Page 81 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

“That went far better than I had hoped,” he muttered.

He smoothed down his clothes, took a deep breath, and headed back inside. He had only just stepped out from behind the hedgerow when he almost bumped into Agnes, who had obviously been waiting for him.

She stood with one hand on her hip and a cocky smile.

“Miss Jennings, what do you want?” Edwin asked.

“Is that any way to treat a lady?” Agnes drawled. “Especially considering our history. Can you believe we were once betrothed? How is married life treating you, Your Grace?”

“That is none of your business, Miss Jennings. I know you have your heart set on ruining my marriage, but I will not let you.”

“Oh, are you talking about the article in the scandal sheets? You are not suggesting that I had anything to do with it, are you? If you are, I hope you have proof, because from where I stand, you have a reputation, and so does your lovely wife. When it comes down to it, who do you think people will believe?”

“So, you admit it?” Edwin asked.

He wished there were others around, but Agnes was too careful for that.

“I admit to nothing,” she replied. “I have not done anything untoward, so there is nothing to admit to. Now, what were you and Her Grace doing alone out here? You weren’t getting up to no good, were you? I know it can be hard to be apart from someone.”

“My wife was visiting her sister,” Edwin clarified.

“Yes, of course, she was. I know how hard it can be to be without someone. When you first broke off our engagement, I was desolate, Your Grace. I missed you terribly, even though we had not spent much time together. The heart wants what it wants.”

“Oh, stop it, Miss Jennings! Don’t pretend we had any feelings for each other. It was to be a marriage of convenience and nothing more. The only thing you were set to gain from it was more power, and I see now that would have been a very dangerous thing.”

Agnes’s eyes widened, and she placed a hand over her heart. “Is that what you think of me?”

It is what I know of you.

“I am offended,” she continued. “And here I am, out here alone with you. Can you imagine what people might say if they caught us?” She moved closer to him. “They might catch us doing anything,” she whispered. “You could do whatever you want to me, and I would be powerless to resist you. And I mean anything. I am yours to enjoy as you please.”

That sort of thing might have worked before, but the Duke had no intention of engaging in any acts with Miss Jennings, especially when he had only just gained his wife back.

He looked around to make sure no one could see them, before he leaned in close to Agnes. She closed her eyes, expecting something that was not coming.

“I am married,” Edwin whispered.

“Aw,” Agnes complained. “Still, that hasn’t ever stopped you before, has it? We have always had a connection, haven’t we? How about we have some fun? No one ever has to know.”

“I am leaving, Miss Jennings. Stop interfering in my life. Apologize publicly for what you have done, and there will be no repercussions. All I want is to live my life.”

“You are no fun anymore.” Agnes pouted. “Oh, well, you have me beat on this occasion. If you must go, then go.”

Edwin waited for more, not fully trusting that she would let him walk away, but nothing came. He nodded to her and turned on his heel to make his way back inside.

“Of course, that means I will not have a chance to tell you what I know about your wife,” Agnes called.

Edwin sighed. He wanted to continue walking and go back to his life, but he needed to hear what she had to say. He was playing into her hands by listening to her, but he would hear about it sooner or later.

He turned around to face her. “She has run away from previous betrothals, and I don’t care,” he stated. “And I know she was not with child, so you can retract that from the scandal sheets. Soon, everyone will realize you are lying, and they will forget all about it. Take shots at me all you want, but you are fighting a losing battle.”

“Do you know that she sneaks out at night?” Agnes asked.

The anger came flooding back, but he did not show it. He could not show any weakness in front of her, especially when she had finally hit the nail on the head.

“Dressed as a man,” Agnes continued.

Beatrice suspected she was being followed, and she must have been.

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