Page 108 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

"I am aware," he replied, drawing her towards him. "It is one of my more consistent qualities."

She laughed, and the sound immediately eased something inside him. Pierce placed one hand at her waist and took her other hand in his, and as the musicians began another dance, Margaret settled into his arms with an ease that made his thoughts considerably less respectable. She looked perfectly content there, her pearl necklace resting against her throat, the blue-green fabric of her costume flowing around them as they moved. He could feel the warmth of her through the layers of silk, and the sight of her smiling up at him made him wonder how he had ever convinced himself that marriage to Margaret would be a matter of duty alone.

She was devastatingly beautiful tonight, but it was not merely her appearance that affected him, it was the knowledge that beneath the mask and elaborate costume was the woman who challenged him, laughed at him, disobeyed him, and somehow made his immense, orderly life feel considerably less empty.

"I thought you disliked dancing," Margaret said, lifting her chin as he guided her through the turn.

"I dislike dancing with most people." His answer brought another smile to her lips.

"How fortunate I am."

Pierce's mouth twitched. "Very."

She studied him for a moment, and he recognized the expression immediately.

Margaret was about to ask him something inconvenient. "When will your investigation finally come to an end?" she asked, her voice gentler now.

Pierce looked over her shoulder towards the musicians. "This is not the time to discuss it."

Margaret's eyebrows rose. "That sounds suspiciously like something a man says when he does not wish his wife asking questions."

"That is because it is something a man says when he does not wish his wife asking questions."

"You have been gone for days, Pierce. You came back saying that your journey was productive, and now you are standing here looking as though you expect another man to steal me away because he dared to ask for a dance."

Pierce glanced down at her. "That is an entirely separate matter."

"Is it?" she asked innocently, and he knew perfectly well that she was enjoying herself.

"Yes."

"You are certain?" she asked.

"Margaret."

She smiled. "Very well."

Pierce should have known that her agreement meant nothing whatsoever.

A few moments later, she asked again, "But truly, when will you finish this investigation?"

He sighed, and she looked far too pleased with herself. "You are relentless."

"You married me," she reminded him sweetly, turning beneath his arm before returning to him. "You must accept the consequences."

Pierce almost laughed. "I am beginning to understand that." He looked down at her, and the amusement in her eyes softened him despite himself. Perhaps this was what he had missed while he was away. Not simply her presence, but this ease between them, this ridiculous banter that made him feel almost ordinary. For a few minutes he forgot the questions surrounding Hugh, the mystery of Augusta's disappearance, and the uncertainty that had followed him for years. He simply danced with his wife, and it felt good.

Eventually, however, Margaret's persistent questioning wore down his resistance.

"You have to tell me something about these travels or I will not stop questioning," she said.

"I have found my first real lead," he admitted quietly. Her expression changed immediately, and he continued before she could interrupt. "I intend to travel there myself."

Margaret frowned slightly. "Travel? Again? Where?"

Pierce's gaze settled upon hers. "South." He paused before adding, "You were right."

She blinked. "About what?"