Page 158 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

“I’m beginning to question why.”

“Because he’s the only gentleman I’ve ever met who can match your wit.”

Jane rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t suppress her smile. A short while later they joined the rest of the guests beneath the shade of the trees.

Lady Ashcombe insisted Jane sample her famous strawberry tarts.

Sir William recounted an absurd story involving an escaped hunting falcon that had landed on a bishop’s head during a sermon, leaving nearly everyone on the blanket laughing.

Even Ambrose appeared before long, settling comfortably beside Hector with a glass of lemonade.

“I must say,” Ambrose remarked, surveying the gathering, “this is considerably more civilized than our usual adventures.”

Hector looked at him. “I fail to see how nearly being stabbed compares unfavorably with cucumber sandwiches.”

Ambrose pretended to consider the matter. “The sandwiches are admittedly excellent.”

Jane smiled into her teacup. She had grown unexpectedly fond of Ambrose over the past few weeks. His humor possessed an easy warmth that balanced Hector’s quieter reserve.

At one point, Lavinia persuaded several guests into a friendly game of lawn bowls. Jane joined willingly. To her satisfaction, she defeated Ambrose twice.

“I demand a rematch,” he declared.

“You’ve already had one.”

“Then another.”

“I fear you’ll only embarrass yourself further.”

Hector folded his arms. “I would advise surrender.”

Ambrose looked between them dramatically. “You’ve become unbearable as a married couple.”

Jane laughed. “We’ve scarcely begun.”

“I’m already outnumbered.”

As the afternoon wore on, the conversation shifted naturally among the guests.

Eventually Lady Pennington smiled toward Jane. “I confess, Your Grace, it is delightful seeing you so settled.”

Jane returned the smile politely. “Thank you.”

“The duke has made an excellent match.”

“I consider myself fortunate.”

“As do we all.” The older woman looked knowingly between husband and wife. “Now we need only hope for a nursery before too terribly long.”

Jane nearly choked on her tea. Several ladies smiled approvingly.

One gentleman added cheerfully, “The duchy could certainly use an heir.”

Another nodded. “Strong families are built quickly.”

Jane laughed softly, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere. “I believe it is rather early to begin discussing children.”

“Perhaps,” Lady Pennington agreed. “But newlyweds always inspire such thoughts.”