Page 27 of A Duchess for the Mysterious Duke
“Yes. I shall take my horse.”
“But Your Grace—this will upset His Grace very much.”
“If he comes home before me, tell him it was quite an urgent matter and that if he must chastise me for my behavior, he shall find at Miss Harrington’s.”
“Marina!”
Kathrin came charging into the hall, her skirts lifted so that she could run and her brother right at her heels. They both looked as if they were staring at a ghost though Marina smiled breathlessly at the two of them. Her skirts were muddied three inches up the hem, and her riding boots were tucked gingerly into the crook of her elbow, soaking wet.
“Ah, Kathrin. Would it be very much trouble for me to borrow some dry clothes?”
Soon after, Marina was dressed in clean, dry clothing, and she sat across from Kathrin in an armchair before a fire. Kathrin’s eyes watched her, worried, but her steady hands worked diligently upon a piece of fabric in her embroidery loop.
“I apologize for my intrusion at this late hour—I should have thought. You might have thought to attend the theater tonight, and I did not even warn you of my visit.”
“Never mind that. What is it that has brought you here with such haste?”
“Oh, Kathrin. Would it be too much of an imposition if I asked to stay the night? I should very much like to tell you everything—from start to finish, but I am dreadfully tired.”
“It would not be an imposition at all. I have missed you dearly, and I must say that I am quite upset to see you in such a state. But please, Marina, at least tell me that your family are quite well.”
Marina nodded quickly. “Of course. I did not mean to give you a fright. Everyone is safe and well; it is just…my marriage. My mind has become so muddled, and I cannot make sense of it all on my own.”
Kathrin nodded thoughtfully. “Then we shall have a hearty breakfast and discuss your marriage outside in the gardens where my brother will not be a bother.” Her eyes narrowed and snuck a sideways glance at Mr. Harrington, who sat at the desk in the corner of the room pretending not to listen to them. Theyknew that he was when the tips of his ears grew red in response to her statement. “Come, I will walk up with you to the bedroom and have some hot tea sent up so you might get some rest.”
Marina nodded, and the two ladies walked out to the hall together. Kathrin saw her to her room, and outside of the door, she looked around for eavesdroppers. “Is the Duke treating you kindly, Marina?” she whispered, her eyes wide and earnest.
“Yes. I suppose. He does his best, but he sometimes loses his temper and says hurtful things. We both do, I suppose. We had a visit from his uncle some time ago, and Phillip’s behavior during it was bizarre. He sent him away and forbade me to speak with him. He has been cold and distant ever since. Tonight, I went to his study after dinner to try to speak with him.”
“And?”
“He was not there. His steward said he was taking dinner out, and that he was not expected home until a late hour. I was so taken aback that I rushed here immediately.”
Kathrin’s eyes were large with concern. “And do you suspect him of betraying your union?”
Marina bit her lip so hard, she could taste the sharp iron of fresh blood. “I am unsure, Kathrin. Come and sit with me. I will tell you everything that has transpired. Perhaps you can help me decide, and in the morning, I will know better what I should do.”
CHAPTER 21
Phillip Hayward arrived at the Harington home just after breakfast the next morning and was shown to the garden where Kathrin and Marina walked and whispered together with linked arms. He watched the butler go to fetch them, his eyes following his wife’s every move. On the ride over to her, Phillip was beside himself with fear and anger, but now that he was seeing her again, he felt sore with himself.
After all, it was he from whom she sought refuge here.
Kathrin and Marina approached, and Phillip’s expression remained stoic. He greeted Miss Harrington, and they exchanged pleasantries.
“Miss Harrington, I would very much like to speak with the Duchess privately for a moment if it is not too much trouble.”
“Who am I to keep a lady from her devoted husband?” Kathrin answered pleasantly, extracting herself from her friend andmoving to go inside. “Do take your time. The two of you are both welcome to stay and dine with us for lunch.”
The Duke and Duchess watched her go then silently walked back down the path Marina had just come from. Their quietude lasted for several painful minutes until, at last, Marina broke it.
“I did not mean to trouble you.”
“Didn’t you?”
“No. I acted on my own selfish whims and not out of spite for you. I missed my friend, and since you were away and could not approvehervisit, I?—”
“I instructed the staff to allow your family and Miss Harrington to visit you whenever they please.” Marina glanced at him, unconvinced.
