Page 27 of Wedded to the Ruthless Duke

“We have an accord.”

“Good, thank you.” Philip nodded. “I shall leave you in peace now.”

“Wait, before you go…” Lord Garton didn’t let him retrieve his hand just yet. Instead, Lord Garton pulled him across the room with a sudden liveliness that was alarming considering how still the man had been before.

The Marquess went to a stack of shelves in the side of the room.

“My Grace, she is not like other ladies of theton.”

“Oh, I know.” Philip muttered these words so quietly that this time, Lord Garton didn’t hear him above the noise he was making searching through the books.

She’s very different indeed.

He thought of the way that whispers followed her, the anger that had possessed him so often when she did not act the perfect lady or when she fell over, her clumsiness plain for everyone to see.

“She likes being outdoors,” the Marquess said in a rush. “If you ever lose her in your estate, it’s because she will have gone riding or for a walk. She’s in her element there.”

“She is?” Philip asked. “Forgive me, but with Grace’s clumsiness, I would have thought she would be likely to fall off her horse.”

“Yes, I was worried about that too when she was younger.” The Marquess allowed himself a small laugh. “Yet Grace rides as if it is as natural to her as breathing. You will allow her these freedoms, won’t you? To explore, to adventure, to be who she wants to be?”

“I will.” Philip nodded slowly.

The Marquess renewed his search of the bookcases with vigor, tearing books down and turning the pages, intent on finding something.

“What is it you are looking for?”

“Something to show you. If you are to be Grace’s husband, then you must understand her. You must see what the scandal sheets do not see when they talk of my Grace.” The Marquess’ manner grew sharp as he glowered at each book in turn.

The anger wasn’t at Philip, but plainly the writers of those sheets. “They can only talk of the fact that she trips on her hem or that she might reach for the wrong glass at dinner or that she couldn’t recognize the Prince Regent by sight. What do any of these things matter, I ask you?”

Philip didn’t answer. He had a feeling Lord Garton wasn’t looking for an answer.

“Ah, here it is.” The Marquess found the book he was looking for and turned the pages frantically. “This is who my Grace is at heart.” He shifted the book toward Philip, encouraging him to read it with a wave of his hand.

Philip turned the first pages. He saw beneath the cover was a flimsy page of writing. Grace’s untidy scrawl was strewn across the page. It readGrace’s notes.

On the next page, numerous detailed illustrations sprung up. They were the most exact botanical sketches that Philip had ever seen. Beside each plant, Grace had noted down its features, even uses of these plants, everything that could be of interest.

Philip flicked through all the pages, to find the book completely full.

“This is who she is,” Lord Garton said after a minute of Philip’s silent skimming. “I wish for Grace in her life to have the freedom to be who she wants to be. That is all I ask of you, Your Grace… if you will permit me to ask for anything after the damage I have done to your family.”

Philip lifted his gaze from the book and met the Marquess’ eye. He was tongue tied, unable to say anything for a bit.

I am marrying Grace to avoid a scandal. I am not here to take care of her, to be her protector.

Yet the thought of saying this to the man who was so withered and panicked before him was gutting. Philip could not possibly frame the words.

“She’ll have her freedom, My Lord,” Philip assured him softly.

Yet the rest between us will be a matter of arrangement. That is all.

Philip already had a plan of the way this marriage would work. He’d find a way to work out his attraction to Grace, perhaps to ride it out of his system on their wedding night. After that, they could lead practically separate lives.

“She will do as she likes with her life. You have my word on that.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much, Your Grace.” The Marquess offered his hand again. Philip shook it then returned Grace’s botanical book to the Marquess’ grasp.

---