Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,85
time in London, though, she couldn’t wait to head back to the country. Weston was also eager to return to his estate. He was brimming with ideas of what he wanted to do for his tenants. He also planned to teach Claire how to ride once they returned to Devon.
On their way home after the Season ended, they were going to call upon Phoebe and Andrew. Her friend had given birth to a son on the same day Elise wed Weston. The Windhams wanted the Treadwells to be godparents to the boy and Robby would be baptized during their visit to Windowmere.
Weston stirred and his hand glided down her back, cupping her bottom.
“Are you awake?” he murmured softly.
“I have been forever. Waiting for you to awaken,” she teased.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Don’t let sleep ever interfere with any wicked intentions you have regarding me, Your Grace. Sleep is highly overrated. Especially where love is involved.”
He tilted her chin up and pressed his lips to hers. Soon, their kisses heated up and they made love in a frenzy, as if they couldn’t get enough of one other. Elise had become addicted to her husband’s drugging kisses and skilled hands. Need for this man poured through her and she doubted she would ever be able to get enough of him. As he filled her and she cried out his name in ecstasy, she knew she would never be able to live without him.
Afterward, Weston cradled her in his arms, stroking her unbound hair, murmuring to her how much he loved her. He told her so multiple times a day but each time was like hearing it anew, causing a warm glow to fill her.
“What are you going to do today?” he asked.
“I’m taking Claire to the modiste at eleven. It’s time she had some new clothes. Not too many since she’s growing so fast but she does need a few gowns. And perhaps a riding habit for when we return to Treadwell Manor.”
“Buy her whatever she needs. Double what she needs.” He kissed her temple. “I want nothing but the best for my daughter.”
“You are so good to her.”
“I know she’s Ruthersby’s child but I can’t help but feel she’s also mine.”
“He died when she was but sixteen months. I know she doesn’t really recall him. You will be her true father.” She kissed him. “Most men wouldn’t care for another man’s child.”
“I am as besotted with Lady Claire as I am her mother.” Weston kissed her soundly. “Do you have plans after visiting the dressmaker’s shop?”
“I think we’ll go for a walk in the park if it’s a nice day.”
He kissed her fingers. “I may join you. I need to visit with my solicitor first.”
“We’ll be close to where the boys enjoy flying their kite if you have the chance to meet us.”
“Look for me. We can go to Gunter’s after our walk.”
She stroked his cheek. “You’re spoiling us, Weston.”
He kissed her. “That’s what dukes do. Spoil the women they love.”
He tossed back the bedclothes and rose. Coming around to the other side of the bed, he pulled Elise to her feet and kissed her soundly and then swatted her bottom playfully.
“You’d better go and dress in your chamber, Your Grace, else I might keep you in our bed all day.”
She wiggled her fingers in farewell and returned to her room, ringing for her new lady’s maid and dressing for breakfast.
Today was going to be a lovely day.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Weston dropped Elise and Claire at the modiste’s shop, promising to hurry his solicitor along so that they could meet up near the Serpentine. As the carriage pulled away, Elise thought about how thankful she was that her selfish cousin had insisted she journey home in a broken-down carriage. It had led her to Weston’s door—and lasting happiness.
As she reached to open the door, it swung open, revealing Samantha in the doorway. Her sister-in-law stepped outside.
“What a pleasure meeting you both here.” She smiled at Claire. “Are you going to have some new dresses made?”
“Yes, Auntie Sam.”
Claire had taken instantly to Samantha when Weston had brought them to his sister’s home in the middle of the night. Claire had allowed her new aunt to hold Miss Molly and the three of them had held a tea party. When Claire stumbled over Samantha’s name, she told Claire to call her Auntie Sam. Seeing the two together told Elise how wonderful a mother her friend would be.