Page 52 of His Scarred Duchess
Adeline rose, curtsying slightly. “Father. I hope I’m not intruding.”
Lord Brenton’s eyes swept over her, taking in every detail of her appearance. “Not at all. Though I must say, I’m surprised to see you in London. Is all well at Holbrook?”
“Yes, Father,” Adeline replied, fighting the urge to fidget under his scrutiny. “I merely wished to visit Isabella.”
“I see.” Lord Brenton’s gaze sharpened. “And how is married life treating you? I trust you’re fulfilling your duties as Duchess adequately?”
Isabella jumped to her feet, indignation flashing in her eyes. “Father! Adeline’s only just arrived. Surely this interrogation can wait?”
Lord Brenton’s lips thinned, but before he could respond, Isabella plowed on. “In fact, Adeline and I were just about to take a turn in Hyde Park. The weather is lovely, and it would be a shame to waste it indoors.”
“I’m not sure that’s wise,” Lord Brenton said, furrowing his brow. “The park will be crowded at this hour. Perhaps it would be better if you remained here. I believe Lord Pembrook mentioned that he’d call this afternoon.”
Isabella lifted her chin defiantly. “Lord Pembrook can wait. I haven’t seen my sister in weeks, and I intend to spend time with her while she’s here.”
Adeline, seeing the storm brewing in her father’s eyes, quickly intervened. “Actually, Bella, I’m afraid I can’t stay much longer. I hadn’t intended to make this a long visit.”
“But you’ve only just arrived!” Isabella protested, her face falling.
Adeline forced a smile, even as her heart ached at the disappointment in her sister’s eyes. “I know, and I’m sorry. But I have duties to attend to at Holbrook. Perhaps we can arrange a longer visit soon?”
Isabella’s frown deepened, but after a moment, she nodded reluctantly. “I suppose. But you must promise to write more often. I miss you terribly.”
“I promise,” Adeline said, pulling her sister into a tight embrace. As they parted, she whispered, “Be patient with Father. He means well, even if he doesn’t always show it.”
Isabella rolled her eyes but nodded. “I’ll try. But only because you asked.”
As Adeline prepared to leave, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. She had come seeking comfort and clarity, but instead, she found herself more conflicted than ever. The warmth of her sister’s love contrasted sharply with the cool formality of Holbrook Manor, leaving her adrift between two worlds.
With a final wave to Isabella, she stepped into her waiting carriage, her mind already racing with thoughts of the reception that awaited her at Holbrook Manor.
One thing was certain—her impulsive visit to London had done little to quell the turmoil in her heart.
Edmund glared at the ledger before him, the neat columns of figures swimming before his eyes.
He’d been staring at the same page for what felt like hours, unable to focus on the task at hand. Instead, his mind kept drifting to the carriage ride, to the softness of Adeline’s skin beneath his fingers, the warmth of her breath on his cheek…
With a growl of frustration, he threw down his quill. It hit the ledger with enough force to splatter ink across the page, ruining hours of meticulous work.
“Damn it all,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
A discreet knock at the study door pulled him from his brooding thoughts.
“Yes, what is it?” he snapped.
Thornley appeared in the doorway, looking unperturbed by his master’s foul mood. “Lord Ravenshaw to see you, Your Grace. Shall I show him in?”
Edmund sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Yes, fine. Show him in.”
Moments later, Daniel sauntered into the study, his customary grin faltering slightly as he took in his friend’s disheveled appearance and the ink-stained ledger.
“I say, old chap,” he said, raising an eyebrow, “you look like you’ve been wrestling with the hounds. Everything all right?”
Edmund waved off his concern, gesturing for him to take a seat. “It’s nothing. Just some… accounting difficulties.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed skeptically as he plopped down into the chair across from the desk. “Accounting difficulties. Right. And I suppose that’s why you look as though you haven’t slept in days?” He glanced around the study. “Speaking of which, where’s this new wife of yours? I was rather hoping to meet the woman who’s managed to tame the notorious Duke of Holbrook.”
Edmund’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Adeline is… indisposed at the moment. She’s resting in her chambers.”
