Page 58 of A Duke for Hire

“I’m just saying she’s already been through enough before this whole drama started; her wants and dreams ignored by the people who were supposed to love her the most. I know you do not love her, and I know we are used to you pushing us all away. But perhaps you should not try to do that with her. She deserves more than that.”

A raucous came from Dominic and Everett then, but Hugo still glared at his friend.

“Congratulations, old boy, you’ve won again!” Everett hollered, pushing the chips in Hugo’s direction.

Hugo drew on a forced smile as he accepted the chips, but as he looked back at Tristan, he saw his friend was still looking at him with those wary eyes.

“Congratulations, Hugo,” Tristan said, shuffling the cards, “Just be mindful of what you won.”

Hours later, as Hugo walked back into his home, pockets full of money and his head in a rare state of inebriation, Tristan’s words rang back to him. He’d spent his life keeping people at an arm’s length. Save for one, his father. But instead of a close paternal bond; he’d received nothing but bruises and ill words.

You will not move. You will not block.

His father’s words from the day they’d struck their deal rang in his head. He’d saved Leah, but damned himself. And now, ashe stood in his empty home, he wondered if he could truly let someone get close to him again.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“Ihave to go,” Hugo said, walking away from Seraphina. “There is much I have missed since I have left Merrivale.”

Seraphina felt a chill pass through her. She had anticipated her wedding feeling a bit odd but the day had been more awkward than she could have ever imagined. Even though Hugo had paid for her dress and many other fine things, he’d barely looked at her during the small ceremony. Then in the carriage ride to Merrivale, he had only responded with barely more than one word answers when she was asking of her duties as the new duchess. He did not look at her with annoyance, and his voice was not harsh. But the distance was palpable.

“Already?” She asked, following him a few steps.

“You have not eaten yet,” she then said, venturing toward any excuse. “Perhaps we could have lunch together first?”

Hugo paused on the steps and gave her a small smile.

“You are kind, Seraphina, but I really must attend to the matters at hand,” he replied, then swept an arm toward the estate staff, still lined up on both sides of the foyer.

“If you are hungry, however, they will assist you. Mrs. Purdy?”

A petite woman who appeared to be in her forties stepped out of the lineup, wearing a dress just slightly different from the other maids’, and curtseyed toward them both.

“Your Grace?” She asked.

“Have the kitchen prepare the duchess something to eat, would you? Then perhaps you could assist her with acclimating to her new rooms, I am sure there is a lot for her to learn.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Mrs. Purdy answered, then turned to Seraphina with a stiff smile.

Hugo then nodded to them both, and without another word, disappeared toward the study. Disappointment swept through Seraphina as she was left standing beside the housekeeper. Suddenly she felt more alone than ever, and regretted not extending an immediate invitation to her friends to join her.

“Well,” she said, forcing out a small chuckle, “I had suspected this day to go a bit differently.”

Mrs. Purdy’s tight-lipped smile remained on her face as she shrugged.

“Our Lord is a most busy one,” she replied simply. “Now, let us focus on lunch. Would you like your meal in the dining room? Or in your new Duchess quarters?”

The front doors burst open before Seraphina could answer, startling her.

“Ah, Mrs. Purdy!” A masked man boomed, striding confidently toward them.

“Your Grace, what are you doing here?” Mrs. Purdy asked the question in the same stern manner as she spoke to Seraphina, but her cheeks blushed wildly.

“Came to see Hugo,” he quipped.

Your Grace?Seraphina thought, taking in the man’s rather odd appearance. A mask in the middle of the day?. And apparently another Duke! She really was moving in higher circles now- even if they were rather curious.

“And you,” the man continued, stopping right before Seraphina to bow, “You must be the new Duchess.”

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