Page 62 of Married to the Cruel Duke

But they hadn’t left the estate. Either together or on their own. Still it was something neither of them could avoid forever.

William couldn’t help but worry.

It was rather typical for him to stay home unless there was a good reason for it, but Rebecca was a young woman with friends who must want to be out living her life.

It was hard to help the guilt from creeping in the longer he thought about it.

The more time they spent together, the more it consumed him. He knew he needed to say something or it would only continue to fester. Still, it took the better part of another week before he found the ability to grant a voice to them. So one day as they were on what had become their daily walk, William carefully broached the subject.

“Does it bother you, bein trapped in this house all day, Rebecca?” he asked. “You know you are free to go out whenever you like.”

“I know, but we have been spending so much time together. It has been lovely, and I didn;t want to pause it just so I could do something as simple as go into town.”

“You didn’t ask me to come with you either though.”

“Because I know you dislike going out.”

That is true,” he sighed.

“Then there was no point in asking.”

“But just because I don’t like going out doesn’t mean I would say no.”

“But you hate it.”

He sighed. “I’m trying to say,” he cut himself off shaking his head. “Forget it.”

“No, please tell me.”

“I was simply saying that if you were set on going out, I wouldn’t mind. I would be willing to do it for you.”

“I appreciate that, but how can I ask that of you?”

“If you want to go out, we can always do something small. Perhaps go on a promenade.”

“That sounds lovely! Only,” she hesitated. “Would you mind terribly if Penelope joined us?”

“Do you want her to join us?”

“I would like for her to, but I understand if it’s too much.”

William hesitated then took a deep breath. “If you want her there then I don’t see the harm in it.”

She lit up. “Oh! Thank you so much. I’ll send word over to her when we get home to see when she is available.”

“I am glad to make you happy, Rebecca.”

And so, just like that arrangements were made for them to promenade with Penelope the very next day.

CHAPTER 13

The following morning, Rebecca struggles to hold still as Mary finished getting her ready to go promenade.

“Is everything all right, your grace?” she asked as she tried to pin Rebecca’s hair in place once more.

“Of course they are. Why wouldn’t they be?”

“Forgive me for asking, but you seem rather nervous.”

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