by Stacy Reid
“You do want a bath, do you not?”
After traveling for several hours she did feel a bit travel worn, and she was painfully aware this was their wedding night. Unable to help herself, her eyes were drawn to the bed in the center of the room.
His dark brows drew together as he stared at her. “Is there something on the bed sheets?”
She felt the heat climbed her neck. Determined to remain unruffled, she pasted a smile on her lips. “Of course not, and a bath would be lovely.”
His gaze flickered briefly to her mouth, and her heart clamored. Then with a curt nod, he turned and marched from the room.
Good God, would the man ever unbend and smile? Worse…had that unfathomable look at her lips meant he wanted to kiss her or that she should prepare for a wedding night? She prayed not. She understood her duty to the duke, but the very idea of completing their union at an inn was exceptionally off-putting. She would certainly say so if he were to approach her. Though she doubted he would indeed even touch her. The man treated her with nothing but chilling incivility and the awareness of it had a terrible, hollow ache rising in her chest.
It was never more apparent to her, how much she was lacking. Not that she wanted to tempt him…even though she had no idea what she should be really tempting him to! Earlier as she’d peered at his powerful and uncompromising form seated on his horse, she had felt out of her depths. How could she have formed an attachment with a man who had no interest in her? If not for her folly…Adel was certain he would never have glanced in her direction.
With a soft sigh, she pushed Edmond from her mind, determined not to dampen her spirits further. She had months…years to understand the situation she was now in. If only acknowledging such a thought did not cramp her stomach with such acute discomfort.
…
An hour after he’d left the room, Edmond returned fully expecting Adeline to be sleeping. Instead, she was submerged in the bath still, singing softly. Her voice was warm and rich and…sultry. Something elusive stirred inside him. He closed the door with an audible click and she stiffened.
She darted a nervous glance at him, then her eyes jerked to the bed.
“You may relax, madam, I won’t pounce,” he drawled, almost amused.
“I…I am naked, sir.”
He didn’t even bother to point out that she was almost fully submerged in the bath water in the far corner…the only part of her on display was the elegant lines of her swan like neck, and that was because she had perched her mass of curls high atop her head. “You have nothing to tempt me with, madam, you are safe.”
Liar, the sensuous line of her neck, begged to be licked, nibbled…
Noting she still looked anxious, he sighed. “It will be as if I am not in the room.”
His tone may have been a trifle too bland for she looked dubiously at him. He made no further overture to make her comfortable. He rose and started to shrug from his coat. She flushed and turned away. He removed his overcoat and waistcoat, and untied the simple cravat he had worn. After shedding his boots, and arranging everything neatly on the sole chair in the room, he made his way to the bed, and lay down. The frame groaned under his weight, and he closed his eyes, completely ignoring her.
She muttered something under her breath about being rude and insufferable, and it actually pulled a smile to his lips. Closing his eyes, he allowed his mind to drift. He’d sent word to the estate that he was arriving home with his duchess. He could just imagine the uproar that would cause. But he was more concerned with how his daughters would react to Adeline. Sarah was almost three years old when Maryann died, and had no memory of her. Rosa was just shy of six, but she had whispered to him tearfully several months ago that she could not remember her mother and if that made her bad.
A rustle in the room jerked him from his thoughts. He swallowed. It seemed Adeline had emerged from her bath. He waited, listening to the soft sounds she made, slightly curious as to what she was feeling. A few seconds later the bed dipped.
Knowing she was so close to him sent frissons of heat through his body. He ruthlessly suppressed the urge, not allowing it to be born. Edmond glanced at her. She herself was so stiff on the far side of the bed she could have passed for a dead body. How she was to sleep through the night he had no idea. He’d already told her she was safe, and he would waste no time providing other reassurances.
“It is strange that tonight is our wedding night is it not?” she offered somewhat tentatively.
