Page 75 of Married to the Cruel Duke

“I wanted to thank you for the invitation to dinner. Obviously, we will send a formal response, but you can expect to see us there.”

“I’m sure Rebecca will be pleased to hear that.”

“No doubt, though I must say, I’m rather surprised.”

“By what?”

“The fact that you have agreed to this. You must truly be falling for her.”

William scoffed. “Whatever you’re picturing, I can assure you, it’s nothing half as elaborate as that. It’s only a small dinner party with a few guests.”

“Even so, you must admit that that is still rather shocking for you. I mean aside from my visits which were never done by invitation per se, I have to say, I don’t know that I have ever seen you willingly have someone over before.”

“Yes, well, it may have been some time,” he looked away.

“That wasn’t a dig at you to be clear. If anything it was a commendation for Lady Danton. I’m happy to see it.”

“I’m glad you approve,” he rolled his eyes.

“You can jest if you like, but we both know you wouldn’t have invited me if you didn’t want me to know about it.”

“Just because I wanted you to know doesn’t mean I wanted to have this conversation.”

“And if you didn’t want to have it, you very easily could have simply not invited me, but we both know that you knew this was coming the second you put my name on that guest list.”

“Then perhaps I have made a mistake by inviting you after all.”

Patrick chuckled. “Perhaps, but unfortunately for you it is now far too late for that sentiment.”

“I don’t know. I could always disinvite you.”

“Perhaps, but that wouldn’t be very polite. What would people say if they heard you disinvited someone for no reason? And with such a small party there would surely be talk.”

“But it wouldn’t be for no reason, and I am rather confident that the second they heard why, the whole town would be on my side.”

“No, if you are set on uninviting me then you would have to cancel the whole thing and we both know you aren’t going to do that.”

“I could. Don’t tempt me.”

“But then you would have to tell lovely Rebecca why you did that,” he grinned.

William groaned, “Speaking of Rebecca. I must be getting home. I want to make sure I am back in time for dinner.”

“Of course. I would have to make you late. I hope you have a good evening.”

“You too. Will I see you again before the party?”

Patrick frowned, thinking for a moment. “I don’t think so, but I can check the calendar if you like.”

He shook his head. “That isn’t necessary.”

“Suit yourself.”

And then his day finally came to a blessed end.

When William came through the door, he frowned.

Everything was dark, as far as he could see not a single room was occupied. Not only that, but the whole place was completely silent.

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