Page 48 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
But hearing about it like this – learning that her husband did not have a pleasant upbringing and it had convinced him that he would not make an ideal husband saddened her greatly. Seth’s behavior also upset her, because what sort of man would abandon his lover to raise their child on her own? Especially when he had the means to ensure both the mother and child would live good comfortable lives?
“It is all so complicated, and difficult to judge, but at least Nicholas has someone as reliable as you as his uncle. Despite the complexities that surround his parents, he will always be taken care of by you,” Anna tried to smile, choosing to view the bright side.
Unfortunately, Julian did not share the sentiment, his face contorting to portray irritation almost immediately.
“That is no excuse for my brother’s negligent behavior. People like him are despicable, with their habit of wreaking havoc on the lives of others, simply by avoiding their responsibilities. AndSeth will not get away with this – not while I live and breathe. Nicholas is not my cross to bear and neither is he yours. And I will ensure my brother pays for his actions.” He said gruffly.
Anna couldn’t believe her ears. She pulled her hands out of her husband’s grasp and stated plainly.
“Do not speak of him like that. Nicholas isn’t a burden to be passed around. What happened to him was not his fault, and he shouldn’t have to pay for the actions of his mother and father.”
“Someone needs to take responsibility, duchess. And neither you nor I are in the position to do so. The sooner you realize that the better things will be for us all.” Julian snapped.
The music stopped then and the other couples dancing around them halted their movements, laughing and chattering as they walked off the dance floor. But neither Julian nor Anna moved, the atmosphere between them losing its lightness as they stared at each other in challenge.
Finally, Anna exhaled, demanding quietly.
“I would like to return home now. I have grown tired of this ball.”
For once, Julian did not argue, merely stepping aside so she could walk ahead of him, following her closely as she stepped off the dance floor.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“You are being ridiculous,” Julian said.
“And you are being cruel,” Anna rebutted, without hesitation. “This isn’t some piece of land we’re talking about or an heirloom! It is a child. A living breathing being, and you are simply going to toss him aside, without knowing for certain if he is in good hands or not. That is not right. Surely you must know that.”
The air in the carriage had been tense since they embarked on the journey to return to their estate, both of them seemingly seething with their anger. Julian thought Anna was being ridiculous, expecting that she would feel relieved that finally, they were close to getting Nicholas where he belonged.
Anna felt differently, even more, concerned about the child’s wellness than she had when she had found him, unable to reconcile the image of the man who had talked with Nicholas until he had fallen asleep with the man before her who seeminglywanted nothing more than to do away with him as soon as possible.
She had hoped they would simply table the conversation for the night, but Julian had followed her after they arrived home, seemingly determined to assert his stance on the matter.
“He will be all right. Seth has lived far too carelessly for most of his life. Nicholas will finally be a good reason for him to adopt a healthier way of living. My brother won't have a choice but to do what is right.” Julian pointed out with an exasperated groan. “This is what is best –”
“For whom? Because it certainly isn’t what’s best for Nicholas. You said your brother was unreliable. And somehow, you still believe that it would be ideal to give that sweet little child to him – with no guarantee that your hopes of Seth taking the high road to better himself will come to fruition, enough to take care of him properly. You want Nicholas off your hands, without any concern for what will happen to him afterwards, and that is not fair –”
“He is not my responsibility!” Julian snapped angrily, just as Anna started to turn down the hallway that led to her bedroom.
Slowly, Anna turned back and stared right at him, her gaze unwavering as she said,
“Our marriage was your responsibility then. But you also abandoned it. You abandoned me, and you wish to do the same to Nicholas.”
With an air of finality, she walked away from him.
Julian knew it was probably best to let her go. Her arguments wouldn’t change the outcome or alter the fact that Nicholas had a place to be, and it wasn’t with them. But something in him was irked by the fact that she believed he had sought to avoid his responsibilities in their marriage — his responsibilities to her, and he couldn’t let her nurse such a notion.
So he went after her, managing to catch her as she grabbed hold of the doorknob, pulling her back and cornering her against a wall.
“What on earth —”
Julian placed his hands on either side of her head, effectively trapping her as he stated firmly,
“Can you really not see it? That I left for a good reason? I did it to protect you!”
Angrily, Anna raised her voice, frustrated to her wit's end.
“Protect me from who?”