He turned his head, and the dark, hazel eyes met his. The lady had shifted her entire body towards him, but she still maintained the ridiculous distance that would no doubt see her spilling from the bed sometime through the night. “No.”
Her eyes widened when she realized he would say nothing further. “Are you always this curt?”
He swallowed the sigh. He’d spent most of the day in the saddle and was weary. “Yes.”
No…there had been a time when he was a boy that he’d been happy. He had memories of sitting on his father’s shoulders as they toured his estates, eating apples and listening to the soft rumble of the man he’d idolized. A man he’d not thought could fade from his life. It was at the age of twelve he tasted second-hand the first sting of death, and he’d entered one of the darkest hours of his life. Edmond belatedly realized it was as if he’d never emerged.
“Why do you think that is?”
“What?”
She sighed. “Why are you so curt?”
A ripple of annoyance stirred his blood. “Adeline.”
“Yes, Edmond?”
“Go to sleep, we have several more hours of traveling tomorrow.”
He smiled in the dark when her breath huffed in what appeared to be irritation.
“You are the most maddening man.”
“You have no notion of my character.” Though he did not think she referred to talk of him being the mad duke.
“No, I don’t,” she mused softly, her voice sweet and sensual. “But I would very much like to. Are you not at all curious about me?”
He scowled. “No.”
A soft hurt gasp sounded and regret stirred. He might be disinterested, and it was quite well for him to say so…except it truly wasn’t. She was his duchess for better or worse. He belatedly realized though they had no prior attachment, she must have had some expectations of him.
Hell…
It seemed he’d not thought through beyond the need to provide a mother for his children. He had nothing to give Adeline, not even the wedding night she seemed to be anticipating with such acute nervousness. He would wait until they were at Rosette Park before he informed her she would not have to dread his attentions, for he would never allow them intimacy.
Chapter Eleven
After traveling for what felt like a lifetime, the elegant and well-sprung carriage pulled into the forecourt of Rosette Park a few minutes after noon the following day. Adel heaved a sigh of relief.
The door was opened by a pair of footmen, who assisted her down. Adel almost stumbled at the splendor of Rosette Park. The estate grounds were glorious. This was not a manor, but a castle with a sweeping arched entrance, and it was situated on one of the most splendid lakes she had ever seen. But it was the rolling lawns which seemed to spread for miles which held her attention. In the far distance she could see a few children running, but they were too far away for her to hear their enjoyment. An avenue of beech trees lined the long driveway, and in the far distance behind the lake the sunlight dappled through the thick leaves.
How glorious…
And she was its mistress.
She moved closer and realized her first impression that it was a castle was incorrect although the mansion boasted several crenellations and a number of decorative towers. The house clearly was built in the last few generations, but felt heroic in the beautiful setting. Formal gardens surrounded a classical fountain in which sea nymphs frolicked around a benevolent Neptune. Behind the house more gardens could be seen and sweep
ing lawns leading down to the picturesque lake. Within the lake were a number of small islands which were bedecked with weeping willows and abundant greenery. Swans and other water birds swam in the waters followed by their offspring.
There was a gentle clearing of a throat, and she faced the line of servants who were dressed smartly and waiting on her. At that moment the sound of thundering hooves alerted her to the fact her husband had caught up with them. Though it had drizzled rain for a few hours, he had elected to ride his massive black stallion, instead of being seated in the carriage with her. It had slightly stung, but she spent the arduous journey reflecting on how to be successful in her new station. It had made no sense lamenting on what could have been, and she so badly wanted to eventually be happy with Edmond. Marriage was so…permanent. It perplexed Adel that many in society were simply content with a lukewarm attachment with their spouses. Not that she was overly romantic, but she wanted—no, needed—warmth and passion in her marriage, much like her mother had experienced with Papa.
Edmond swept inside the forecourt, and without waiting for the horse to fully stop, launched himself from its back. With a gasp she stepped forward. Was he mad? He could have broken his neck.
