Page 40 of A Cursed Bride for the Duke
“We are done for tonight,” he interrupted, his eyes scanning the room. “Say goodbye to Lord and Lady Clowefield. I will be waiting for you in the carriage.”
With that, he stormed off.
Chapter Thirteen
“Your Grace?” Genevieve called out softly, her voice a tentative whisper in the quiet night air. “Is everything all right?”
The carriage stood in the pale moonlight, its polished surface reflecting the silvery light that danced across the cobblestones. Wilhelm leaned against it, his expression veiled by the darkness.
“Get inside, Genevieve,” he commanded in a deep voice, not bothering to spare her a glance.
Genevieve’s heart sank. His voice was once again cold and distant, a stark contrast to the tenderness and affection she had felt during their dance.
She paused uncertainly at the carriage door and let one hand hover hesitantly over the handle. With a resigned sigh, she opened the door and climbed into the carriage as he hadinstructed. He followed closely behind and slammed the door shut behind him.
As the carriage drove them home, Wilhelm did his best to sit as far away from her as possible and pushed his tall frame into the corner of his seat. He jammed his fists in his pockets to avoid touching her hand.
“Why did we leave so abruptly?” she asked in a small voice, perplexed by the sudden turn of events.
“I had no intention of staying all evening,” he replied with a frosty calm.
“Oh…” Genevieve faltered, unsure how to respond. Her gaze dropped momentarily before she added softly, “I see.”
The disagreeable silence was only punctuated by the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses’ hooves on the cobblestones and the occasional remark of their driver as he directed the horses.
Genevieve turned to face Wilhelm again, but he purposely turned his face away in the darkness of the cabin.
“But where…” she trailed off, but she collected herself and pressed on. “Where did you go with Lord Gaverton?”
He tapped a finger against the window, his gaze distant. “I had business to attend to.”
Genevieve squinted in the darkness and tried in vain to see his face. “Business? At a ball?”
He exhaled impatiently and turned in his seat to face her. “I thought we agreed about one particular term,wife,” he snapped. “You do not inquire about my business affairs.Ever.”
Genevieve glanced out the window before looking back at him. “Oh, my apologies,Your Grace,” she retorted in the same icy tone. “I was not aware that we had reverted to honorifics.”
Wilhelm remained still and said nothing.
“You left me alone,” she pointed out in a strained, squeaky voice.
“No.” He looked at her, his expression unreadable. “I left you with your friend.Youdecided to wander.”
His words struck her like a physical blow to the chest and sent her mind reeling.
Is he acting like this because of Alfred?
She turned back to peer into the dark, featureless night. Her thoughts spiraled as she struggled to reconcile his earlier warmth with the cold detachment he now displayed.
Finally, she spoke, her voice rising slightly as she turned to face him, her fists clenching around the fabric of her dress. “Whatever is the matter with you?”
Wilhelm’s gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery.
“Nothing,” he replied curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.
Genevieve’s frustration mounted. “Wilhelm,please,” she pleaded, wringing her hands in her lap. “Talk to me.”
He turned to face her in the darkness. “What would you have me say, Genevieve?”
