Page 146 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Jane had spent most of the afternoon accepting congratulations. Every few minutes someone seemed to approach to admire her gown, compliment the ceremony, or remark upon what an unexpected yet excellent match she and Hector made.

It was strange. Only weeks ago those same people had whispered about her brother’s disappearance, her broken engagement, andthe uncertainty hanging over the Deverell family. Now they smiled as though fortune had never deserted her at all.

Society, she reflected, possessed a remarkably short memory.

She had just escaped another lengthy conversation with one of Hector’s elderly cousins when Ambrose appeared beside her carrying two glasses of champagne.

“I thought you might require rescuing.”

Jane accepted one gratefully. “I was beginning to think no one would.”

He looked over his shoulder toward the lady who had cornered Jane moments before. “Lady Worthington has held unsuspecting guests captive for at least twenty years.”

“I believe it.”

“You survived admirably.”

Jane laughed. “I suspect marriage to Hector has already made me considerably braver.”

Ambrose grinned. “I should hope so.”

They wandered toward one of the quieter corners of the drawing room where they could watch the remaining guests without becoming part of every conversation.

Jane followed his gaze toward Hector. Her husband stood near the fireplace speaking with two gentlemen from parliament. Even from across the room, his posture was unmistakable. His hands were folded loosely behind his back. As usual, he was listening far more than he spoke.

Ambrose leaned one shoulder against the wall. “He is happier than he appears.”

Jane raised an eyebrow. “You seem very certain.”

“I have known Hector since we were boys.” His smile softened. “He is not expressive. But I know him well enough to recognize the signs.”

Jane glanced toward Hector again. “What signs?”

“He has not stopped looking for you.”

She blinked. “What?”

“Watch.”

Jane did. Almost as though sensing her attention, Hector lifted his head. His eyes found hers immediately across the crowdedroom. He held her gaze for only a heartbeat before politely returning his attention to the conversation before him.

Ambrose chuckled quietly. “There.”

Jane felt warmth bloom in her cheeks.

“He does that constantly.” Ambrose spread his hands dramatically. “He married you.”

Jane shook her head. “I almost pity you.”

“For enduring years of Hector?”

“For enduring years of trying to convince him of things he already knew.”

Ambrose laughed loudly enough that several nearby guests looked over. “It has indeed been exhausting.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. After a moment, Ambrose spoke more quietly. “You’ve done him good. He needed someone who wasn’t afraid to argue with him.”

Jane looked once more toward Hector. “I think we’ve both changed.”