Page 51 of His Scarred Duchess
Could he trust her? Could he allow himself to feel for her, to hope for something more than just a marriage of convenience?
The thought sent a shiver of fear through him, but also a spark of something else. Something that felt dangerously like hope.
Edmund shook his head, downing the last of his brandy. He was in no state to make such momentous decisions tonight. Tomorrow, he would go hunting. The physical exertion, the focus required to track and bring down his quarry, would help clear his mind.
Because,heavens, he needed some clarity.
Chapter Twenty
“Adeline! Oh, how wonderful to see you!” Isabella’s excited squeal echoed through the foyer as she flew down the stairs, nearly tripping over her skirts in her haste.
Adeline couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s enthusiasm, opening her arms just in time to catch her in a fierce embrace. “Careful, Bella! You’ll ruin your dress.”
Isabella pulled back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Never mind the dress. I’ve missed you terribly. But what are you doing here? Is everything all right?”
Adeline’s smile faltered slightly. “Everything’s fine. I just… needed to see a friendly face.”
Isabella furrowed her brow, but before she could press further, she looped her arm through Adeline’s and began leading her towards the drawing room.
“Well, I’m delighted you’re here. Come, you must tell me everything about life as a duchess!”
As they settled onto the chaise lounge, Isabella rang for tea, then turned to Adeline with an expectant grin. “Now, spill. How is married life treating you?”
Adeline smoothed her skirts, buying herself time as she considered her response.
“It’s… different than I expected,” she said finally. “Holbrook Manor is beautiful, and the staff have been kind. But it’s a big adjustment.”
Isabella leaned forward, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “And the Duke? Is he as cold and unapproachable as everyone says he is?”
Adeline felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she remembered the heated moment in the carriage.
“He’s… complex,” she said carefully. “Not the most approachable, perhaps, but he has his moments of sincerity.”
“Moments of sincerity?” Isabella repeated, her eyebrows raised. “That sounds thrilling, indeed. Come now, Adeline, surely there must be more to tell. How was your wedding night?”
“Isabella!” Adeline gasped, her face flaming. “That’s hardly an appropriate topic for a debutante!”
Isabella’s peal of laughter filled the room. “Oh, please. I’m not a child, Adeline. Besides, it’s just us here. You can tell me.”
Adeline shook her head, fighting a smile. “Some things, dear sister, are better kept secret. Even from you.”
“Oh, you can be such a spoilsport.” Isabella pouted, but her eyes were twinkling. “Very well, keep your secrets.”
“You must at least tell me how your first Season is going. Have any suitors caught your eye yet?” Adeline asked.
Content to have changed the subject, she settled back in her seat, listening as Isabella launched into an animated account of her recent social engagements. Her sister’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Adeline found herself relaxing for the first time in days.
“… and then Lord Darwood asked me to dance for a second time!” Isabella finished, her cheeks pink with excitement. “Can you believe it?”
Adeline smiled, reaching out to squeeze her sister’s hand. “I can, actually. You’re a delightful young woman, Bella. Any gentleman would be lucky to court you.”
Isabella beamed at the praise, then sobered slightly. “I do wish you could be here for it all, though. It’s not the same without you.”
A lump formed in Adeline’s throat. “I wish I could be here too,” she said softly. “But you’re doing splendidly on your own. I’m so proud of you, Bella.”
Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, followed by heavy footsteps in the hall. Moments later, Lord Brenton appeared in the doorway, his eyebrows rising at the sight of Adeline.
“Adeline,” he said, his tone neutral. “This is an unexpected visit.”
