Page 33 of His Abandoned Duchess

It was the way between them, ribbing each other to no end, or at least none so quickly. This would carry on for at least half the evening. Still, today, Richard’s mind was pulled in the direction of Heartwick and the devious minx who presently resided in it.

“Apologies, Freddie.” Richard lowered his head, the corners of his mouth turning down before he took another sip of wine. “I haven’t it in me today to put up the proper defense. You must excuse me.”

Frederick’s brows pinched together as he regarded Richard. As his friend studied him, making the Duke feel overly similar to a pinned beetle on display, Richard shifted in his chair. Amelia was blocks away, and still, he could sense her, his thoughts as clouded as ever thanks to her unspoken hex.

“Well, that is certainly the change. What lingers on your mind so heavily that you cannot so much as muster a proper attack?”

Dread made Richard’s skin itch, and he considered letting go of the topic with Frederick. Was it indeed in his interest to let loose the words of his dilemma? It was unclear if Frederick would have much to offer in the way of advice, the unmarried dandy that he was.

And yet, it was the entire purpose of this requested visit. If Richard did not confide in his one and only friend, to whom would he turn for unbiased thoughts on the matter?

“The precarious situation with the Duchess is still plaguing me, I fear. It grows more complex with each moment. Further, I know so little of the woman’s past or her dealing while I have resided at Blackford these long years. Surely, you, of anyone that I can trust, must have something to offer me.”

His brows rose toward his hairline, and Frederick leaned back into his chair. Another call out from the gambling room echoed through the busy space, and Richard was surprised at himself for not being curious in the slightest as to what the stakes might be.

“You’re asking for information regarding the Duchess. And why, pray tell, have you not simply brought the matter up with her? She is your wife and, as such, would certainly give you the details you require, would she not?”

Richard sighed, the weight on his shoulders pulling down all the more. “Amelia and I are at odds. You understand this to an extent, Frederick. I expressly stated to you that I wished to unseat a fraction of her control over Heartwick with the hiring of a new steward.”

“I am also aware of how dreadfully that all played out, and I remain ever remorseful for my involvement in it.”

Eyeing Frederick, Richard cocked his head. “As you should. So, do me this favor and answer my inquiries. What have you heard of the Duchess’s goings on while I have been away? About the drums and on dit regarding her affairs?”

The usual sunny countenance that Frederick presented to any and all around him faded into the background. Richard had known the man since they attended college together, and he recognized the air of seriousness that darkened his friend’s expression like a rain cloud. It was no small thing to see it now.

“Are you so interested all of a sudden after five years of never once inquiring as such?”

Richard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before glancing up at his friend once more. “It is the time, Freddie. Please.”

With a solemn nod, Frederick adjusted in his seat, leaning across the table so that he might lower his voice and still be heard.

“Very well. Though before I utter another word, I must remind you, Richard, that these are not the opinions and beliefs of myself or certainly the ton at large. You are aware of how these ramblings scurry about town, often the words of a single speaker.”

“I understand, Freddie.” Richard nodded. “Do go on.”

A mournful expression clouded over Frederick’s objectively handsome face. “You are aware that your wife has been known to hold extravagant drums and parties. Her closest circle of friends is always in attendance. While they have been quite boisterous, there have been no grave incidents within that have called for authorities or medical intervention.

“In most, I have heard that your wife is a gracious host and the accommodations during the events are luxurious indeed. Still, there have been some words spread, particularly after this last occasion, that your wife has…been seenentertainingvisitors who are not yourself.”

Richard’s stomach clamped down. He’d had his sowing of oats during his college years, and the response Amelia had to his encounter with her did not let itself to that of a practiced woman. He was also keen to take her very word for it. Amelia was atrocious at misleading him when it regarded a simple matter such as the singing at night. He could not imagine her so skilled to mislead him about her own virtue.

His jaw muscles working, Richard reached for the last dregs of his drink, sipping it down in a single gulp to soothe his nerves. It proved futile, however, and the thought that nosey socialists of the Ton were regarding Amelia as such, imprinting it in the scandal sheets as they had, boiled his blood to disastrous effect.

“You will not speak words of her infidelity again, Frederick. I will never hear so much as a whisper against her virtue from your lips from this moment forward. I am quite clear?”

His tone was severe—a dark growl put forth with no ceremony or restraint—and his words short. Richard’s dear friend looked upon him like he’d taken up barking irons and leveled them at his brow.

“Of course, Richard.” He dropped his head as he leveled the Duke with a stoic glance. “As I have said, these werenotmy opinions of the lady. You have asked what I have heard, and I have merely presented it to you.”

Tension still crowded their space, and Richard leaned back in his seat, his eyes finding the expanse of white embroidered cloth that covered the table between them.

“I am grateful for your honesty, Frederick. I trust that you will continue to discredit such rumors should you come across them.”

“Of course, dear friend.”

Silence spread between them, and Richard could only muster a slight measure of guilt for addressing Frederick so harshly. He was forced to remind himself that, indeed, these were not the man’s beliefs. His friendhaddone asked, delivering what he knew of the situation with his wife plainly so that Richard could understand for himself.

An attendant returned to refresh their cups, and Frederick suggested they adjourn from the dining area to take in a game of cards. Richard was up for such a distraction and nodded, following after the Marquess as he led them to a table with openings.

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