The Arrogant Duke

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Edward accompanied Grace, as well as James, to the small gathering that the Hamilton’s have prepared to once again welcome Grace and her son back to their lives.

Dorothea, Grace's mother, had been thrilled to finally reunite with her daughter and meet James. She looked absolutely refined after all these years, Edward thought that it was no wonder why Grace was beautiful.

Benjamin introduced his wife to Edward and Grace, Adriana, who was a distant relative to the royals. She had a pair of striking blue eyes that she shared with their son, Grayson, who was born not a year ago. He would be heir to the title of his grandfather, so Henley often kept him close to his side.

Edward was glad to see Grace smile genuinely. He knew that she had truly awaited for this day to arrive.

Grace excitedly introduced James to all their relatives that came, and happily shared the tale of her life with her husband in America. She glanced at Edward who seemed please, it was the first time that he would be hearing about her deceased husband too.

"James believed in the spirit of mankind. He would always think of ways he could attend to those who are in need. He would not think twice about helping, no matter their station or their colour." Grace recalled aloud as everyone gathered in the sitting room. "Once I remember, this woman came running through the streets begging for help. She was a slave, and her son had been grievously ill for days. She did not have any money to pay for medical expenses so she begged James to save her son. Unfortunately, the son died of dehydration. And after the autopsy, he was diagnosed with cholera. James knew all along, but he helped him still ... and was contaminated himself."

It was already past midnight when Edward and Grace left the gathering with sleepy little James. Edward carried James as they boarded the carriage.

"Did you enjoy tonight?" Edward asked as they made themselves comfortable for the shared trip to each other's home.

"It has probably been the best night of my life since my arrival here in Suffolk." Grace admitted happily. "A family's love and care is the best feeling in the world."

"It is," Edward agreed. "And soon the feeling shall be mutual."

Grace grinned. "It shall be."

"I honestly enjoyed learning about your tales in America." Edward told Grace. "Your life there has been the one you've long dreamt of?"

"I have come to realize that dreams are meant for children and books, alone." Grace replied. "I have come to realize that they do not always end in happily ever after, but with every end is a new beginning."

"A chance to regain one's self." Edward added. "To correct what was once wrong and live beautifully for as long as the Lord has commanded."

"That is right."

Grace and Edward grew quiet to simply admire the view. The stars lit up so brightly that it outshone the moon's beauty. It was an accompaniment of Suffolk's beautiful landscaping.

"Edward, I do have a concern though."

"What is it?" Edward asked worriedly.

"I am sensing injustice between the two of us." Grace looked at him with seriousness in her stare.

"What is it?" Edward asked again in confusion, had he done something wrong?

"I know nothing about you." Grace replied with a chuckle. "It is quite unfair if you ask me."

"What is so funny that you laugh in a situation such as this?" Edward asked irritably. "We were having a beautiful conversation and yet you bring up a topic that makes my blood boil."

"I cannot help but smile." Grace said. "We are acting and bickering as though we are married. The thought excites me."

"How is us arguing a good thing for you? Should you not be concerned?"

"No, I do not need to be concerned, but instead be glad." Grace shook her head as she reasoned. "I will only ever be concerned if we are no longer arguing or bickering, because by then, we no longer have anything that is worth fighting for. Always know that the best relationship is one that has dealt with all the problems their past had to offer because by then they would have more knowledge and wisdom of each other to love their companions in strengths and weaknesses."

"I knew I liked you for a reason." Edward smiled. "

Grace laughed. "And you do not look too bad yourself, either."

"I think so too." Edward joked.

"What an arrogant man!" Grace exclaimed. "An arrogant Duke!"

He and Grace laughed and laughed some more, and parted ways with a good mood. Edward smiled like a silly man inside his carriage.

He was finally happy.

Edward could see himself living with Grace with love and laughter, and possibly have children of their own eventually. But even with young James he would be satisfied. He knew that James is a great child and he would surely do his best to change the world as his own father had done.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion's door and the coachman opened the carriage door for Edward.

"Thank you, that would be all for now." Edward said before dismissing his staff.

Edward opened the door and found Jessamine walking back and forth anxiously.

"What is wrong?" Edward asked immediately.

"Lady Marcela is here."