Page 48 of The Duke and the Scarred Bride

The fact that he could so easily arouse her with just a glance infuriated her. While he looked as refreshed as always, she felt terrible after spending most of the night weeping.

It was not fair.

“Good morning, wife. I trust you had a good night’s rest?” he asked.

“I did. Thank you,” she lied.

He peered into her face, his eyes narrowing in doubt. The state of her face might have given him a hint that she was not being completely honest. He opened his mouth, then promptly closed it, probably deciding to keep whatever comments he had intended to make to himself.

“I have decided, dear husband, that you do not have to pay attention to me and share meals with me. You are free to return to your daily activities without having to endure a dreary meal with me,” she said, a fake smile playing on her lips.

She had thought that her husband would be pleased by the news, seeing as he was doing his best to avoid her. But instead of relief, she watched as a frown of disapproval crossed his face, followed by something akin to anger. She ignored him, picking at the breakfast spread before her to fill her plate even though she had no appetite.

“I would like to visit Isabella. It has been ages since I last saw her,” she added in a rush, peering at her plate and twirling her fork in her food, studiously avoiding his gaze.

No reason to explain that by ages, she meant the previous month. She would do anything to escape the tension building between them, so thick that she could slice through it with a knife.

“Thank you for the meal, Your Grace,” she said, standing up to leave the room, even though she had barely taken a bite of her food.

She doubted she would have been able to eat with her stomach tied in knots.

As she walked away from the breakfast table, she felt the heat of his gaze on her till she disappeared down the hall.

When she got back to her chambers, she found Anne tidying the room and replacing the bedding. The maid helped her change into an indigo walking dress with a matching cape that was lined with fur.

Louisa then went downstairs to find that the carriage was already ready and waiting for her. She guessed she had Percival to thank for that. This was one of the little ways he stole her heart every day. It was particularly annoying that he insisted on holding on to his heart even though he had full possession of hers.

The footman helped her into the carriage, and in no time she was off to visit Isabella at her estate where she lived with her doting husband. It was only a few miles away from Colborne House, but she understood that the pressures of parenthood made Isabella and Duncan unable to visit her since she moved in there.

A part of her was happy to have a respite from their overprotective tendencies, but the part of her that was lonely missed her sister and longed for the familiar sound of her chatter.

Louisa was pulled out of her reverie when she felt the vehicle slow down. When she drew back the curtain, she found that they had arrived at her destination.

Fangsdale Manor looked simple, almost noble in appearance. Although Duncan was a rich man by all standards, he had a preference for a humble and simple lifestyle, just like her sister, who was also his wife.

Stepping out of the carriage, Louisa walked up the short flight of stairs that led to the massive front door. She knocked a few times, and the door was opened by the kindly butler, Felix, who smiled in welcome.

“Your Grace,” he greeted with a deep bow, smiling broadly. “It is a pleasure to see you.”

“The pleasure is mine, Felix. Please tell me that my sister is inside.”

Before the butler could open his mouth to respond, the sound of an annoyed infant wailing his outrage tore through the hall.

“That would be the young master,” Felix said with a rueful smile. “Her Grace is with him. The blue room, I believe.”

“Thank you, Felix.” Louisa gave him a grateful smile as she handed him her coat and then headed in the direction of the blue room.

Sure enough, when she got to the room in question, the door was ajar, and she could see Isabella sitting with her son on her lap, making cooing sounds as she tried to distract him.

The picture brought a smile to Louisa’s lips. Her nephew might be little, but she could already tell he would grow into a hellion. She wished her sister luck when the time came.

She pushed the door open wider, causing her twin sister to look up in surprise. Her tired face split into a bright smile.

“Lou,” Isabella greeted. “It is so great to see you!”

She stood up and balanced her son on her hip while she pulled Louisa into a sideways hug with her free hand. When she released her sister, Isabella stared into her face, a frown creasing her brow.

“You do not look well,” she stated bluntly.

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