Page 117 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“He is occupied with his steward today. Otherwise, he would be with me.”

“He’s kept this from me for years.”

“Nonsense. He never believed you would be interested in my family.” She winked. “But now that you appear to have a reason to visit, Lord Drake will be happy to accompany you.” The babe began to fuss. “Please pardon me,” Lady Drake said, shifting the baby in her arms. “She needs my attention.”

“Of course,” Warwick said.

Musicians had set up in the back of the gardens and now began to play. One strung the pear-shaped oud, another played the woodwind duduk with its double reed, and a third was skilled with the handheld dumbek drum. People cheered and clapped and began dancing in a line, holding pinkies and kicking their feet in unison.

Warwick set down his plate, his gaze riveted by the dance.

“Do you want to join them?” Adeline asked.

“It’s unlike any dancing I know.”

“If you can waltz, you can learn how to line dance.”

She took his hand and led him to the back of the line. The dancers smiled in invitation. Adeline showed him the steps and, just as she’d anticipated, he was a quick learner. Soon, he was in complete harmony with the line, and they were laughing together.

At the end of the dance, she was breathless. Warwick left to fetch them a glass of tispouri. He stopped to speak to one of the musicians, then quickly returned. As they drank, she watched him. Warwick stood out from the others. Tall, fair-haired, green-eyed, his aristocratic bearing was as much a part of him as his intelligence.

Suddenly, doubts assailed her.

She bit her bottom lip. “Are you certain I will make you an acceptable duchess?”

“Tell me what worries you.”

“These people are as much a part of my blood as my English father.”

“And you think this is an obstacle?”

“I’m aware it could be.”

He raised her chin with his forefinger and looked into her eyes. “Adeline, I could not be more certain that you will make a perfect duchess. If I could obtain a special license and marry you tomorrow I would. Waiting for the reading of the banns is making me impatient.”

“Truly?”

“Yes. But I sense something else worries you as well. What is it?”

She glanced at those gathered in the garden, then turned back to him. “They need me. Many do not have access to a doctor. I know I wanted to stay in the village and treat the villagers, but I realize I’m needed here, too.”

“Then we will do both.”

“How?”

“Have you not noticed that I have many homes? My work can take place anywhere. I will go where you are needed. Where you will be happy.”

Heat spread through her chest. “Oh, Warwick.”

“I meant what I said. I need you, Adeline.”

She needed him as well. He’d become a part of her life—a large and important part. She missed him when they were apart, and she enjoyed their intellectual conversations. And then there were his kisses…

Those she longed for most of all.

She placed her hand on his arm. “One more question. What did you say to those men?” She motioned to the musicians in the corner.

“I asked them if they would be willing to play their instruments at our wedding breakfast.”