Page 67 of The Scarred Duke's Bride
Eric threw back his head and laughed. “I apologize for laughing madam, but I am already married, and happily. So, I am neither looking for heiress nor widow.”
“Perhaps a little dalliance on the side then…” She took yet another step closer.
Suddenly, Freya was at his side, and she did not look happy. Eric tensed, not knowing what was going to happen.
“Lady Trowbridge, how lovely to see you. I had heard you moved to Bath for your health,” Freya said pleasantly enough.
Lady Trowbridge— as Eric gathered the other lady was called — smiled acidly. “Nothing but Banbury tales. I am still residing here at Trowbridge manor.”
“Oh, well then may I extend my condolences on the death of your latest husband? They say he died quite suddenly, did he not?”
Lady Trowbridge sipped her drink, looking miffed. “It was unexpected, yes,” she replied lazily.
Freya looked at Eric, her eyes bright with malice. “Oh, have you been introduced already?” she asked him.
Mutely, he shook his head, fascinated at this more…catty version of his wife.
“Well then allow me. Lady Trowbridge, this is myhusband,Lieutenant Commander Eric Campbell, lately of Stark Manor.”
Eric just continued to stare at her, noting how she clung possessively to his arm while shooting daggers at the other woman. He found himself quite aroused by her aggressiveness. He pulled her closer even as he turned to give the woman a perfunctory smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Madam. And my condolences for your loss.”
Lady Trowbridge looked quite miffed, and after nodding stiffly to Eric, she flounced off. Freya immediately turned to face him. Before she could open her mouth, he swooped down and kissed her. She stiffened, and when he pulled away, her eyes were wide and shocked. “You…I…we are in public.”
“We are married,” he countered.
She just blinked at him, nonplussed.
“Now, you did say you’d leave if I felt uncomfortable.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’ll have you know, my breeches are very uncomfortable at the moment. I require relief.”
Her eyes widened even further, and she blushed, crimson. “Oh…” she whispered.
“So? Shall we go?”
“Y-yes. Let me just tell your mother that we shall send the carriage back for her.”
“Indeed, no need to spoil her enjoyment. I shall go and get the carriage.”
* * *
Freya was in a whirl of confusion, emotions coming and going too fast to be properly examined. She had spotted Lady Trowbridge speaking with Eric, and knowing her reputation, she had hurried over before Lady Trowbridge said something unspeakable to Eric. She had been rather shocked when she came closer to hear her propositioning him!
How dare she?she thought bitterly even as she pushed through the crowds in search of her mother-in-law.
She did not know what floored her more: Flora trying it on with her husband or said husband kissing her in public. Married or not, it just wasn’t done. At least, not that she knew of.
She finally spotted Mrs. Campbell in a corner, chatting animatedly with Old Lady Spencer, paragon of virtue and eternal spinster. She lived on the hill, alone, in a three-room stone cottage with her dogs and cats. It was said that she was the last living member of her family.
Freya tapped Mrs. Campbell’s shoulder. “Mother Campbell, we’re leaving as I’m feeling rather tired. We’ll send the carriage back for you if that’s all right.”
She smiled, clasping Freya’s hand and squeezing. “Of course, dear. I am in no hurry. Take your time.”
Freya nodded though she was slightly puzzled by her mother-in-law’s words. Putting it to the back of her mind, she turned and began to make her way to the door, eagerness quickening her footsteps even though her knees felt weak in anticipation.
What will he do to me?
She shivered, her mind already jumping forward to them together and alone. Ever since the Digby debacle, Eric had shown her many new things, some she liked, others she didn’t. Shedidenjoy the process of learning, however.
He was standing by the door of the carriage, and he smiled when he caught sight of her. She stopped, just staring at him, realizing how much he meant to her.
