Page 180 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
When they finally pulled apart, Jane rested her forehead against his. “We have had a very dramatic marriage.”
A quiet laugh escaped him. “That may be an understatement.”
She smiled. “And now?”
Hector looked at her. “Now we live.”
And finally, Hector believed he could.
Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
Jane still found herself occasionally looking around her home in disbelief. Not because it was grand, though Sunderford House was certainly beautiful. Not because she had become a duchess, though that title still sometimes felt strange on her tongue.
She was amazed because after years of longing, she finally felt safe.
The house was filled with laughter that evening.
A dinner party had been arranged with the people closest to them, and Jane found herself standing near the fireplace with Lavinia, watching Ambrose tell a story that grew more ridiculous with every passing minute.
“I assure you,” Ambrose said, lifting his glass, “that I was entirely justified.”
“Your justification was that you were bored,” Hector replied from across the room.
Ambrose looked offended. “Boredom is a perfectly reasonable cause for action.”
“Not when the action involves climbing onto a fountain.”
“It was a very impressive fountain.”
Lavinia leaned toward Jane. “Your husband has somehow become more patient since marrying you.”
Jane smiled. “I believe that is because he has finally accepted that he cannot control everything.”
Hector glanced toward her. “I heard that.”
“I intended for you to.”
His mouth curved slightly. The sight still surprised her sometimes. Hector had always been serious. But now she knew the quiet smiles hidden beneath that exterior.
She knew the man who laughed when no one else was watching. The man who held her hand beneath the dinner table. The man who kissed her forehead before leaving each morning.
Lavinia squeezed Jane’s arm. “I must tell you something.”
Jane looked over. “That sounds dangerous.”
“The ton has found a new scandal.”
Jane sighed dramatically. “Already?”
“It appears Lady Fairbourne and her husband are having some sort of disagreement involving a cousin, a missing necklace, and a rather embarrassing carriage incident.”
Jane laughed. “I am delighted.”
Lavinia raised an eyebrow. “You are?”
“Absolutely. I am thrilled to no longer be the most interesting person in London.”
