Page 84 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

He was grateful for his family’s understanding of their situation. When her sobs finally ebbed, Emily led her to the sofa and laid a blanket over her.

Once he was declared fit to move around, he donned a shirt and moved to carry his wife to the bed. Her face was still puffy from her tears. Emily smiled at him and motioned for him to leave. Edward hesitated, before he nodded to her and stepped out of the room.

On his way to his study, he met Charles, who looked like he’d been awaiting his arrival.

“Is something wrong?” Edward asked, bracing himself for another onslaught of criticism.

It was only because of sheer will and the fact that he remembered how his brother had helped him rescue Arabella that he hadn’t dismissed him.

“We have much to discuss, don’t you think?” Charles smiled ruefully.

“Indeed.” Edward nodded, motioning for him to step into the study.

Once inside, he poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Charles. Charles received it with a word of thanks and took a bracing sip.

“Things definitely haven’t been the same since…”

“I know.” Edward sighed.

So much had happened in so little time, and he wondered how they’d adjust to everything. The sun outside shone irrespective of the dark mood he was in, a testament to the fact that the rest of the world had no idea the battle they’d just overcome.

“I… I knew about Joana’s infatuation for you, and I never understood it, but for her to go so far?” Charles shook his head, taking another sip. “You’ve never had good luck with women.”

“I used to think otherwise until yesterday.” They shared a laugh. “To think she was bold enough to return here after yesterday shows how far gone she was.”

“That’s the funny thing. I spoke to Emily, and she said that after the footman you sent to me informed us of your movement, she went to see Peter, and he told her everything. She found it hard to believe that sweet Joana had done anything of the sort and even confronted her about it before Mother came into the dining room. But Joana denied everything.”

“I can understand her hesitation.” Edward nodded. “I didn’t want to believe it until I saw it with my own eyes.”

“And when you returned with Arabella yesterday, she promptly forgot about it,” Charles continued. “I’m sorry I was quick to insult your wife. It seems I have a lot of apologizing to do.”

“She’s the stubborn sort, so you better prepare yourself.”

They laughed again, and for the first time in many years, Edward found himself feeling at ease with his brother.

“I should know, for Emily and I were wrapped up in the same passion in our early days as a married couple.” Charles smiled. “I was only startled by how quickly you married. It was like one minute you were the ton’s most eligible bachelor, and the next you were leg shackled with a lot of salacious gossip surrounding your union.”

“You really need to stop entertaining gossip, Brother.” Edward laughed. “You’re a father now.”

“It has helped us in the past,” Charles argued. “But I do understand, and I apologize for treating you poorly. I truly do respect you and all you’ve achieved. I should never have projected my fear and hurt from Father’s behavior on you.”

“All is forgiven, Brother,” Edward assured him, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “We do have other important matters to discuss, including Joana’s trial.”

His expression turned grim. “When I remember how she almost got my wife killed, I get so angry that I want to see her hang,” Charles hissed, voice thick with anger. “But then I remember she was family and I get confused about what should be done. I think she should be sent to Bedlam. Hopefully, some time there will return her sanity.”

Edward bent his head in thought. As much as he did not like the idea of Joana going to a mad house, there seemed to be limited options available.

“All right,” he answered. “I’ll write to the judge. Another matter worth discussing is Peter’s health. How is he?”

“Doctor Bellingham said he’d make a full recovery, but it would take time. He lost a lot of blood.”

“Keep me abreast of his recovery. He helped me save Arabella, and I would like to extend the same favor.”

“I will.” Charles stood up to leave and shot him a look over his shoulder. “You do know Mother is going to have your hide for lying to her, right?”

“Don’t remind me,” Edward groaned.

Charles then left the study, his laughter echoing in the hall.

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