Page 40 of His Scarred Duchess
“Obviously,” Edmund replied, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice. “I need to forge connections for business reasons, and as my wife, you?—”
“Your Grace,” Adeline cut in again, her hand rising unconsciously to her cheek, her fingers tracing the line of her scar. “I… I’m not the kind of wife to be paraded around. Surely you must realize that my presence would be more of a hindrance than a help in your business endeavors.”
Edmund felt a surge of frustration, both at her words and at the delicate gesture that drew his attention to her scar.
Did she truly believe he found her appearance off-putting? The scar, far from detracting from her beauty, only served to enhance the strength and resilience he saw in her. It was part of what had drawn him to her in the first place, though he could hardly admit that now.
She’s still the most captivating woman I’ve ever met.Scars or no scars, she outshines every insipid debutante in London.
But as quickly as the thought came, Edmund pushed it aside. Unbidden, an image of Joanna flashed through his mind. He remembered how captivated he had been, how easily he had fallen for her charms. And how brutally she had betrayed him.
The memory of that pain, still raw after all these years, hardened something inside him. He couldn’t allow himself to be vulnerable again, couldn’t risk his heart or the future of Holbrook for fleeting emotions.
This marriage was a business arrangement, nothing more. He had to remember that. Adeline might be beautiful, might stirfeelings in him he thought long dead, but he couldn’t afford to indulge in such dangerous sentiments.
Instead of the words of admiration that threatened to spill from his lips, he fixed her with a steady gaze.
“I don’t care about any of that,” he stated firmly, his tone perhaps harsher than he had intended. “You are the Duchess of Holbrook now, and you shall carry out your duties as such. Your appearance is irrelevant to the matter at hand.”
He saw a flicker of hurt pass through Adeline’s eyes at his cold words, and for a moment, he almost relented. But he forced himself to remain impassive.
It was better this way, he told himself. Better for both of them if they maintained a proper distance—if they didn’t allow sentiment to complicate their arrangement.
“Our grandmothers may have orchestrated this match,” he said, his tone softening slightly despite himself, “but we must make the best of our situation. I expect you to fulfill your role as Duchess, just as I shall fulfill mine as Duke. Is that understood?”
This is for the best, Edmund told himself as he watched a range of emotions flash across Adeline’s face.We can’t allow personal feelings to complicate matters. This is simply a mutually beneficial arrangement, nothing more.
But even as he thought it, a small part of him rebelled against the idea. The memory of their kiss, the fire that had ignited between them, threatened to overwhelm his carefully constructed walls of indifference.
He pushed the thoughts aside ruthlessly. There was no room for such sentiments in this marriage. They would do their duty, nothing more and nothing less.
As the footman opened the carriage door, Edmund offered his hand to Adeline. “Shall we, Duchess? Holbrook awaits.”
Adeline’s heart raced as she stepped down from the carriage, her hand resting lightly on Edmund’s arm. Before her loomed Holbrook Manor, its grand façade a testament to centuries of wealth and power. This was to be her home now, she realized with awe and trepidation.
As they ascended the broad stone steps, the massive oak doors swung open, revealing a line of staff waiting to greet their new mistress. Adeline straightened her spine, determined to make a good first impression despite her nerves.
“Your Grace.” A distinguished older man stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Welcome home. I am Mr. Thornley, the butler. On behalf of the entire staff, may I offer our congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you, Thornley,” Edmund replied, his tone warm but formal. “Allow me to present Her Grace, the Duchess of Holbrook.”
Adeline inclined her head graciously, offering what she hoped was a friendly smile. “I’m pleased to meet you all,” she said, her voice clear despite her nervousness. “I look forward to getting to know each of you.”
As her gaze swept over the assembled staff, she couldn’t help but notice the flicker of surprise in their eyes. Some looked away quickly, while others stared for a moment too long before remembering their manners. She felt her cheeks flush, all too aware of what had caught their attention.
Edmund, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrent of discomfort, began introducing the senior staff members. “This is Mrs. Fairfax, our housekeeper,” he said, indicating a plump, motherly woman who curtsied deeply.
“Welcome, Your Grace,” Mrs. Fairfax offered, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ve prepared the Duchess’s chambers personally. I do hope everything will be to your liking.”
Adeline smiled, grateful for the woman’s warmth. “I’m sure it will be lovely, Mrs. Fairfax. Thank you.”
The introductions continued. Mr. Greene, the taciturn head groom; Mrs. Potts, the cheerful cook; and Hannah, a petite young woman with bright, inquisitive eyes who was to be Adeline’s lady’s maid.
As they moved inside, Adeline couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, evaluated. The weight of centuries of tradition and expectation seemed to press down on her with each step she took across the polished marble floor.
“I’ll have Thornley show you to your chambers,” Edmund said, his voice pulling her out of her thoughts. “I’m sure you’d like to rest after our journey. We’ll dine at eight.”
Before Adeline could respond, he had turned away, striding purposefully towards what she assumed was his study. She watched him go, a familiar ache settling in her chest. Even here, in his own home, he couldn’t wait to be away from her.
