Page 90 of Married to the Cruel Duke

“Will you be gone long?” she asked.

“I shouldn’t. If you like we can play some chess when I return.”

Rebecca smiled. “I think that sounds lovely.”

“Then it’s a plan.” William turned to go then hesitated. “How are you feeling after last night?”

She thought for a moment before replying. “I feel good. Lighter. Like I finally did something I should have done the second we got married.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad to hear it. I won’t lie, I was a bit worried you might regret some of the things you had said last night.”

“I won’t say I look back on the evening fondly, but it needed to happen and I’m glad it’s over with.”

“I’m only sad you had to be the one to do it.”

“What do you mean?”

He hesitated. “I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to worry you, but the reason I asked you to invite them was because I wanted to speak to your father.”

“My father? But why?”

“Because I was going to tell him that if he couldn’t treat you well then he would no longer be welcome in our lives. However it seems you beat me to the punch.”

“I’m sorry, I-”

“No, Rebecca. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m glad you felt secure enough to stand up for yourself like that. You did amazing.”

“I- I, well, I didn’t do it for myself.”

He frowned. “What do you mean? If you didn’t do it for yourself then why did you do it?”

She flushed, looking away. “I didn’t like hearing her talk that way about you.”

William paused, a look on his face Rebecca couldn’t place. “You didn’t need to do something like that for me. I was more upset about how they were talking about you.”

She smile. “Thankfully, none of that matters any more. We never have to see them again.”

“I’m glad you still feel good about your choice.” He glanced at the clock. “Goodness, I really need to go.”

“Then you should go. I hope you have a good day.”

“I will, but are you sure you will be all right here by yourself?”

“I’m hardly by myself,” she chuckled. “We’ve got a whole staff. If i need some company I can always summon Mrs. Anderson or Mary.”

“Very well. I will try to come back as quick as I can.”

“There’s no need to rush. I’m sure I can manage on my own for a bit.”

William hesitated for another moment.

Before Rebecca could ask him about it, he stepped forward, pulling her into a hug. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he whispered in her ear before pulling away and making his way from the room.

For a long moment after he left, Rebecca just stood there, a growing warmth in her chest. She could hardly believe just how much she missed him already.

She shook the foolish thought from her head. There was no reason to miss him. He would be home once again soon enough.

She picked up a book and spent a little bit of time reading.

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