Page 97 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

When they pulled up outside the house, Christian alighted from the carriage first and then held out his hand to her. After she climbed down, he took a moment to pull Fenwick aside and murmur something to him before he turned to his mother, who was waiting for them in the entrance hall.

He took her hand and kissed her cheek. “I have some news, Mother. It may not be the most welcome.”

He took her into a side room, away from the morning room, which still smelled faintly of smoke.

The Dowager Duchess looked between them curiously as Christian told her of what had taken place between Marcus and Lady Northbridge.

The Dowager Duchess glanced at Louise. “Did you know about this?” she asked.

“I did not, Sabine. I learned the truth today. My father has treated my mother very poorly, and I believe she found comfort and solace with Marcus.”

The Dowager Duchess glanced between them in confusion, but her expression was more surprised than angry—much to Louise’s relief.

She can hardly disapprove, I suppose, given how she found love.

When Christian told her that he accepted his brother’s choice fully and that Marcus would soon be leaving London, she seemed to relax.

They spent some time with her after that, explaining what would need to be done to repair the ruined room and that the terrace would be boarded up and the doors locked until then.

The Dowager Duchess was appalled that the Earl was responsible for destroying part of a home she had lived in all her life, and Louise felt no guilt as she considered her father’s fate. He had treated many people she loved with contempt and scorn, and she would waste no more tears on him.

Eventually, they stepped out of the room, leaving the Dowager Duchess to her reading. Louise turned to head up to her chambers.

I still do not know what will become of my marriage despite everything that has happened between us today. I do not know what to do.

She stopped, however, when a gentle hand touched her wrist.

“Will you come to the gardens with me? There is something I wish to show you,” Christian said softly, and she could not find it in her heart to refuse.

He led her out to the part of the terrace that was not touched by the fire. In the dark, it all looked far less dreadful than thereality. Louise was glad not to have to look at the evidence of her father’s cruelty anymore.

Christian took her hand and walked them through the flowerbeds and rose bushes to the walled garden at the rear. She recalled what Marcus had told her about the secret garden at the country estate and wondered if she might recreate it here.

She stared at Christian’s strong back as he led her through the archway, the stars twinkling prettily above their heads.

The walls around them were high, and the area within was covered by a neat lawn that stretched to the extremities, where flowerbeds and pots lined the edges. There was a small fountain in the center that pattered merrily into a basin at its base, and the overall effect was very soothing after the tumult of the last few days.

Lighted torches placed around them at intervals cast a gentle glow over the ground, and Louise turned to Christian in confusion as he pulled her to him and lowered his head to hers, giving her a soft kiss.

“I know how much you love the gardens, and I have decided that we would spend more time in them,” he said, his voice filled with amusement.

“Is that so? And what are we going to do here?” she asked curiously as his hands moved over her waist.

“I intend to show you just how much I care for you in a place that you love dearly,” he murmured.

Louise looked around them, spotting a blanket and cushions laid out in a corner.

Christian led her to it before lowering himself to his knees, and after a brief hesitation, she did the same.

“I have always been honest with you, Louise. I meant what I said before, and I shall spend every day for the rest of my life proving it to you.”

“You mean your love for me?”

“Of course.”

Louise sighed as she lay down. The day had given way to a clear night sky above them, and there were no clouds to mar the view. It was chilly in the gardens, but she was glad of the darkness. It felt easier to process her feelings in the shadows.

“What is it, my love?” Christian asked.

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