Page 54 of Married to the Cruel Duke

When she made it down stairs, William was already waiting for her. When she saw him, she sped up, calling out to him.

“I’m sorry I took so long. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

He frowned. “You hardly took any time. I was expecting to be waiting for far longer. Did the clothes I sent up work out?”

She smiled. “Yes, they should work perfect. Thank you.”

“Then let’s get going. Have you been to the stables since moving in?” he asked as they walked.

“Not yet. I’m afraid I haven’t had the chance.”

“They are quite nice. I spend a lot of time at them myself.”

“Do you enjoy riding then?” she winced to herself. “I mean obviously you must. Otherwise why would you spend so ,uch time at the stables. I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For asking a stupid question.”

“Did you? I didn’t hear one.”

She gave his a disbelieving look.

“I enjoy our time together. You don’t need to be so careful around me.”

“I’m just worried I will overstep your boundaries.”

“If you overstep, I will tell you.”

She let out a bright, a smile working its way onto her face. “I appreciate that. Thank you.”

He was about to tell her there was no need to keep thanking him, but decided sometimes it was better to not push things too hardall at once. Instead he offered her his arm and the pair made their way out to the stables and the horses.

When she saw them, Rebecca lit up, all but breaking into a sprint toward the horses. When she realized what she had done, she froze, turning to him with a flush on her face.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why not? What did you do wrong?”

“It isn’t lady like to run.”

“And? You are in your own home.” After he said it, he heard his ton and winced. “You don’t need to worry so much, Rebecca. The grounds are made for someone to run and play in. they have been far too still with only me here.”

“What do you mean?”

He stiffened.

“I’m sorry. Should I not have asked that.”

“I told you you were free to ask whatever you wanted.” He let out a long sigh. “The truth is, after my brother and father were well…” he trailed off. “My mother became protective of me. Well, protective might be an understatement. She became convinced it was only a matter of time before something happened to me.She became obsessed with doing whatever it took to keep me safe. The included preventing me from any ‘dangerous play’ like running outside or horseback riding.”

“But she must have come around eventually. Clearly you learned to love it somewhere.”

“No, she never did. I learned at school. If she were here now, I’m sure she would be horrified,” he let out a bitter laugh.

“That must have been hard for you, but I won’t lie and say I don’t understand why she did it.”

“I do too. That was never the issue, but the level of paranoia she had,” he shook his head. “It was hard, especially as I was just a child. I was so young. All I wanted to do was play and have fun doing the very thing that terrified her.”

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