Page 11 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“What is it?” Julian snapped, handing his gun over to the valet.
The other man stepped forward, carrying a little silver platter, in the middle of which sat a letter.
“It is from the estate, Your Grace. When it was delivered, I was informed that it was from the duchess.”
Julian frowned.
His wife? Why would she be contacting him now? When they had done well staying out of each other’s way and business for months?
Julian collected the letter and tore it open, stepping under the shade of a tree to read it.
Duke,
Usually, one starts by expressing that the message has found its recipient well. I have no such wishes, only that somehow, this letter finds you. After all, you have much to answer for.
I had hoped that I would stick to the rules you gave me to govern our peaceful lives, but you have left me no choice with what you have done. Your actions are reprehensible, not to mention reckless and juvenile. If you wish to ruin your name and reputation, you are free to do so in your own time, without my involvement.
I will not be party to your indiscretions and I believe it is in your best interest to return back to Morland Estate at once. Donot even think of ignoring this letter, as it would only be to your detriment. Come back, now.
Unwillingly,
Your wife.
Julian thought he was seeing things.
He blinked rapidly and then dropped his gaze down to the parchment in his hands, shocked when the words remained the same.
“Who does she think she is?” he muttered angrily, the wrath brewing within him making his muscles tense up. “How dare she tell me what to do?”
And here he had believed that perhaps she was smarter than she seemed in the short time they had spent together. But ultimately, she was just as unwise as any woman who would stoop as low as staging a scandal for a beneficial marriage.
“Robinson,” Julian called out to his butler, crumbling the letter in his hand. “Pack my things and prepare for my return to Morland estate.”
The butler bowed and scurried off quickly while Julian walked into the house, promising under his breath.
“It is time to teach my wife a lesson.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“Your Grace, welcome back.”
Julian disembarked from the carriage, prepared to storm into the house, only to stop in his tracks at the sight of his estate.
It did not look like… his estate anymore.
The duke had received letters that had detailed the duchess’ renovations around the property, but he assumed that it would mostly be work done on the inside of the house, and not so much in the surrounding area.
But now that he had gotten a good look at it, there were barely traces of the harsh home that he had grown within. His past seemed like a little layer of what he could clearly see was the new beginning of someone determined to start afresh after she had been given the opportunity.
Thinking of his wife reminded him of why he had returned in the first place, and the anger he had simmered in on the way back to Morland Estate began to boil over.
“Ernest, tell my wife to meet me in my study. Now.” He instructed the butler as he marched inside the house.
Within the walls of his home, he felt like a stranger, momentarily disoriented by the lack of colors and furniture that had existed for practically the entirety of his life. Instead of the bold tones his mother had preferred, the new duchess appeared to favor warmer hues.
Julian grunted in annoyance and continued the walk to his study, thankful to find that it was still the way he had left it. He had barely shrugged off his coat when a knock at his door claimed his attention.
“Enter.” He commanded, folding his arms expectantly.
