Page 89 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

“Your Grace,” Elizabeth said to Beatrice, making sure to use her title in the formal setting. “I hope your visit with your sister is going well, and I wish for you to return soon so I can spend more time with you.”

“Thank you, Lady Elizabeth,” Beatrice replied.

“Yes, you must return soon,” Edwin added.

Beatrice felt tears well up in her eyes. She could not look at him for fear she would burst into sobs. It had been hard enough to be without him, but this made it harder. She was not sure what to expect. That he would run up to her and declare his love immediately? She knew that would not happen in public, but she still wished for it.

“Are you still staying with Charlotte?” Hannah asked.

“I wish for her to have a smooth pregnancy,” Beatrice said, which wasn’t a lie.

Hannah took the comment in her stride, not knowing that there was more behind it. She got caught up with Elizabeth, both of them comparing dresses—they each looked stunning—and talking about who they might dance with and who they hoped would ask them.

Edwin moved beside his wife and leaned in so close that his breath tickled her ear. “I need to speak with you.”

“I am bored of speaking,” Beatrice muttered. She wanted to kick herself for such a petulant reply, but she was angry at him.

“I tried to see you,” he informed her.

“Yes, I am aware.”

“You must return home. We did not get to finish what we started,” he added sternly.

Beatrice finally looked him in the eye, and her resolve weakened a little. She knew it would, that’s why she had put off facing him as long as possible. She didn’t care if he begged her to come back—a marriage without love was an impossibility.

“You were very sure of yourself,” Beatrice remarked.

She didn’t want to talk to him, but she did want to kiss him. She wanted to feel something other than this misery in her heart.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he asked.

“It means whatever you wish it to mean,” Beatrice replied, being petulant again.

She was conflicted, as she knew she would be. She wanted to be held by him again, to touch his body and feel his lips on hers. If she gave in to her desires, she would end up in bed with him, and then she would agree to go home with him again, and she would be right back where she started.

Beatrice had run away again, but this time, it was not the same. She had run away because she needed distance. Now, she was back and facing her problems, and she would not give in.

“I miss you,” Edwin murmured.

You miss me, but do you love me?

“Lady Hannah, we must thank our hosts before the ball begins,” Beatrice told her sister.

“Yes, let’s thank them, and then I will need advice when it comes to filling my dance card.”

Beatrice looked at her husband but addressed her sister. “I shall be with you all night to offer advice and guidance.”

Beatrice and Hannah bade goodbye to Edwin and Elizabeth and then waited patiently as the Viscount Willmington and his wife conversed with an older couple. The Viscount shook hands with the man before the couple left.

“Lord Willmington, we wish to thank you for having us at your ball,” Beatrice said, pushing her sister forward a little.

“Yes, it is a magnificent event,” Hannah added. “I am overjoyed to be here,”

Beatrice was happy with her sister’s words.

“I must thank you, Your Grace,” the Viscount said. “When my daughter informed us you were to attend with your sister, we felt a great honor.”

“We did, indeed,” the Viscountess agreed. “We never meant for this ball to be the event of the Season, but with you and your husband attending… well, we certainly have guests of honor tonight.”

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