Page 151 of A Duchess for his Family

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Benedict.”

His thumb brushed her cheek.

“You once informed me that if you wished to become a mother, I was expected to do my duty.”

Sophia froze. Heat rushed into her face.

“Oh, good heavens.”

Benedict’s mouth curved… actually curved.

“I cannot believe you remember that.”

His eyes warmed.

“Trust me, Sophia.” He leaned closer. “I remember it very well.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Six Months Later

Benedict stood in the entrance hall of Rivermere and wondered when his house had become capable of producing this much noise.

Sophia’s family had arrived within the same quarter hour. The first carriage brought Lord and Lady Keswick, followed so closely by Emma and Philip that the footmen had scarcely cleared the steps before another set of wheels sounded upon the drive. Frances and Andrew arrived last, with Frances emerging from the carriage already speaking and continuing without any apparent need to pause for breath.

Nathaniel, who had arrived earlier and therefore considered himself part of the welcoming committee, stood beside Benedict, both hands clasped behind his back.

“This is magnificent,” he murmured.

Benedict glanced at him. “What is?”

“You.”

“I am standing in my own hall.”

“Precisely. Six months ago, this many Nortons entering Rivermere at once would have sent you directly to your study.”

“It would not.”

Nathaniel considered. “The library, then.”

Benedict ignored him. Sophia descended the staircase just as her mother entered. Her face changed immediately.

“Mama.”

Lady Keswick barely had time to remove her gloves before Sophia embraced her. Benedict watched the greeting with quiet amusement. Sophia had spent the morning insisting there was no reason to make any particular fuss over a family dinner. She had then changed the flowers in the drawing room twice, personally inspected the dining table, and asked Benedict three separate times whether he thought the west guest room was too cold.

Frances crossed the hall next and caught Sophia by both hands.

“Look at you.”

Sophia laughed. “What about me?”

“You look disgustingly content.”