Page 57 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“I see.” Marina nodded, finding it difficult to focus on household matters when her thoughts remained tangled around Leo, who had barely spoken to her since their confrontation two nights ago. “Please let me know if anything significant turns up missing.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Mrs. Phillips looked relieved at Marina’s lack of concern. “I assure you, it’s nothing.”

As the servants hurried off to their tasks, Marina continued toward her room, barely noticing their talk of missing silverware.

Her mind was stuck on Leo—how he’d stormed out after their argument, returned home late, and avoided joining her for breakfast. He’d been polite but distant, a sharp contrast to his usual playful charm.

She realized she’d hurt him—or at least bruised his pride. The thought gave her mixed feelings: a strange sense of satisfaction along with genuine regret. She had been honest, but maybe she had been too harsh. Yet, how else was she supposed tohandle the powerful attraction that was slowly undermining her carefully guarded independence?

Marina shut her bedroom door behind herself and leaned against it, exhaling.

Lost silverware felt trivial compared to the fact that her practical marriage was becoming dangerously complicated.

Marina crossed to the window, trying to distract herself from thoughts of Leo. She spotted a familiar carriage approaching the house, and a genuine smile broke across her face for the first time that day.

Caroline’s bright yellow bonnet was visible through the carriage window, a welcome dash of color against the gray London afternoon.

“Betty,” she called to her maid, who was arranging fresh flowers on the bedside table. “Lady Clarkshire has arrived. Please ask Henderson to prepare tea in the blue drawing room.”

By the time Marina descended the stairs, Caroline was already in the entrance hall, handing her cloak to a footman.

“Caroline!” Marina embraced her friend warmly. “What a wonderful surprise.”

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d see how duchess life is treating you,” Caroline replied with a smile, linking herarm through Marina’s as they moved toward the drawing room. “Harold sends his regrets—he’s trapped in some interminable meeting with his solicitors.”

The blue drawing room had quickly become Marina’s favorite space in the house, its elegant proportions and excellent light making it perfect for afternoon callers. A tea tray awaited them, steam rising invitingly from the silver pot.

“Is the Duke at home?” Caroline asked as Marina poured the tea.

“No, he’s at his club, I believe.” Marina handed Caroline a delicate porcelain cup. “Some business matter or other.”

Caroline nodded, studying Marina’s face over the rim of her cup. Once the footman had withdrawn, closing the door behind him, her expression turned concerned.

“Now, tell me truthfully, how are you? And don’t say ‘fine’ because I can see perfectly well that you’re not.”

Marina sighed, setting down her cup with a soft clink. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who knows you as well as I do.” Caroline reached across to squeeze Marina’s hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, really,” Marina hedged then relented under Caroline’s skeptical gaze. “It’s just being around Leo is more difficult than I expected.”

“Difficult how?” Caroline pressed.

Marina struggled to find the right words. “He’s so… present. Even when he’s not in the room, I’m aware of him—his belongings, his scent, his influence over the household. And when he is near, it’s…” She trailed off, embarrassed by the admission.

“Overwhelming?” Caroline suggested gently.

“Yes.” Marina rose, moving to the window to avoid her friend’s perceptive gaze. “I thought we could maintain a polite distance. A marriage of convenience. But it’s proving far more complicated.”

Caroline sighed, setting her teacup down. “I must admit, at first, the whole situation with the stories and the Duke seemed exciting. A romantic adventure.”

“And now?” Marina turned back to face her friend.

“Now, he’s your husband which changes everything.” Caroline’s expression grew serious. “I should warn you, my friend. He has quite the reputation. Harold says half the married women in London claim to have shared his bed at some point.”

“I’m well aware of his history,” Marina replied, remembering their confrontation two nights ago. “He makes no secret of his rakish past.”

“Past, perhaps, but old habits are difficult to break.” Caroline hesitated, then continued. “I don’t wish to see you hurt. Men like His Grace… they’re not accustomed to commitment. They seek pleasure wherever they find it.”

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