Page 90 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

Louise expected to feel betrayed or angry at the news, but instead, hope sprung up within her at the thought that her mother had a chance to be happy.

Now that she looked at them, somehow they fit together, as though there was an understanding between them that had existed for a long time. Marcus’s expression was resolute but sorrowful as he glanced at her.

“I am sorry,” he said again. “I should have told you.” He nodded with a half-shrug. “As Althea said, this was not something we ever intended. I would never set out to deceive you, Louise, but I did not knowhowto confess it. I tried many times.”

He looked at her mother, a smile flitting across his face.

“In truth, I did not understand my feelings until I began visiting the house more often. I was always aware of Althea, hoping that she might spare me a glance. I believed it to be admiration, nothing more. I did not fully understand what my heart felt until almost a year ago…” His jaw tightened. “… when I saw that she was injured and learned that that blaggard was responsible.”

Lady Northbridge’s lips thinned, the bruise above her eye all the more obvious as she closed it in despair.

“I had never felt such anger,” Marcus muttered. “It was at that moment that I knew I loved her—the kind of deep love that is impossible to ignore. I would do anything to protect her.” His eyes met Louise’s once more. “But I need you to know that I never used you to grow closer to Althea. Our love blossomed over a series of encounters quite separate from our friendship.”

Lady Northbridge nodded at that, her eyes earnest and imploring. “Please believe him, Louise. We never wanted to lie to you.”

Louise’s fingers tightened in the folds of her gown, anxiety growing in her chest as she thought of Marcus’s return and all that had happened before it.

“Is this why you went missing?” she asked. “Do you think my father had something to do with what happened to you?”

Marcus’s expression was difficult to read. His chest expanded as he held his breath, before letting out a long sigh.

“I do not know, but I suspect that is the case.” His expression was grave and sad. “The Earl discovered us together some months ago. He threatened my life, and Althea’s if I did not leave London immediately. He was raging—mad with fury. I had no choice but to flee. I believed it might save us both if I was gone, but when the accident happened, everything was turned on its head. I was desperate to return and save her from him. I still am.”

Lady Northbridge was looking up at him adoringly now, and Louise found that she was touched by it.

Marcus was a wonderful person who would care for her mother unconditionally for the rest of her life. Perhaps it was not what Society or convention would permit, but remaining in a violent marriage was far worse to Louise’s mind.

The ton are only interested in appearances, after all. They care nothing for genuine happiness, and my mother deserves that more than anyone.

She stepped forward, and her mother stiffened, her gaze never leaving her.

“I am happy for you, Mama. Truly. You deserve someone who will treat you well and love you for who you are. You could not have found a better man than Marcus.”

Her mother’s grateful smile dropped when thundering footsteps hurried down the hall and the door burst open.

“You dare to make a cuckold of me in my own home?”

CHAPTER 35

Louise gasped and turned around. Her mother cried out in shock as her father walked through the door, his eyes flashing with fury.

Lady Northbridge stepped around Marcus, shielding him with her body even as Louise took a step toward them to do the same. Marcus was a coiled spring, his body rigid with tension. Louise had never seen him so angry, his expression so murderous.

Marcus is an accomplished actor—all the times I have seen him with my mother, I never suspected a thing.

“You will step away from my wife,” the Earl commanded, glaring at him.

Marcus stepped forward instantly, his chest puffed out, his lanky form appearing impossibly small in front of the Earl’s bulky body. Louise held her breath, her eyes darting between them.

“I would invite you to look at yourwife,Sir, and see the damage that you have inflicted on her,” Marcus roared.

“This is not your concern, Lord Marcus. You will leave my house this instant, or I shall remove you from it.”

Marcus didn’t move an inch. Lady Northbridge stood straight and tall behind him, her eyes fixed on the man who had abused her. Louise wrung her hands nervously, even as her heart swelled at her mother’s courage.

“What did you do, Walter?” Lady Northbridge demanded, her voice cold as ice.

“What are you talking about, woman? You think that I should have acted differently when my wife was lying with a man behind my back?”

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