Page 21 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

He mentioned carrying on with our lives as they were before we got married. Does that mean he does not wish to consummate our marriage? Does he not want a family? Or does he have plans to have children with someone else?

“I shall rest,” Beatrice said, wanting to be alone for now.

The housekeeper nodded curtly and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Beatrice flopped down on the bed, surprised at how soft it was. She was in a bad mood and wished for everything to worsen it, but the bed did not comply. It was far too luxurious and comfortable. Still, it did not stop the tears from coming. She didn’t even know what she was crying for. Everything had been clear in her mind at the ball, but she had no idea what her life would be like now. She did not have the faintest idea where she stood with the Duke.

The only thing she had been looking forward to in the entire ordeal was sleeping with the Duke, and that had been taken from her.

Beatrice remained in her bed until a knock sounded at the door and two maids carrying her bags entered. She had them leave her bags by the window. The housekeeper offered her more food, but she declined the offer. She could not stomach anything.

She was restless and tired, while thinking she might never sleep again. The hours passed, and when the sunlight began to dim, the exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep.

* * *

Edwin sat at his desk, eating a small plate of bread and meat the kitchen had prepared when he returned from his business dealings. He’d not had time to eat while he was out, and while he was ravenous, he still did not have time to sit down for a full meal. There were ledgers to review and contracts to double-check before being sent to the lawyers.

He looked toward the doorway and almost dropped the hunk of bread in his hand. His initial shock clouded his judgment, and he thought a spirit had visited his room, but he quickly realized it was Beatrice. No one else would visit him so late in his study without him sending for them, but Beatrice had.

He was used to solitude, and having a wife would take some getting used to.

“Beatrice, are you well?” he asked. “I thought you were asleep.”

“I couldn’t sleep, and then I could, and then I couldn’t again,” she replied.

Beatrice wore a housecoat, and Edwin could only imagine the thin shift she wore beneath. He had no time to indulge her, with his pressing business dealings to attend to, but his mind did stray to what was beneath her outer clothes.

“I thought I should find you,” she said.

“Oh,” Edwin murmured.

“I wanted to apologize again for everything that has happened. If you let me explain everything, I am sure you will understand completely.”

“I already understand completely,” Edwin replied, eager to get back to work. “You need not explain anything, and if I am being honest, your reasons don’t affect mine. I saw an opportunity, and I took it.”

“I need to talk to you,” Beatrice stated.

The Duke looked at her—she looked a different woman, someone not to be trifled with.

“Then talk,” he told her.

Beatrice looked frustrated. “You mentioned that we should live our lives as we have been living them, and I wish you to know that if you are to take a mistress or mistresses, or if you have some already, I will not be annoyed by it. I will do as you ask to make amends for all that has happened.”

“Oh, stop apologizing,” Edwin huffed. “And what is this talk of mistresses? I have no time for such nonsense. I have you, don’t I?”

Beatrice frowned. “I came here to talk, and you dismiss my apologies. I only thought with it being our wedding day, and then the business that you had to attend to, that…”

Edwin placed his quill back in its holder and gave her his full attention. “Is that what this is all about? You think I invented an excuse to leave this morning?”

“Did you?” Beatrice asked. “I thought it was traditional to… you know?”

Edwin let out a laugh—a full, hearty, booming laugh that had not come from his lips in some time. Of everything he had done so far, his laugh was the one thing that surprised Beatrice the most, and she looked positively shocked, standing in the doorway.

“You don’t need to laugh at me,” Beatrice huffed.

“I can’t help it,” he replied.

“I am trying to find some common ground.”

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