Page 18 of My Blind Duke
I need her out of here and far away from me. Before she destroys everything I am trying to build.
Chapter 6
“The duke has requested an audience, Your Grace.”
Prudence raised her eyes from the pages of the book she was trying to read, her plans of a relaxing and hopes for a quiet morning long gone at the sudden order.
Things had been much calmer, as of late, with the duke dead set on whipping everyone and everything into shape. He was fierce and strict, never one to mince words as he made demands on what he expected from both the staff and the estate.
Prudence could not deny that his presence – despite its tumultuous beginning – brought a lot of positive changes. The servants were more respectful now than they had ever been toward her – even before Anthony’s passing. And the estate seemed to be steadily changing for the better.
But this sudden summoning did not seem to bode well for her.
“Do you know what this is about?” Prudence asked, trying to gauge if she should be concerned.
Jefferson shook his head solemnly. “I could not possibly hope to know such. His Grace does not confide in me. Truthfully, I feel as though he does not think much of me at all.”
Prudence stared at the other man, wondering if she was meant to feel a shred of sympathy toward him, but inevitably realizing that it would be a waste of her strength. After all, he had not extended the same courtesy to her when his underlings were terrorizing her in her own home.
With a sigh, she rose to her feet, putting the book aside.
“I had better go and see what he needs, then.”
For the most part, William had seemed content ignoring Prudence. And she had hoped it was a sign that her presence was not one to fuss over. Especially as she had begun to grow close to Lady Melanie.
The child was an absolute delight –when she was not striking fear into the hearts of the maids and footmen or terrorizing Lady Clementina– who Prudence had a hard time convincing herself to dissuade that particular chaotic crusade. Although it had only been a few days, Prudence could sense that she was growing rather fond of the young girl.
She only hoped that the days ahead of her brought along with them the peace she had been missing for a long time now.
The duke’s study was on a side of the estate that seemed nearly cut off from the rest of the house. And due to how busy his duties kept him, they had not been able to have any meals together, none since the rambunctious dinner a few nights ago.
As she rounded the corner down the corridor, the duchess nearly bumped into a maid who was scurrying away with a frightened look.
“Your Grace! My apologies!” she hurriedly apologized and hurried on before Prudence could say anything in response. “Please forgive me!”
How odd, she thought as she finally arrived at the duke’s study, inhaling deeply before knocking at the door.
“You may come in,” a muffled voice beckoned.
She opened the door and stepped into the room, the sight of him seated behind his desk filling her with a strange sensation.
William was nothing like Anthony as his dark gaze latched onto her in a way that made her desire a quick escape. Sometimes she could not believe that he could not see, immensely confused by how intense his stares often were, as though he could see directly into her soul.
He said nothing until she was standing in front of the door and she cleared her throat, hoping she did not sound as nervous as she felt when she said, “Good morning, Your Grace. I heard you wished to speak with me?”
He nodded and leaned back in his chair.
“Yes. I do. I merely wanted to inform you that you are to leave Pemberly estate. You are to pack your things immediately, say your farewells, and depart from here.”
Prudence felt her heart drop, panic welling up within her.
“I beg your pardon? I do not understand–”
“I do not know why you find it difficult to understand. I believe I was clear in my statement. Do you have any comprehension problems?”
His mocking tone grated on her nerves and twisted her fear into fury.
“No.”
