Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,31

proper marriage, he was still adjusting to what was normal and expected of a husband. He remembered little from his mother and father. And while gentlemanly conduct had been something his grandfather frequently touched on, those lessons hadn’t been specific regarding women other than avoiding them when possible.

He wasn’t quite certain why he was nervous—actually, that was a lie. He knew the reason. Eleanor. Being near her was slowly eroding the defenses around his heart, much like a crumbling castle wall that was no longer in good repair. His grandfather’s lessons had kept the protection in place. But now that Eleanor was in his life, everything had changed.

He had changed. What he thought he wanted had changed. The realization was uncomfortable. Terrifying, even. He felt vulnerable and exposed, for each time they were together and she offered that lovely smile, another stone in the wall protecting him fell away.

Soon they would be all gone.

Then what? Would he forget his duties and responsibilities? Ignore his tenants’ needs and place his own first? Allow all he’d worked so hard for to slip away? The worry concerned him greatly. Marriage was still a new experience in many ways despite the months that had already passed.

But in the past two days, another option had occurred. What if his defenses weren’t protecting him, but keeping him from the full life he could enjoy?

With a mental shake at his ridiculous thoughts, he opened the door before he received an answer, only to pause on the threshold, entranced by the view. His heart did a slow roll at the sight of Eleanor in a mint green gown with a daring neckline that showed the creamy expanse of her chest and hinted at the fullness of her breasts.

“Oh, Douglas, I’m so pleased you’re here.” Eleanor greeted him with a bright smile. “I’m nearly ready.”

The maid fastened a sprig of tiny white flowers in Eleanor’s dark hair which was fastened in a loosely fashioned chignon and stepped back to give a nod of approval. Eleanor tipped her head to each side to better view her reflection, causing several free strands to brush her shoulders. Douglas sighed in appreciation at the sight.

“Thank you, Babette. You did a wonderful job.” Eleanor turned to smile at the maid who practically beamed at the praise.

Would he ever grow used to how kind she was to the servants? She never took their assistance for granted. No wonder she had so quickly won over those at Rothbury House, including their surly butler.

The maid took her leave, and Eleanor rose from the dressing table only to pause. “Oh, dear. I forgot to have her assist me with my jewelry.”

“I would be happy to help.” He walked closer to stand behind her and caught the scent of her fragrance only to realize his mistake. The attractive scent made him long to nibble her neck.

“Thank you.” She bent to open a drawer in the table, providing a more generous hint of her breasts in the reflection of the mirror.

His body tightened as she dipped low to retrieve a black velvet case, making him long to caress the soft curves. He sighed with relief when she straightened to set the box on the table and opened the lid.

“Ah. The Rothbury gems.” He forced himself to focus on the ruby and diamond necklace and matching earrings that had been in his family for several generations. He’d presented them to Eleanor soon after their wedding. The thought of seeing them on her made him extremely pleased his grandfather hadn’t chosen to sell them along with many other items to pay his son’s debts.

“I thought this would be the perfect time to wear them.” She carefully lifted an earring and opened the clip to fasten it to one lobe before repeating the same on the other.

The feminine movements were graceful and made him admire her even more. He’d grown up in a household of men and was beginning to realize he would never grow tired of her womanly gestures.

Then she lifted the necklace and handed it to him. A narrow row of square-cut diamonds and rubies served as the chain with a series of small round stones in an artful swirl around a ruby the size of his thumbnail in the center. He did his best to ignore the desire building within him and leaned forward to lay the necklace along her throat.

With a frown, he attempted to concentrate on the clasp, certain the quicker he fastened it and stepped away the