Page 30 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

"I must say," Bernard remarked, cutting another slice and examining it approvingly, "this ham is remarkably moist." He looked around the table as though expecting everyone to appreciate the significance of the observation. "One cannot always rely upon the kitchen to achieve such a result."

Margaret smiled despite herself. "I am delighted to know that, Papa."

Her father looked pleased. "It is important to recognise excellence when one encounters it."

Camelia, seated beside her husband, Raph, lifted her teacup to conceal a smile. Their one-year-old daughter, Bethany, sat beside her mother in a high chair, enthusiastically attempting to feed herself and succeeding primarily in decorating her face with porridge.

Raph watched his daughter with an expression of paternal resignation. "I believe Bethany has discovered another excellent use for breakfast."

Margaret glanced at her niece. "She appears to have eaten half of it."

"Indeed," Camelia replied, gently wiping porridge from Bethany's cheek. "The other half is on her."

Before Bernard could offer another opinion about the ham, the door opened and Iris entered with her husband, Blais, both looking considerably more awake than Margaret felt.

"Good morning," Iris said, removing her gloves as she crossed the room. "Have we missed anything?"

"Only Father's lecture on ham," Margaret replied.

Blais took his seat. "Then I am sorry to have arrived late."

Bernard frowned mildly. "It was not a lecture. It was an observation."

"Of course," Iris said with a smile, taking her seat. "We should never confuse the two."

The family laughed, and for one brief moment Margaret allowed herself to relax. It felt almost like an ordinary morning, which was perhaps why the arrival of the servant startled her so badly.

The young footman entered carrying a silver salver and approached her with a respectful bow. "My lady, a letter has just arrived for you."

Margaret's stomach tightened before she had even seen the handwriting. "For me?" She accepted the envelope and turned it over, recognising the seal immediately. Her pulse quickened.

Pierce.

Every conversation at the table seemed to fade as she broke the seal. She unfolded the letter and read the short message. It informed her, with the same restrained efficiency that seemed to characterize everything about the Duke of Ravenfield, that the matter had been settled. She had been formally released from her marriage contract with Harrowby. There was no longer any obstacle to her freedom.

Then she reached the final line.

Tomorrow they would be married.

Margaret read it twice. Then a third time.

"Margaret?" Iris asked, noticing her expression. "What is it?"

Margaret slowly lowered the letter. "It is from the Duke of Ravenfield."

Every face turned towards her.

"He says the matter has been settled," she continued, her voice sounding strangely distant to her own ears. "I have been released from the contract with Harrowby."

A collective breath seemed to leave the room.

Bernard's face brightened. "That is excellent news."

Margaret nodded faintly.

"And," she added, staring at the letter, "tomorrow we shall be married instead."

Silence descended over the breakfast table. Even Bethany seemed to pause in her assault upon the porridge.