He tugged off his black hat and thrust fingers roughly through his hair, which was damp from the scattering of raindrops. After a few slaps to his thigh muscles with the hat, he fairly prowled towards her. A very large and powerful dog raced from beside the lake to greet Edmond who sank to his knees to tousle the dog’s head in greeting. Good heavens. The dog seemed like a mix between a wolfhound, a Mastiff…and, well, the very devil himself. She had never see a dog so large, but his presence certainly wrought miracles. The duke was smiling. Edmond absently stroked its ears, and she swore the fearsome creature actually purred.
Edmond stood and came over.
“Adeline,” the duke greeted, his gray eyes hooded.
She dipped into a shallow curtsy. “Edmond.”
“This is Maximus, my companion.”
Adeline was transfixed.
She stepped close and touched the dog’s nose lightly. “Hello, Maximus, I am quite delighted to meet you.”
He woofed at his name and his head lolled to the side.
A fleeting smile touched Edmond’s lips. He held his hand out to her, and she gratefully clasped his arm. They strolled over to the line of servants and the housekeeper stepped forward, smiles wreathing her kind face. If Adel was not mistaken actual tears were glistening in her warm brown eyes.
“Your Graces,” she said as she dropped into a deep curtsy.
“May I present my wife, Adeline, the Duchess of Wolverton,” he intoned with his voice fairly bland.
What had she expected? Pride at presenting his new wife? He’d only married her because she had forced his hand. He had initially wanted the much more ravishing and well connected Lady Evelyn.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Fields was a portly, attractive woman. She took over the introductions of the staff and the names blurred together. After they had all curtsied or bowed to her and their lord, Edmond turned to the figures in the distance.
“Come,” he said.
He started walking toward the lawns, and Adel stepped with him trying to bury her ire at his highhandedness. “Are you asking me to accompany you on a stroll, Your Grace?”
His lips twitched. “Would you do me the honor of walking with me? I would have you meet my daughters.”
Oh. “I would very much like that.” She was to meet Lady Rosa and Lady Sarah now. Raw nerves shimmered in Adel’s stomach. What if they hated her as she’d hated her father’s new wife? Should she insist on freshening first? They had departed the last inn hours ago, and she was a little crumpled. When she’d risen this morning, Adel had ensured she attired herself smartly. She had on a walking dress of pale blue with black stripes, a dark blue pelisse and a plumed bonnet. They strolled in silence along the pathway, and with each step her nervousness grew. “Do Lady Sarah and Rosa know you have married?”
“No.”
Adel jerked to a halt, and he glanced down.
“I…I…cannot credit you would not have alerted them.”
“I would not have told my children such news in a letter.”
Adel recalled how stunned and distressed she had been when her father had suddenly announced he was engaged. Her throat tightened. “Did… Has their mother been long gone?”
The muscle underneath the tip of her fingers tensed and a chill blasted from the duke.
“I only asked because my father presented Lady Margaret to me as his intended only thirteen months after Mamma died. It was very hard for me to love her. In fact, I fairly resented him such happiness, while I was still mourning for my mother. I would hate for your daughters to endure such a similar heartache.”
She had not forgotten Edmond had said no questions about his deceased wife, but surely he would understand why she would inquire in this instance.
“It has been almost three years.”
Oh. “I see.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “Well, let’s proceed.”
They continued on, the wind doing its best to tug the bonnet from her head. With one hand clasped on her head to keep the dratted thing in place, and the other holding onto the duke, they made their way across the expanse of lawn. One of the young girls glimpsed them, and Adel smiled at the sheer joy that suffused her face. Adel expected her to race across the lawn, but she waited with hardly a fidget, the joy on her face replaced with cautious happiness.
The laughter and the shrieks died down as they approached, and two very delightful girls separated from the others and stepped forward. Based on their heights, Adel could guess who Rosa was, and who Sarah was. Both girls had fiery red hair and sweetly rounded cheeks. Their eyes were a replica of their father’s—even the cool reserve in their hidden depths was similar in manner.
