Page 1 of My Blind Duke
Prologue
“Help!” The Duchess of Pemberly rushed down the corridor, her rich brown hair flailing behind her in wild wisps.
This cannot be happening!
Her heart raced uncontrollably as she rounded a corner and collided with another person in the dark.
“My word – Your Grace! Is everything all right?” The maid’s green eyes widened in shock as she gripped her mistress’ upper arms to keep her from stumbling.
“Anna, Thank God it is you! Y-You must come at once, something awful has happened.” Prudence began to sob as her legs threatened to buckle.
She had not been the duchess for long, but she had not prepared herself for the events that had unfolded in her marital bed.
None of this is happening. It is nothing but a horrifying nightmare, and I am going to wake up any moment now.
“Your Grace, please take a deep breath. I cannot help you if I do not know the matter.” Anna attempted to calm her down, moving her lips into a perfect circle as she demonstrated the even breaths.
Doing as she was told, Prudence took a deep breath, feeling the cool evening air sting her lungs as she attempted to speak. “The duke – my husband is…”
“What the devil is going on out here?” A third voice came rushing down the hall, causing the flame of the candle she was carrying to fight for its life.
Prudence almost jumped as her body once again began to tremble from fright.
“It is Her Grace, Mrs. Fairfax; something has happened.” Anna let go of Prudence’s arms and addressed the housekeeper who now came into view.
“Oh, my apologies, Your Grace. I did not see you there. What seems to be the matter?” Mrs. Fairfax’s long grey hair hung over her shoulder in an even plait, making her almost unrecognizable to Prudence in the darkened corridor.
For a moment, Prudence was distracted by how different the woman looked then. She had only met the housekeeper that morning, but her hair had been pulled back into a tight bun – a firm and strict contrast to the gentleness she had about her now.
“It’s – it’s… His Grace. We were…” Prudence struggled to control her breathing when the housekeeper lifted the candle to her face, causing her to squint at the sudden brightness so close.
She had been in such a rush when she had left her husband’s chambers that she had not even thought of taking the bedside candle.
“Oh dear…” Mrs. Fairfax lifted her hand to her chest and clutched at the edges of her nightgown after exchanging a concerned look with Anna.
Anna took control of the situation. “Your Grace, these things can be perfectly normal between a husband and wife once married. Did your mother not tell you what to expect on your wedding night?”
Shaking her head vigorously, Prudence realized what they were thinking. “It’s not that at all! He is – he…” Her throat suddenly constricted, keeping her mouth from forming the words.
Taking a step forward, Mrs. Fairfax placed her hand on Prudence’s shoulder. “Has something happened, Your Grace? I mean other than the marital duties between a husband and wife?”
“I… I think you had better come and see.” Prudence’s eyes filled with tears again as she fought the urge to burst into fits of hysteria.
There was no sense in waking the rest of the house when some people had already come to her aid. Giving the maid a hurried nod, Mrs. Fairfax allowed the duchess to lead the way.
“Should we not knock before we enter, Your Grace?” Anna asked with a heavy note of concern when Prudence turned the handle.
“That’s just the thing, I do not think he will answer.” Prudence could hardly believe what she was saying when she pushed openthe door and stepped inside, allowing the other women to follow in her tracks.
“By Jove, it cannot be!” Mrs. Fairfax gasped at the sight before them on the bed.
The duke was the same way Prudence had left him, gaze upward and unseeing. A chill ran down Prudence’s spine and she could barely hold back the whimper in her throat.
“Your Grace, what has happened?” Anna tore her gaze away from the bed and turned to Prudence for an answer.
Feeling as if the dam had finally burst, Prudence burst into tears and began to sob as she clutched at her hair, burying her fingers in the long strands. “He is dead! I have not even been married for a full day, and my husband is dead! Am I cursed? What if I killed him?”
The faces of the other women turned ashen grey as they looked at her in abject horror.
