“May I have a cone of chestnuts?” she asked, as she fumbled for her purse.
“Certainly, Your Grace,” the vendor replied, expertly pouring some roasted chestnuts into a paper cone for her.
She laughed heartily when she finally got what she came for. Adrian could not help but follow the way her eyes crinkled, and her mouth curled into a pleased smile. He squeezed his eyes shut to savor the way she moaned when she tasted the chestnuts.
Then, they moved on to the next stall. He found himself instinctively protecting her. When a large gentleman brushed too close to his wife, his hand immediately shot out to block any possible contact. Daphne gasped when she felt him tug at her waist, drawing her closer to him. It was not a surprising move, given how people were walking too close to each other. He was just a man protecting his wife, and not someone looking for a scandal.
“Your Grace,” Daphne breathed.
“It is too crowded,” he explained. “Someone almost bumped you. Do not move far from my side.”
Her nostrils flared as she regarded him. He thought he was going to fight her, but she did not. She let him guide her through the maze of people until they reached the stall with spiced cider. Adrian quickly paid for mugs for all the sisters. Victoria raised her eyebrows in surprise but seemed pleased.
“You finally completed your plans, Daphne,” Victoria said. “Roasted chestnuts and spiced cider!”
“My day is complete, Vicky!” Daphne admitted happily.
“You require the warmth, Duchess,” Adrian said, nodding, even as he sipped from his own mug.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she responded, as she also took a long sip of the sweet liquid.
“It seems that His Grace does have a heart beneath the reputation,” Victoria teased, nudging her twin. “I suppose I can forgive him for stealing my sister. My twin sister!”
“You have a delightful sister, Lady Victoria,” Adrian said solemnly, keeping his tone dry and his expression stern. However, he felt himself being peeled away, laid bare to Daphne and his sisters. He was enjoying the common pleasures! “Of course, you are bound to lose her to marriage. I am simply grateful that it is to me and not to someone else.”
Victoria burst into laughter, drawing some disapproving glances from strangers.
“Ha! Well, I can’t possibly argue with that one. The two of you seem fortunate to have found one another,” she remarked.
They navigated the fair to see more of the items on sale. Adrian stopped at a small stall selling handcrafted items, his eyes drawn to a necklace with a silver locket that was shaped like a crescent moon. On the silver moon were pieces of lapis lazuli. As the Duke of Wolfcrest, he could afford more than this piece—much, much more—and yet, something about it struck him.
“What an uncommon piece,” he said with some amazement. “I did not expect to see something like this at a market fair. The moon represents your quiet strength, Duchess.”
He did not bother to haggle, giving the vendor more than he asked for.
“Thank you, my lord!” the man exclaimed.
It was quite something to be thanked by someone who did not even know who he was. For who would think the Duke of Wolfcrest would be buying cheap trinkets from a market fair?
He helped Daphne put the necklace around her neck, joining her much more expensive sapphires. Her eyes lit up more than they did, though, when he gave her the more precious jewelry. Something was different today. Something almost magical.
“It is lovely, Your Grace. Thank you.”
It was not the end of their walk, though. He thought he would rush home as soon as they bought what they needed, but they walked for half an hour more.
But peace never really settled well for a man like Adrian. It was soon shattered by the presence of the one man he was protecting Daphne against.
“Good day to you, Wolfcrest and Duchess,” the smooth cultured voice greeted.
Briarwood’s voice always sent a prickle of irritation racing up Adrian’s spine. Not only did he invade their privacy and interrupt any conversations they might have been having, but he stood too close for comfort. He was with two gentlemen, who looked just as grave as he.
Adrian’s grip on Daphne instinctively tightened. It was only then that he realized that he had somehow relaxed along the way.
Briarwood seemed genuinely amused by the protective gesture. His lips curved into a knowing smile Adrian hated. He then gave Daphne a low bow, while one hand pressed on his chest. His eyes were on the Duchess the whole time, as if he were assessing his property.
“Duchess,” he murmured. “I am delighted to see that you have been allowed to partake in today’s festivities. I had heard that your horrible husband had locked you away in a tower while he spent his evenings roaming the streets of London.”
Immediately, Daphne’s face flushed a mortified shade of red.