The taller girl stepped forward as they stopped and curtseyed. “Father, welcome back,” she said with a smile.
Edmond released Adel’s arm and crouched. She found it odd, he did not hug his children nor did they seem inclined to do so. “Lady Rosa, happy birthday.”
A charming smile wreathed her face. Oh, she is a beauty.
“Thank you, Father.”
Curious eyes shifted to Adel, but Rosa asked no questions.
Edmond tugged his other daughter close, and then he rose, and prodded them forward. He stood behind them and rested a hand on each of their shoulders.
“Girls, I would like you to meet Adeline, my new duchess of Wolverton.”
Rosa gasped, her eyes widening. “You’re married, Father?”
“I am.”
Rosa dipped into an elegant curtsy, her manners already ladylike. “Your Grace,” she said, her voice a mere whisper.
“Hello,” Lady Sarah said with a shy, but very sweet smile. “Are you to be my new mother?”
Adel’s heart was pounding like a hammer in her chest. She sank to her knees in the grass, uncaring that the stains would ruin one of her better gowns. “Hello, Lady Rosa, Lady Sarah, I am delighted to make your acquaintances.” With a smile at Sarah, Adel continued, “If it is your wish, I would love to be your friend and new mother. However I am quite happy to be your friend until you say otherwise.”
“It is our wish,” Rosa said, wariness evident in her posture.
Adel frowned and Lady Rosa expounded. “It is our wish for you be our new mother. I think that is why father married you. He asked me what I would want for my birthday…and I said a mother.” Awe was evident in her voice, and when she looked up at her father, tears were glistening on her lashes.
“Thank you, Father.”
Adel swallowed. She was a birthday gift. A very foolish and convenient one. The duke really had not cared about her reputation; he’d just needed an urgent wife. Any lady would have certainly worked for him, because this icy distance that fairly simmered, warning her to keep away, this cool regard was not because of her being passably pretty, with no money or connect
ion… This was simply him, and whatever thoughts that went on behind those beautiful but distressingly empty eyes.
…
Two hours later, Adel climbed the stairs behind the housekeeper. Mrs. Fields’ voice rattled with animation, but Adel felt too brittle to pay her any mind. Lady Rosa had been having a tea party with their neighbor the Earl of Sheffield’s three daughters and their governess. The duke had taken his seat on the blanket and Adel had joined. Edmond had sat in a chilling aloof silence, content to watch his girls play and…well, he watched her. It was awkward and Adel had vacillated between tears and laughter. Rosa and Sarah were so tentative with her, touching her every so often, and then staring as if she were an exotic creature. That was how Adel had felt…like she had been on display. The dratted man had hardly said a word.
The girls were now preparing for supper, and Adel desperately wanted a bath and at least an hour of rest before she must face it again. The duke had actually called for another horse and ridden away without saying anything really. She tried not to let his distance crush her. They had only been married a day after all.
“With the short notice, Your Grace, this was the best we could do under the circumstances,” Mrs. Fields said apologetically as they stopped.
Adel frowned when the housekeeper opened the door to an elegant and well-appointed room. The best she could do? The chamber was well-suited to a lady. The walls were decorated with wallpaper upon which trellises of leaves climbed over a straw-colored background. The furniture and draperies were in a pale green patterned with the same straw color. The room was far larger than the bedroom she had formerly dwelled in at home and it had its own dressing room decorated in the same paper. “This is wonderful, thank you.”
Pleasure lit the woman eyes. “I will ask the duke what I am to do about the duchess’s chambers when he gets in.”
Adel froze. “These are not the duchess’s rooms?”
“No, Your Grace.”
Her heartbeat quickened. “Why am I not in the duchess’s quarters?”
Mrs. Fields appeared flustered. “I received no orders to clean the chambers, Your Grace. The missive the duke sent only said to prepare a chamber.”