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George let out a low chuckle, his arm tightening around her waist as he pulled her half an inch closer. "Then I shall have to ensure I remain precisely where I am, lest my Duchess suffer an inconvenience."

"See that you do," Helena countered playfully. "We have a long life ahead of us, George. And I intend to hold you to every single word of your promise."

"Which promise was that, my love?" George asked, a mischievous smile touching his lips.

Helena reminded him gently. "To never stop loving each other until the day the sun turns to dust."

George reached up, cupping her cheek as he leaned up to press a sweet kiss upon her lips.

"That is not merely a rule, Helena," George whispered against her mouth. "It is the very reason my heart beats at all."

Chapter Thirty-Eight

"If you continue to steal sweetmeats from the sideboard before our guests have even taken their seats, I shall be forced to inform your cook that the Duke of Cavendish possesses the self-restraint of a schoolboy," Helena chided lightly as she adjusted the lace trimming of her gown.

George did not look the least bit remorseful. Instead, he swallowed the delicate almond pastry, taking a slow step toward her. He held Oliver securely against his waist, and with his right hand, looped his fingers around Helena's waist. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the crown of her hair, his thumb brushing over the swell of her hip.

Helena felt her heart flutter as she rested her hand against his chest. Several weeks had passed since that night in his bedchamber, and in that time, the atmosphere had turned to one of love, devotion and affection.

"The cook answers to me, Helena," George countered smoothly. "And as for Oliver, he fully approves of his uncle's appetizers. Do you not, young man?"

Oliver let out a bright laugh in response as if offering an enthusiastic endorsement. Before Helena could offer a reply, the doors of the morning room were thrown open.

Caspian stepped into the room first, with Arabella leaning gracefully upon his arm. Right beside them was Theodora, her face glowing with a joyful smile.

"Look at them," Theodora declared with a delighted laugh. "We spent three days coordinating with the kitchens to prepare a feast. And here is the Duke himself, practically devouring the decorations before the tea has even been poured."

"I was merely conducting an inspection of the catering," George replied calmly, though he did not release his comfortable hold on Helena's waist, keeping her tucked securely against his side. "And it is hardly a wedding breakfast when we have been married for some time already."

Theodora tossed her head. "You deprived yourselves of breakfast after your actual wedding. So we decided to create one. And Helena deserves a lovely wedding breakfast, do you not agree?"

"I do." His voice softened, and he glanced over at Helena. "I truly do."

The table was a magnificent sight, brimming with fine silver samovars, crystal bowls overflowing with hothouse strawberries, delicate poached eggs, roasted quails, and mountains of warm pastries. The center of the table was crowned by an arrangement of fresh white roses and orange blossoms, filling the airy room with a delicate scent.

Once everyone was comfortably seated, the servants poured the champagne. Caspian raised his flute, his eyes sparkling with humor as he looked across the table at his oldest friend.

"I never thought I would live to see you willingly attend your own wedding breakfast," Caspian declared teasingly, his voice ringing clearly over the clatter of silver forks.

George leaned back in his chair, entirely unbothered by his friend's ribbing. "I have been forced into worse situations."

Arabella leaned her elbows upon the table, tilting her head with a grin as she looked between George and Helena. "Such as marrying your wife?"

George paused, setting his teacup down upon the saucer with a quiet click. He turned his head slowly, eyes fixing upon Helena.

"That was the best decision I ever made," George said softly.

Helena felt a blush erupt along her neck, spreading rapidly across her cheeks until her entire face glowed pink. A gasp of delight rose from Theodora and Arabella, while Caspian chuckled warmly. Helena ducked her head, instinctively raising her porcelain teacup to hide her burning face, though her heart pounded violently.

He delights in making me blush, knowing full well that every word he speaks is the truth of his soul.

"Oh, look at him, Helena," Theodora laughed, clapping her hands together. "You didn't merely marry the formidable Duke of Cavendish; you completely conquered him!"

"I assure you, Theodora, it was not a conquest of arms," Helena managed to say, setting her cup down. "It was merely a very long, very exhausting game of chess."

"Which you won, as I recall," George added seamlessly, reaching beneath the crisp white tablecloth to capture her hand, his warm fingers interlacing tightly with hers. "And I have been paying my forfeits ever since."

After the meal, Caspian stepped out, with George proudly carrying Oliver in his arms to show him the stables while Theodora touched Helena's arm, gesturing toward the sunlit conservatory. With Arabella trailing them, they left the sturdy walls behind, to spend the hours among sunlight and flowers.