Page 39 of Wicked with Him

Fighting down trepidation she dared not allow to take hold, she inched to the doorway of their traveling carriage and put her hand in his. “Let’s hope most of the family feels the same way about seeing us together.”

“If they cause trouble, we will leave, I promise you that,” Roman assured her. He’d proven on their non-stop journey to Scotland and back that he would always consider her feelings first. She knew he’d never allow George to raise his hand to her ever again.

She stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the vast façade of Ravenswood Palace. The Duke of Ravenswood’s Sommerset home was built to intimidate. Yet there was a strange comfort in knowing that she’d been summoned here by the new duke as his special guest. “Let’s hope the duke is in a good mood.”

“That might be too much to ask for,” Roman murmured quietly. “Let’s hope he’s in a fair mood instead.”

“It’s hardly likely given what he must be dealing with inside.” She stood a moment, collecting her resolve and twitching her dark skirts about her legs. They had paused on their journey after marrying only to supply themselves with a wardrobe of mourning black, so they could honor her uncle’s passing. “Now he’s the duke, the aunts and uncles will be pestering him.”

Roman started them toward the stairs. “What for? Money? Concessions?”

“To marry, of course. They will throw women suitable to them at him day and night.” She shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder if there is a woman in the world he can like. He isn’t the easiest man.”

“Hmm, you might have a point there, my sweet.”

Roman drew her arm through his a little tighter and led her up the stairs.

The Ravenswood butler was waiting before the door and smiled broadly at her. “Welcome back, Mrs. Crawford. Mr. Crawford, welcome. His grace has been expecting you for some time. Rooms have been prepared for your arrival for the past several days. Your luggage will be taken up directly.”

Roman leaned toward the butler. “Is it widely known we are expected?”

“No, sir.” The butler winked. “His grace is not known for confiding in many members of the family.”

Roman exchanged a long glance with her and then grinned. “This should be fun indeed.”

They entered the empty front hall to find the black of mourning had been draped everywhere. But Amity could hear the hubbub of dozens of voices somewhere not too far off. She turned to the butler. “Is all the family here?”

“Every last one.” The butler nodded. “His grace will be relieved to have someone he can turn certain matters over to at last.”

Amity shot a glance at Roman, who was nodding as if he knew something. “What does that mean?”

“I’m sure his grace will explain in due time.”

Amity moved a bit closer to her husband. “It’s been weeks since my uncle passed. At least some of them should have gone home by now.”

“Barnacles and parasites waste no time attaching themselves to a new vessel and burrowing in, too. The new duke will undoubtedly need our help,” he warned, patting her hand. “But let’s wait and see what he has to say upon our presentation.”

She gulped, grateful for his support, and followed the butler toward the rear of the property, burning with curiosity herself now. “The ducal study is this way,” she whispered since Roman had never before visited the estate.

Upon entry, they found Stratford standing in the center of the room, and his three brothers there with him. Stratford seemed the only one shocked to see them together…but he slowly grinned. “You’re married and not a moment too soon.”

He crossed the room and embraced Amity. “Cousin, you look radiant. Congratulations on bringing the best man I know to his knees.”

Then Stratford turned to Roman, and his smile utterly vanished. “My cousin! How dare you, sir.”

Roman didn’t respond immediately, seeming to take Stratford’s measure first before speaking. “She asked me nicely.”

Actually, Amity had begged to be ruined, but she didn’t mind him leaving out that part of their courtship. It was somewhat romantic that after one night together, he’d been unable to forget her.

Stratford squinted—and then slapped Roman hard on the shoulder. “My God, George is going to turn up his toes or explode when he sees you two together.”

“They all will,” Jasper Sweet said, coming close to kiss her cheek.

Nash approached and bowed to them. “The duke has been waiting for your arrival rather impatiently.”

Amity turned her attention to the new Duke of Ravenswood as he came toward them. It was no surprise to her that he seemed completely unchanged, despite wearing more jewels than she’d ever seen him wear before. When he came close enough, Amity curtsied deeply. He was the same man, but he was also a duke now, too.

Ravenswood waved her up. “Ready to face your brother?”