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“A most wise policy.” Alden glanced past him and spotted Laura a short distance away. He flinched. “Your Grace.” He bowed, then stepped back and waved her over. “Forgive me for monopolizing your husband. Business has a way of finding its own hour, whatever the setting.”

“Not at all,” Laura said, coming forward despite the anxiety clawing at her. “I trust my husband in his business dealings, and I gather you are a valuable connection.”

“I like to think the feeling is mutual.” Alden’s smile didn’t waver, but his eyes sharpened. “You’re settling well into married life, I take it? I imagine it takes some getting used to.”

“I am quite happy,” Laura replied, slipping her hand through Nathaniel’s arm and feeling him relax at the touch.

Alden shrugged. “Well,” he said, inclining his head to Nathaniel. “I won’t keep you from the fireworks. They’re set to begin within the hour, I’m told, and I understand this year’s display is meant to be truly fine. Your Grace.” A nod. “I’ll send word about that contract by the week’s end.”

“I’ll expect it,” Nathaniel returned.

They watched the man disappear into the crowd.

A beat later, Nathaniel pulled her into a side hug.

“You handled that beautifully,” he murmured, looking down at her. “You are most sharp, Duchess. Remind me never to give you reason to turn that tongue on me.”

“Too late for that, Duke. I believe I’ve already told you off twice this week alone,” she laughed, leaning into his tall frame.

“Only twice?” He drew her closer as they began to walk, his voice lowering. “Thank you for not letting him rattle you. You are exquisite, Laura.”

“Thank you.” Laura lifted her chin. “I don’t like him. I don’t think I ever will, not after everything you’ve told me about what he’s done, what he protects, and who he protects. But I understand why you need him for now, and I trust you to know when you don’t need him anymore.”

“You’re a remarkable woman, do you know that?” Nathaniel drew them to a halt, hooked a finger beneath her chin, and tilted her face up to his.

“Remarkable?” she echoed, breathless.

“Quite,” he murmured.

“You mention it on occasion,” she said, trying to maintain her composure despite her flushed cheeks. “I don’t tire of hearing it.”

“Nor do I tire of saying it, Duchess.”

They found a quieter path as the sky darkened. The lanterns swayed in the breeze, burning brighter against the deepening blue. They had nearly reached a small stone bridge over a pond when someone called out.

“Your Grace! Oh God, is that truly you?”

Laura turned to find a striking couple approaching, as comely as a portrait in an art museum. The man was tall, with dark hair and a confident stride. He was handsome, though he was no match for her husband. Beside him was a young woman with glowing hazel eyes, one hand resting lightly on the gentle curve of her stomach.

“Rathbourne,” Nathaniel greeted, his voice warming. “I didn’t think fireworks were your style.”

“They’re entirely my style when my wife wishes to see them.” The man clapped him on the shoulder, then turned his attention to Laura with a warm, genuine smile.

“Wife, may I introduce you to the Duke and Duchess of Rathbourne,” Nathaniel said.

“Please call me Frederick,” the man offered. “I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

“All of it quite exaggerated, I’m sure,” Laura said.

The Duchess of Rathbourne laughed pleasantly. “Not exaggerated at all. I could not believe it when Lord Seymour told me that Duskwell had attended a wedding breakfast without scowling the entire time, and I confess I didn’t believe a word of it until I saw him just now looking almost pleasant in your company.” She extended her hand. “Please call me Anna. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Laura took her hand and shook it.

“How is married life treating you, Nate?” Frederick asked.

“Rather well, old friend.” Nathaniel met Laura’s eyes, and the look he gave her made her flush all over again.

“Congratulations,” she said, nodding toward Anna’s stomach. “When are you due?”