The Duke That I Want by Alexa Aston

Author:Alexa Aston [Aston, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2022-12-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Satisfaction filled Elizabeth. She had known holding Lily would pierce the imaginary armor the Duke of Dewberry had surrounded himself with. Just the look on the duke’s face as he gazed at the babe told her this man could easily love. That he would be a good father to his children and, with time and patience, a good husband. He might not believe he could love since he had never experienced it, but she knew now it was possible.

He was the man that she wanted. Now, she had to win his heart.

Glancing at Arabella, Elizabeth saw that her friend knew the same. Elizabeth had met with her sister-in-law after breakfast and told her a bit about Dewberry’s past. She had expressed her interest in the gentleman and Arabella said she would do what she could to give them the opportunity to come to know one another.

“Would you mind terribly, Your Grace, if I held Lily for a bit?”

The duke rose gingerly and walked the babe to her mother, easing the infant into the duchess’ arms.

“Thank you,” Arabella said. “Please, finish your tea, Your Grace.”

They talked a few minutes and then Arabella asked, “Are you interested in gardening, Your Grace? We have some lovely roses this time of year in our gardens.” Looking to Elizabeth, she added, “Why don’t you stroll through them with His Grace? The work on the gazebo has just been completed. I would appreciate His Grace’s opinion on it.”

She smiled thankfully at her sister-in-law and turned to the large man seated next to her. “Are you up for a stroll, Your Grace?” She knew he could not turn her down without seeming churlish.

“Yes, my lady. Thank you for the suggestion, Your Grace.”

Elizabeth rose, as did Dewberry, and he offered her his arm.

“Take your time,” Arabella told them. “If we are not here when you return, we will have gone to the nursery with Lily. I am not attending the Season, Your Grace, but I hope you will come again for tea and perhaps dine with us some evening.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Your Grace,” Dewberry said formally.

She led the duke from the drawing room and down the stairs to Arabella’s sitting room, where they exited the house through a set of French doors.

“The gardens are just ahead,” she said.

They moved toward them and Elizabeth was aware of him in a way she had not been with any other man. He was large but had been gentle with Lily. He seemed at home talking about his experiences in the war but ill at ease with other topics. She wanted to make certain he was comfortable in her company and show him of the possibilities that might be.

They strolled through the gardens and she pointed out various flowers to him.

“The roses are lovely this time of year. Arabella is quite proud of them. I also like the lilacs, sweet peas, and irises. There’s nothing like the scent of an English garden blooming in summer.”

She chatted in a constant stream until they reached the new gazebo since Dewberry didn’t seem to want to make conversation.

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