Page 90 of The Duke of Pain

Well, there was that. To never see or hear from Whinstone again? Perfect.

“Come to Foxmont. There is no need to rush back to London,” Gideon urged.

“I brought an overnight bag, just I case. Come, I have a carriage outside. Let us be off to Foxmont.”

And to Olivia.

Gideon couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms.

Chapter 26

As soon as Olivia saw the carriage come up the drive, she was out the door. When Gideon stepped down from conveyance, she was in his arms.

Everyone was talking at once as they headed into the front hall.

Henderson gave Gideon a slight bow. “Good to have you home, Your Grace.”

“Yes, home,” Gideon whispered. “How’s your injury?” He pointed at the plaster on Henderson’s temple.

“I am fine, Your Grace. The one thing Whinstone did not steal was the food. We cannot lay out breakfast in the dining room, for the wretched man took the table and chairs, but if you would join us in the servants’ hall, we can eat immediately.”

“We would be pleased to join you all,” Gideon smiled.

As everyone turned to follow the butler, Gideon grasped her arm gently, startling her. He coaxed her into the drawing room and closed the door, leaning her against it.

“I have waited all night to do this,” he murmured.

Gideon kissed her with such ardent passion Olivia’s breath was taken clear away. Breathless, she kissed him back with equal, if not greater, eagerness. Things were getting heated as he thrust against her, the hardness of him causing her insides to flutter.

Then, he stepped away, leaving her panting.

Gideon held out his hand. “I know we’ve played this scene before, and more than once, but I ask you to share our lives. I swear you will be my partner in all things. We will share it all. Life, joys, sorrows, sex, companionship, respect, trust, and most of all—love. Take my hand, Liv. Take my heart, for I am giving it to you. If you consent, we will be married immediately. Civil ceremony or in a small chapel, whatever you wish. I love you—quite desperately. My heart doesn’t beat without you.”

Tears glittered on Olivia’s cheeks as she took a step toward him. She slipped her hand in his.

“Gideon, my love. We share it all. Let us be married as soon as possible. I love you so very much.”

Two days later at Foxmont…

“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Olivia Durham, may not be joined in matrimony to Gideon Michael Broyles, Duke of Watford. I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love and friendship, support and comfort, and to respect and cherish you throughout our lives together.”

Gideon smiled at her, and she could see tears in his eyes. He slipped the gold band on her finger. “I give you this ring as a token of our love and marriage, as a symbol of all that we share. And in recognition of our life together. I promise to love and respect you. Helping our love grow, always being there to listen, comfort, and support you, whatever our lives may bring.”

Mr. Bledsoe, Stanford-le-Hope’s County Registrar, announced, “Then I pronounce you man and wife.”

Applause broke out in the near-empty drawing room as Gideon kissed her gently on the lips.

Standing up for them were Christian and Althea, who had stayed on for the ceremony.

Archie and Billy had returned to London two days ago.

The staff had moved a few smaller tables into the dining room that had been stored in the attic, along with mismatched chairs.

But Olivia didn’t mind at all.

Everything was perfect.

Goodness, I’m the Duchess of Watford now.