Page 21 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

CHAPTER 9

Christian donned his top hat and tails and headed to Orions for the afternoon, determined to put his new wife out of his mind.

He needed to speak to his solicitors about the deed to the Earl’s townhouse in any case, and it would give him a good excuse to escape for a few hours.

Leaving her alone so soon after the wedding was probably a bad idea, but he rather relished the notion of irritating her further. She was even more beautiful when she was fuming.

After a short carriage ride, he walked into his club. As soon as he caught the familiar scent of leather, fine wine, and cigar smoke, his mind settled, and he headed to the office he shared with Gabriel and Marcus.

Gabriel was one of the founding members of Orions and was instrumental in its establishment. He also recruited many of thewealthier members and, despite his rather standoffish nature, was skilled in diplomacy. He sorted out more scraps and arguments than anyone else at the club and was famous for his calm head in crises.

Therefore, when Christian walked into the office and found him buried in ledgers and scribbling on a wide scroll of parchment, his spirits lifted considerably.

“Good afternoon, old man,” he said jovially as Gabriel looked up at him.

“Are you speaking to me again?” Gabriel asked archly. “How predictable.”

“What? When did I stop speaking to you?” Christian protested.

“I thought I had insulted you by disapproving of your bride. How is the marriage bed? Just as you left it?”

Christian shot him a long, disapproving glare.

Gabriel rolled his eyes. “Turned coy, have you? I always knew a lady would be your downfall.”

“Do go to the devil,” Christian muttered without much heat.

“Whatever has you in such a lather?”

“I am not in alather.I am visiting my club, and my closest friend is being tiresome,” Christian scoffed. “Is Willis here?”

Gabriel returned to his ledger. “He is. I saw him at the Bridge table not an hour ago. He’s not in a fit state to advise, though. I think he rather over-imbibed at lunch.”

“No matter. I can discuss the deed with him, at least.”

Gabriel paused his writing and looked up at him with a glint of interest in his eyes. “The deed to Northbridge Manor? What do you intend to do with it?”

“Never mind. Will I see you later? Armitage is being an ogre again, and I could use your presence to dissuade him from any more roughhousing.”

“What a bore the man is. Yes, I imagine I can throw my glove into the ring.”

Christian collected the deed from his desk drawer and headed to the door before Gabriel called him back.

“How is your Duchess? You must give me a little clue, at least. Is she just as terrible as I suspected?”

Christian felt the same irrational spike of annoyance at any criticism of Louise. “Did I not already tell you to go to the devil? I shall do so again.”

And then he closed the door to the sound of Gabriel chuckling heartily at his expense.

Christian found Willis, his solicitor, in the card room. It was a smaller parlor than the others in the club, but it was one of his favorites. Smoke coiled around the ceiling, and a raucous game was going on at one of the smaller tables made up of the younger patrons.

Many of the Bridge players looked at them reproachfully as another loud trick was played. Christian suppressed a smile as Willis turned to shout at them, only to see him approaching and shut his mouth.

Willis stood up, his pot belly hanging over his trousers and his heavy mustache bristling as he smiled and took Christian’s hand. “I was remiss in not speaking to you after the wedding, Your Grace. I do hope I didn’t offend you. Blasted work.”

“Not at all. I was glad you could come.”

“Were you seeking me out or just showing your face about your excellent establishment?”

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