Page 44 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

Edwin held her gaze and tried to communicate his needs.

“My dear,” Beatrice said with a large smile when she reached him. “What a wonderful event, don’t you think?”

“It certainly is, my darling,” Edwin replied, ecstatic she had picked up on the look he had given her. “I would like to introduce you to Lord Chambers.”

“A pleasure, My Lord.” Beatrice nodded her head.

“It is entirely my pleasure,” Lord Chambers returned.

“I hope my husband has not been boring you with tales of our courtship or talk of how many children he would like to have. I know of your reputation by name, Lord Chambers, and I understand you are an astute businessman. You might have done some business with my father.”

Lord Chambers thought about it.

“It matters not,” Beatrice continued. “You must want to speak with my husband about business, and if you can stop him from speaking about marriage for one moment, you will get that chance.” She leaned closer to him conspiratorially. “I must warn you, My Lord. His Grace is ruthless when it comes to business. As long as you negotiate a fair deal, you will have a great ally.”

Lord Chambers was discombobulated but quickly regained his wits. “Yes, I don’t doubt it. A fair deal, you say?” He turned to the Duke and smiled. “I shall take your wife’s advice and be careful when we next meet. I shall have my people contact your people, and we will arrange something for next week?”

“I will check my calendar, but I don’t see that being a problem. If I am busy, I can always make time for a gentleman of your reputation,” Edwin replied.

Beatrice took Edwin’s arm.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Lord Chambers said. “Now, if you will excuse me, I don’t wish to deny you time with your wife.”

Edwin chuckled.

Beatrice curtseyed, and then Lord Chambers took his leave.

Edwin kept a smile on his face as the man walked off, then turned to Beatrice. “That was… You are a bewildering woman, Beatrice. That was impressive. I was unsure if Lord Chambers would do business with me, and you have single-handedly convinced him.”

“That is why we came here, isn’t it?” Beatrice pointed out proudly. “To show solidarity and ensure you do not lose any business. I told you I would help however I can, and I intend to do that.”

Edwin could not help but stare at his wife. She had spoken about their marriage and courtship, and for a moment, he allowed himself to imagine what their courtship would have been like. If he were to talk at length about anything, it would be how beautiful she was. Beautiful, intelligent, and beguiling.

He had spent years studying business, but he still had things to learn.

“Thank you,” Edwin said. “I know how you feel about everything, and you did promise to make an effort, but this is more than I expected. Thank you.”

Beatrice smiled—a slight smile that showed her glee but also coy enough to stir something inside him. Theirs was a marriage of convenience, but his life had become immeasurably more convenient since marrying the gorgeous woman before him.

“My mother,” Edwin said, remembering what he had seen earlier. “Was she in trouble?”

“I think she will be fine, and the less you know about it, the better.” Beatrice smiled again, wider this time.

Edwin wanted to know what Modesty was up to, but he trusted his wife’s instincts. “Whatever it is, I am sure you dealt with it.”

“I think I did,” Beatrice agreed. “I, um, bumped into someone on the way back.”

“Who?”

“Miss Jennings,” Beatrice said.

“I haven’t seen her here yet, but I assume I will bump into her, too. How was she?”

“I believe she is the one behind all the rumors about us,” Beatrice said. “I can’t prove it, but how she spoke to me told me everything I needed to know. Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.” The Duke nodded.

“Miss Jennings told me that you were going to marry her for her dowry and that you married me for mine. Is that true?”

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