Page 39 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Chapter Eighteen
Serena awoke the day before the ball with her mind still reeling. She had been fortunate enough to share another moment with Rowan, identical to their first accidental encounter in the library. Identical, that is, except that unlike the first time, she had been brave enough to broach the subject of their arranged marriage, and he had been brave enough to open up to her.
She was glad that she now knew what had happened to the late duke, and she was beginning to understand the impact his death had on Rowan. It explained what his mother had said about him living as a hermit for so long, and it helped her see why he was often aloof and distant.
However, as glad as she was that he had chosen to share some things with her, that he seemed to be beginning to trust her, she could not shake the feeling that there was still part of himself that he was holding back. She did not doubt that what he’d told her was the truth. She was just sure that it wasn’t the entire truth. She was glad for the progress. And she felt a little guilty, as though she was being greedy, because she wanted to make more progress, and quickly.
With a sigh, she had Christine quickly help her dress, choosing a green morning dress and green slippers. She knew she had a big day ahead of her, and she was ready within an hour of summoning her lady’s maid. She needed to set aside her thoughts of her husband and focus on continuing to learn her duties and prepare to host her first ball.
Yet as she oversaw the last-minute preparations for the party, instructing the household staff on where to put the floral arrangements and how to set up the refreshment tables,her thoughts kept drifting back to her husband. The mystery surrounding their arranged marriage was like something out of a novel. In those kinds of stories, the newly married couple always found that they shared many common interests, and they built relationships that ended with the two of them being madly in love with one another. She could not say if that would end up being the case with her and her husband. But one thing she did know that was true of both fiction and her own marriage. There were still secrets. And she wanted to know what they were.
“Sister,” called a voice from the ballroom doorway.
Serena whirled around to see a sheepish looking butler and a beaming Julian. She mumbled something to the servants about continuing to hang decorations, then rushed over to her brother, throwing herself into his arms.
“Julian,” she said as her brother embraced her.
The siblings held each other for a moment before Julian finally released her.
“You are looking well, Serena,” he said, kissing her forehead.
Serena smiled up at him, overjoyed to see him. His familiar presence was instantly comforting, easing the anxious thoughts about her enigmatic husband.
“Come,” she said, taking her brother’s hand. “Let us have some tea.”
She gestured to a maid to fetch them refreshments, and the young woman dashed away immediately. She sat Julian down next to her on the sofa, holding his hands in hers.
“How have you been?” she asked, unable to stop smiling at her brother.
Julian chuckled.
“You act as though it’s been six years, rather than six days, since we saw one another,” he said.
Serena giggled.
“Yes, well I suppose in some ways, it feels that way,” shesaid.
Julian’s expression fell and his eyes grew concerned.
“How has the Duke been treating you?” he asked. “He has not done anything to make you uncomfortable, has he?”
Serena shook her head firmly, patting her brother’s hands reassuringly.
“Not at all, Brother,” she said. “He treats me very well. We have even had very lovely conversations as of late, and he seems to be opening up to me a bit. Although I still have not been able to get a direct answer about why he chose me to marry.”
Julian nodded, pausing as two maids brought out the trays. When they departed, he spoke again.
“I have been speaking with Father,” he said, dropping his voice low. “I told him that I wished to know why he would so suddenly marry you off when you were in the prime position to marry any gentleman you wished.”
Serena’s eyes widened. She should have known that Julian would be doing everything to get answers for her, as well, even though she now lived with Rowan as his duchess. But she was still surprised, and she dared to hope that she would finally know the truth.
“What did he say?” she asked.
Julian sighed, shaking his head.
“He is unwilling to discuss the matter further, even with me,” he said. “The only thing he said is what he said to you, about how you will see that it is for the best.”
Serena shook her head, feeling her hopes sink once more. Her unease increased exponentially. But so did her determination to find out the truth. No matter which of them told her first.
