Page 57 of His Godsent Duchess
Christina managed a small smile, shaking her head. "We're not fighting, not really. It's just—complicated."
Annie gave her a skeptical look, folding her arms. "It certainly looks like something more than complicated. The servants even think so."
Christina looked up, startled. "What do you mean?"
Annie hesitated before answering. "I heard them talking. Apparently, Miss Peversly's been spreading rumors. She's telling them that you and Victor aren't truly husband and wife."
Christina felt a surge of anger rise, hot and fierce. "What?She's saying that?"
Annie nodded, her voice apologetic. "I didn't want to upset you, but I thought you should know."
Before Christina could fully absorb the gravity of the situation, Addison entered the room, her usual calm demeanor in place. She moved gracefully, her hands already preparing to help Christina dress for the swimming lesson.
"Your Grace," Addison greeted with a slight smile, then glanced at Annie. "My lady, will you be staying?"
"No," Annie replied, rising to her feet. "I'll be with Kitty, doing embroidery."
She kissed Christina's cheek before leaving, though her expression was still touched with concern.
Once alone, Christina turned to Addison, her voice still tight with anger. "Addison, have you heard what Miss Peversly's been saying about me and the Duke? That we aren't truly husband and wife?"
Addison's expression darkened slightly, her hands pausing as she set down the gown she had been holding. "I have, Your Grace. She's been suggesting to the servants that your marriage hasn't been... consummated."
Christina's temper flared instantly, her hands clenching at her sides. "Howdareshe? I knew she was scheming, but to spread such vile lies?"
Addison stepped closer, her voice calm but firm. "We must tread carefully, Your Grace. Miss Peversly is cunning, and she knows how to manipulate situations in her favor. If we are to see her gone, we'll need the truth on our side."
Christina took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside her. "You're right. But this has gone too far. She cannot stay in this house any longer."
"We will find a way, Your Grace," Addison reassured her. "But it will require patience. Once we have something concrete, we can ensure she leaves."
Christina exhaled slowly, her anger still simmering but tempered by Addison's words. "She will be gone," she said firmly. "One way or another."
Addison nodded, her voice steady. "We'll make sure of it."
Christina allowed herself to feel a measure of relief. She wasn't alone in this fight, and knowing that gave her strength. But now, she had to focus on what lay ahead—the swimming lesson with Victor, and the feelings it was sure to stir.
One battle at a time.
Twenty-Five
"Is it always this quiet in the woods?" Christina asked, her voice breaking the stillness as they rode side by side. "I mean, it's peaceful, of course, but I wonder if it ever gets lonely. Do you come here often? Or perhaps not, and I've just never noticed?—"
Victor glanced over at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You seem unusually talkative today, Christina."
"I talk when I'm nervous," she admitted, her cheeks warming. "My sister calls it rambling."
Victor chuckled, his gaze softening. "And what exactly has you nervous? Surely not the ride."
Christina shook her head, gripping the reins a bit tighter. "No, not the ride. It's…" She hesitated, then laughed awkwardly. "I suppose it's the idea of you teaching me how to swim."
Victor raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "The lake has you nervous? Or is it me?"
Christina laughed again, though a bit more breathlessly this time. "Perhaps a little of both."
They rode on, the silence of the woods enveloping them, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the sound of hooves on the path. Christina felt the butterflies in her stomach grow as they neared the lake, and soon, the shimmering water came into view. It was nestled amidst a ring of trees, its surface gleaming in the soft afternoon light. Christina's breath caught at the sight.
"Oh," she whispered, her nervousness momentarily forgotten. "It's beautiful."
