Page 16 of In Need of a Duke
And he had a far better handle on his feelings since he had discovered the truth about his father. It was best to keep his heart behind a wall, locked away from the care and love of others.
Even Charlotte.
He opened a ledger, then slammed the cover shut, annoyed it was both dusty and several years out of date. Where did she keep the ledgers and conduct business? He paid for a land steward because the last time he had returned it had been a disaster.
He resisted calling out her name, instead politely greeting the butler and footman who helped him when he set off down the hall to visit his office. When Charlotte barreled around the corner, her arms full of books, a smear of dirt on her forehead, they collided, and she tumbled backward before he could grab her, falling onto the floor with books strewn everywhere. Her eyes were wide as her voice squeaked, “Your Grace.”
Ian reached down to help her stand, about to apologize, when she pulled away, shrinking back as if he were a monster. “Your Grace,” she repeated, her voice cold. She brushed back her hair, gathered the books, and turned her back on him. He was dumbstruck. It wasn't as if he expected her to greet him with open arms or endearments, but she certainly didn't look at him with civility. He stiffened, straightening his jacket to find his footing. She believed him a monster. He could play that role. He could be whatever she needed him to be.
“I have a meeting with a steward,” he announced. She stood on her knees, balancing the books on her wide hips. “You've dirt on your face.”
Her cheeks reddened, and she moved to wipe it away, nearly dropping the books once more.
“Do you need help?”
She shook her head, swallowing hard.
"I would have written about my visit," he said, "but I didn't think you would have responded either way."
“Of course.” She moved to step around him when his hand shot out to gently grab her arm. Touching her only led to trouble.
She had stiffened underneath his grasp and pulled away. "Let go. And I will stay out of your way. Good day, Your Grace.”
And that small glimpse of hope held then—at rekindling his romance with Charlotte—was immediately ruined the second she recoiled from his outstretched hand and rushed back to her rooms. It didn’t matter that after his meeting was finished with the steward, Charlotte was dressed in a beautiful blue gown and whispered for him to stay. He left her on the stairs, crying, determined to reach London or place an ocean between them once more.
Like an utter cad.
It was foolish of him to believe there had been any hope in rekindling what had been between them, foolish to think she had been waiting, pining for him, foolish to think she loved him still.
He turned toward the window, tilting his head up as he inhaled his cheroot once more. The silver light of the full moon flooded over him, illuminating the room.
She had claimed his bedchamber?
No.
She couldn’t look him in the eye, and now she had kicked him out of his quarters? He owned this damn house. Everything she enjoyed belonged to him.
And he wouldn’t tolerate being made to feel less than within the walls of his own home. She had altered the course of his life enough.
No longer.
Now, he would alter hers.
Ian was back for his wife. She would be his again.
CHAPTER 3
Charlotte straightenedfrom the chaise at the sound of his retreating footsteps and adjusted the straps on the sheet Mrs. Vessey had helped her fashion into a toga. She quickly glanced around to the other guests who all remained quiet, waiting for her instruction.
Their eyes were wide and full of questions.
A smile faltered on her lips as she brushed back her hair and stood, the ground swaying slightly under her feet. She would blame it on the port, except she hadn’t a drop.
“Your Grace?” Monty whispered.
She waved her hand, dismissing him. It was bad enough that he rushed to her side as soon as the duke emerged from the darkened doorway to interrupt the evening’s play.
“What a wonderful production, friends. But it’s grown late, and I believe we should retire for the evening. Let’s continue tomorrow.”
