Page 35 of Married to the Cruel Duke

He studied her. “Sounds more like you wanted to encourage me to go see her.”

“I don’t know how you could have gotten that impression, but if you are considering it, I doubt it would go amiss.”

“You know I have things to do,” he huffed, pushing past her and heading inside.

“Of course, your grace,” she called after him.

But when he came inside, William faltered. Someone had taken the time to open all of the curtains, the fading evening sunlight filled the space as though it belonged there.

Was this what she meant by changes? William had assumed she would have simply bought new things.

He shook the thought from his head. It didn’t matter. As long as it kept her occupied. With that in mind, he started making his way down the hall.

The more he saw, the more confused he got. Then, he heard her voice. He couldn’t help but move towards it.

It drew him to the dining room. He didn’t hesitate to step inside. Much like the other rooms, it had been cleaned and light had been let in, but that wasn’t what caught his eyes.

No those were drawn to the painting on the back wall. His heart pounded in his chest. Why was that here?

He knew he’d locked it away with all the others. His servants should have known better than to touch it. So that could only mean….

His face went pale before turning red. “What did you do?” he snarled.

She chewed her lip, hervoice coming out small. “I- I just did some redecorating. I thought you would be happy.”

“Happy? I don’t care what you do with the room! Hang whatever drapes you like, but I want you to tell me where you got that!” he pointed to the painting.

“I- I was just going through some of the rooms, and I-”

“Some of the rooms?” he took a step towards her. She staggered back. “That was not just out in one of the rooms for you to stumble across. What were you doing in the attic?”

“I already told you I was just looking around it wasn’t locked or anything.”

“And you think that just means you can go in there and do whatever you please?”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“Do you think I care what you meant to do?”

She flinched back.

“I can’t believe this!”

Suddenly, something in her posture shifted. She straightened her back voice coming out strained and tight. “If you are going to do something about it, just do it already and get it over with.”

His anger was replaced with confusion. “What do you mean do something?”

“Are you really going to make me say it?” finally, she met his eyes, defiant even as tears threated to roll down her face. “Then fine, I’ll say it. If you are going to strike me, just do it and get it over with.”

He recoiled, shocked. He staggered back another step. “What kind of person do you think I am? I would never do something like that to a woman!”

Her eyes widen in surprise.

That was when a chilling thought entered his mind. It was out of William’s lips before he could even think. “Did your father raise his hand to you?”

She looked away. “My family was very good to me. I am eternally grateful to them.” Her voice came out calm and practiced, as if she was reciting lines in someone else’s play.

He shook his head. “I’m glad you think that, if you really feel that way, but that doesn’t answer my question.”

---