Page 97 of The Duke's Vice

“Sometimes knowledge doesn’t help.” Beatrice muttered as she recalled Ezra’s story of his sister and the promise he made to himself.

Eleanor laughed lightly. “No, not always, you’re right.” She pulled away and took her sister’s face in her hands. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

Beatrice shook her head. “No. But thank you. I just need some time, I think.”

Eleanor nodded. “Then time you shall have. Let’s try on this dress so we can check one thing off your list.”

At the mention of a list Beatrice’s heart squeezed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to. This was her future, a future she was willingly going into. It may not look like the future she envisioned but if these past few weeks have taught her anything it was she couldn’t live her life based off a to-do list.

Life was far too complicated to be regulated down to a simple check list. It had twists and turns, hope and heartache. She always considered herself to be carefree, but she had come to the realization that while she rebelled against the societal cage thetonput women in, she had created her cage of her own. She didn’t keep her mind open to all the possibilities that laid in front of her.

No more.

If she were an author she would be outlining a new chapter, one that allowed room for the surprises that life loved to interject. She was more prepared for this next phase in her life. She will be more fluid, open, engaging. She will make something of herself, even if it meant being in a loveless marriage.

Ezra sat, swirling the tumbler of whiskey in his hand. He held the same glass for the past twenty minutes. He wasn’t thirsty, didn’t feel like drinking it, yet he couldn’t put it down. So he continued to swirl the liquid.

He didn’t want to do much since Beatrice left his house last week. He tried throwing himself into work but he just created more problems with his surly attitude and short temper. His household staff now avoided him and have taken to leaving his meals outside of his study. They let him know his food is there by knocking on the door and quickly scurrying away.

Ezra leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He had hoped by coming to the club and being around others might assuage some of his tensions but sitting in the darkened room surrounded by quiet murmurs only made the voices in his head that much louder.

He was resolute in his decision not to enter into a relationship with Beatrice. He could admit to himself that he had come todevelop feelings for her, but those feelings only made it that more important that he stay away from her.

“Well aren’t you a pleasant sight to see this beautiful summer evening.”

Ezra groaned at Frederic’s voice.

“Must you bother me? Can’t you see I’m relaxing?”

“Your hand is gripping that tumbler so tightly it may break in your hand and your brow is pinched. I am no doctor but I can absolutely say you, brother, are far from relaxed.”

Ezra grimaced as he opened his eyes to Frederic settling into the chair opposite of him.

“I need to check in with Harriet. I feel you are out too much and leaving her unattended.” Ezra scowled.

Fredric just chuckled. “Don’t you worry about your sister, Your Grace. My wife is taken care of. In fact, it was her who sent me out this evening.”

“Sick of your nonsense, no doubt. I’m going to take a page out of her book. Be gone.”

Ezra waved his hand and closed his eyes again.

“No can do, old friend. Your sister sent me on a mission and if you know your sister you know she won’t let me return until I have accomplished my goal.”

Ezra sighed. His sister’s stubborn streak could out last anyone. If she gave Frederic something to do she would not expect him back until it was completed to her satisfaction.

“And what mission did my fair sister send you on?” Ezra’s voice held no interest. He was hoping the sooner he gave into this nonsensical conversation the sooner Frederic would leave him to his own misery.

“You.” Frederic replied simply.

Ezra opened one eye. “Me?”

Frederic nodded. “You.”

Ezra closed his eye. “I don’t know what that means. You saw me. Is that enough?”

Frederic’s laugh annoyed Ezra. He just wanted peace, why couldn’t Harriet wait a few days before sending Frederic after him?

“Oh, how I wish. You’d think seeing your ugly mug would be enough but, alas, your sister has far more sinister motives.”

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