Page 65 of Wedded to the Ruthless Duke

“Demands?” Grace finished for her to which Eleanor nodded.

At that moment, Grace wasn’t convinced about the state of Philip’s heart.

She had believed him to be a good man, for he had married her when her mother did not believe he would. She knew, too, that Eleanor loved him dearly, that he must have proved himself worthy of that love somewhere along the line, but right now? She had little evidence of goodness.

She’d been bedded then ignored and told promptly that he wanted nothing to do with her.

“I feel awful,” Grace whispered. She looked again to her mother across the room, who was now introducing Tabitha to every eligible gentleman in sight. Althea gazed at Tabitha with adoring eyes. “I suppose it’s no surprise really that he wants little to do with me, is it?”

“I beg your pardon?” Eleanor asked. “The possessive man I just witnessed wasn’t someone who wanted nothing to do with you, Grace.”

Yet Grace was scarcely listening. She had a feeling that possessiveness was really just Philip’s desire to be in control and had little to do with her at all.

As my mother always told me, I am not worthy of a man’s love, affection, or even respect, am I?

Grace slumped in her seat and looked down at the burgundy gown, feeling now that it was a grave mistake to try and get Philip’s attention at all.

“Speak of the devil,” Eleanor whispered, elbowing Grace to get her attention.

“What?” Grace looked up.

“The devil is walking this way.” Eleanor pointed across the room.

Philip was indeed walking toward them. Well, not so much walking, as stalking. There was great purpose and even anger in his stride as he made his way through the crowds toward them.

“I’m beginning to think he is a devil,” Grace whispered.

After all, was the devil not supposed to be seductive? To lead a woman into doing such things as she had done the night before?

“Philip, you look happy,” Eleanor declared with full irony as he reached their sides, breathing so fast his nostrils were practically flaring. “Are you enjoying the assembly?”

“Not in the slightest.” His eyes shot to Grace. “I’m ready to leave.”

Grace flinched. She looked at Eleanor, who looked equally shocked, then turned back to face Philip.

“Well, I’m not ready. We have only been here half an hour, at most.”

“We’re leaving anyway.” He stepped toward her and offered his hand. Grace glowered at that hand. Eleanor wasn’t the only one watching the pair of them. Other curious eyes were watching from a distance. Whatever Grace did next, she feared she could end up in a scandal sheet the next day. “Or are you going to defy me, wife?”

* * *

The carriage came to a sudden halt. Philip reached for the door and flung it open, leaving Grace behind, open mouthed.

She stared after him then scrambled to follow.

They’d had a very silent ride. Neither of them had said a word to the other, neither had they looked at each other, choosing instead to stare out of their respective windows.

As Philip marched up the gravel path toward the house, Grace ran to follow. She tripped on the hem of her gown and nearly went flying in the gravel. She barely managed to catch herself in time. When she stood straight, she saw that her trip had made Philip freeze in the doorway.

He’d looked ready to jump back toward her, to catch her, but then she figured that was all in her imagination, for he turned and marched into the house without another word.

I cannot continue like this. I refuse to!

She cast one glance back at the staff, who were now towing the carriage toward the stables, then followed Philip into the house. He didn’t head to his chamber but headed along the downstairs corridor.

She followed him, snatching off her pelisse and throwing it across the banister as she passed, suddenly feeling hot all over with her anger. She came face to face with his shut study door. Grabbing the handle fast, she turned it and stepped inside.

He was shrugging off his tailcoat, folding it up incredibly neatly as he placed it across the back of a chair though his movements were sharp. Clearly, he was as enraged as she was.

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