please excuse us," Richard said curtly.

Nancy sighed as he pulled her away. "That wasn't nice, Richard. He merely wanted to apologize," she told him softly.

"He will survive. Besides, he deserves it. Don't you remember that he tried to break us apart?"

"I do, my love. You have every reason to be upset with him. But from what you told me, it sounded as though he was really sorry and would like to foster some sort of relationship with you. He is your only family left," Nancy pointed out.

"That is not true. You are my family now." Richard had grinned at her. "As is the rest of your family."

"That we are, darling. But you know what I meant. You don't have to play nice with him. I do not want you to hold onto any resentment, but if you wish to be upset with him for a while longer, I understand. Still, it wouldn't hurt to show good faith. It sounded like he also needed some family to rely on. And you are all he has."

"Very well. We can preoccupy ourselves with him later. You're mine for the night."

Nancy finished her drink and handed the glass over to a passing footman, pointing out sweetly, "I am yours always."

"Very good. So, you understand." Richard grinned, leading her to the dance floor.

Nancy couldn't explain the rush of emotions that welled up within her as they began to dance. It felt nothing like the first dance they had shared during the previous ball.

He only had eyes for her now, his touch warm and secure around her as they moved to the lovely music that filled the ballroom. It had been everything she had wanted that night, everything she feared she would never get.

Richard had meant it when he told her he would give everything he had and more for her happiness, and he proved as much every day.

"Have I mentioned how breathtaking you look tonight?"

Nancy laughed a little. "You have, numerous times."

"Well, the night is young. Surely you can stand to hear it a few more times," he teased.

"That is true. Flattery is always welcome in our marriage." She nodded.

"It is hardly flattery if it is true, dear wife."

"You make a good point, dear husband."

Richard grinned and pulled her closer, whispering sweetly, "You look like all my dreams come to life. Beautiful and ethereal, just for me. I have been unable to keep my eyes off you all night—not much has changed in that regard."

His last statement sounded somewhat wistful, and Nancy found herself asking, "What do you mean?"

"During our first ball, I had been so deeply attracted to you then that it seemed that the best thing for me to do was stay away. But… I couldn't keep my eyes off you. No matter where I went, my first thought was to find you amongst the crowd, and I always did—to my surprise. Most likely because you were the most beautiful woman in the room as you are now. Probably because my heart had already begun to yearn for you, and I just didn't realize it."

Nancy blushed, remembering how she had wished for his attention that night, completely unaware that it had been hers already.

"Might I ask you something?"

Richard nodded. "Always."

"Who… Who was that woman? The one you had talked with before we danced?"

Richard was puzzled at first but then realization dawned on him.

"Oh. Lillian? She's… She was William's beloved. They had been courting before his passing. He had planned to propose… before the illness took him from us."

Nancy felt ashamed. "Oh my, Richard… I am so sorry. I had no idea?—"

"I did not expect you to. I'm sorry as well. I know what that must have seemed like, but we are just friends. Or at least we were when William was alive. He was the thread that connected us both, and after his passing, it was hard to maintain our friendship. She is the daughter of the Baron Gates. That is why she was in attendance. And she had wanted to check on me and make sure I was doing all right. That was all that was."

Nancy lowered her gaze as heat filled her cheeks. "I am sorry. I feel so silly."

"Don't be. I'm sorry for making you doubt me in the first place. Lillian told me that she had seen you at some point and remarked on how lovely you were then told me to try making a life with you. I did not believe it was possible in as much as part of me so deeply craved the possibility of that. But here we are, so utterly in love. She would tease me endlessly if she knew." Richard chuckled.

The dance came to an end, and they both bowed to one another, moving to the edge of dance floor arm in arm to catch their breath.

"You are not upset?" Nancy queried reluctantly.

"With you? Why on earth would I be?"

"B-Because I assumed?—"

"I found it charming that you were jealous. And something tells me you had not arrived at the conclusion that something might be afoot on your own. No, my love, I am not cross with you. You wouldn't have felt that way had I been by your side, giving you the attention you rightly deserved in the first place. Do not feel bad, all right?"

Nancy nodded bashfully as he kissed her cheek, smiling as he tapped the tip of her nose fondly.

"Now, dearest wife, would you like to have another dance? Or shall we rest for a bit?" he asked.

Nancy grinned. "Another. We shall rest when we lose the feeling in our feet."

Her husband mirrored her expression, replying with a flourish as he led them back to the center of the dance floor, "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Duchess."

The rest of the night passed without incident.

Guests seemed to enjoy themselves immensely and stayed longer than they had during the first night, positively abuzz with conversations about the Duke and Duchess. Many were in awe of their love, noting that they were basking in marital bliss with eyes for no one else but each other.

It had been a rewarding experience for Nancy, who derived a lot of joy in knowing that she really had grown into a good duchess, all thanks to her supportive and kind husband.

As she crawled into their bed long after the guests had left and nestled safely in her husband's arms, she felt overcome with contentment and anticipation, eager for what lay ahead of them.

Because as long as they were together, she wanted anything and everything life had to offer.

"I love you," she whispered against his lips.

"And I you, my love," Richard whispered back.