Page 21 of A Bride for the Wicked Duke

Aurelia could not get past the way her stomach twisted as if with regret. That sense that something wasn’t quite right. She could not say what it was, and she refused to try and find the cause. This had to happen, she had no choice in the matter, so best to simply accept it and make her peace.

On the plus side, at least I won’t have to deal with His Grace anymore. An added bonus, as it is.

ChapterSeven

Although the justification for what she was doing was weak, Aurelia was still determined to see it through. It had to be done. It was, in every way imaginable, the right move. And by the time this evening had ended, not only would her family be free of their debt, but she would be free of the duke.

I want the duke out of my life once and for all. More than that, I want him to know that he does not own me. And once I am through here, if all goes to plan, I will never have to speak to or see him again.

This thought made her smile, satisfaction had at holding one over the duke as he had done to her so many times before.

The hour was late. The night was dark. And Aurelia stayed low as she hurried across Sutherford Estate, glad for the cover of the night because she did not wish to be seen. Rosalind, she knew, to be an early sleeper, so there was little chance that she would be caught out by her best friend. But it was better to be safe than sorry.

Under Aurelia’s arm was tucked a box, in which she had folded the dress that the duke had bought her – brought to further her excuse for being here. She needed to return it, to rid herself of it, a means by which to show the duke that she no longer needed him. As well as that, she wished to say it to his face so that there could be no confusion.

That was why she had snuck out tonight. Stealing a horse from the family’s stables – it was tied up outside the gate of the estate – she reasoned that now Lord Littlefield had proposed to her, it was best to alert the duke to this arrangement so that he would know their debt would soon be cleared. Again, so that she could free herself from his power and his influence once and for all.

And yes, perhaps this news could wait. Really, there is no rush to tell him. But I need to do this. I need to commit to this marriage, and this right here is the best way to ensure there will be no going back.

She knew the Sutherford Estate well, having been here a dozen times or more. Thus, she did not hesitate in taking a side entrance into the home, not at all surprised to find it cloaked in silence as most of the staff were sure to be in bed. She crept through the manor, up the staircase, careful not to make a sound. Few candles burned in the ceiling, providing more cover for her to sneak down the hall, her sights set on the study at its end.

The duke’s study. She could see light coming from under the doorway, confirmation that he was still awake and at work. What was more, that he was alone...

Was this the stupidest idea of all time? About to knock on the door, she paused and wondered at that question as she had been doing all night. To sneak out as she had done, to put herself alone in the room with the duke, it would surely cause anger and alarm and even repudiation. But perhaps that was a good thing?Again, he needs to know that I am not the type he should be spending any more time with than is necessary.

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. And then, before waiting for him to call her, she turned the handle and pushed the door open.

“Lady Hawkins!” the duke gasped when he saw her slip through the door and close it behind herself. “What are you – what is this!”

“We need to talk,” she said. “And it cannot wait.”

He was sitting behind his desk, hard at work it appeared, but upon seeing her barge into his office, his quill went down, and he was on his feet. Although she shouldn’t have been surprised that he didn’t appear angered by the sight of her. Rather, he looked intrigued, even amused as was often his way when they spoke.

“And you thought this was the most appropriate way?” He stepped around his desk. “How did you get in?”

She shrugged. “I have been here enough times to know my way without causing alarm. And I did not think it would be such a good idea if I was spotted.”

“Which tells me you know how inappropriate it is that you are here.” He walked to the center of the room and might have continued right toward her if she did not take a step back and hold the box out before her. He eyed the box curiously. “What is this?”

“It is for you,” she said, holding her chin up, not wanting to appear scared or unsure. “Take it.”

He frowned as he took the box. “I wish I could say I was surprised, but from what I know of you so far, you make a habit of doing the wrong thing. I almost think that you enjoy it...” He trailed off as he opened the box to find the dress. “And this confirms it.”

“It is the dress you gave me,” she said. “I wish to return it.”

“I know what it is.” He exhaled sharply from his nose. “Please tell me that you did not sneak from your home and ride here on your own simply to return this dress...” Again, he looked amused, not angry. “Again, there is that sense that you take pleasure in seeing how far you can push the expectations of propriety and decorum --”

“There is one more thing,” she hurried to speak over him, needing to get it out so that she could leave.Which I will do! As soon as I say my piece.“The dress is not the only reason I am here, I mean.”

“Oh good,” he said dryly. “And here I was, thinking that you had lost your mind.”

Aurelia hated how handsome he was.This would be so much easier if he was hideous.. Tall and imposing. Confident and just a little arrogant. Mostly, it was his eyes that Aurelia found herself the most besotted by. The way they watched her, saw through her, read her like a book so that she felt utterly exposed around him.

Still, Aurelia did her best to put all of that aside, focusing on how much he annoyed her instead, as that was just easier. “I have some good news.”

“Oh?”

“You will be pleased to hear that the debt which my family owes you will soon be paid, within the allotted time frame no less. Meaning...” She raised an eyebrow at him. “That you and I, we are done.”

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