Page 18 of His Forsaken Duchess
Her jaw tightened, though she forced a polite smile. “Must you call me that?”
“It suits you,” he replied, before lifting his glass to his lips.
She took a steadying breath, reminding herself to remain composed. Losing her temper with him would achieve nothing.
“I see your reputation for gruffness is well-earned,” she said lightly, her fork cutting into the delicate lobster.
“And yours for extravagance,” he countered smoothly, though there was no malice in his tone.
“You promised me luxury before we married.”
“And you have it. More than you know what to do with.” His lips twitched, and she clenched her teeth, wishing for nothing more than to wipe the smugness off his face.
“So, why are you complaining about myextravagance,as you so elegantly put it?”
“I am not complaining, merely curious about your… habits.”
Audrey bit back a retort, choosing instead to focus on her plate. The wine emboldened her, though she knew better than to let it loosen her tongue too much.
The silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. If anything, it felt charged, as though words left unsaid hovered just out of reach.
As dessert arrived—a delicate pudding draped with caramel—she found herself breaking the silence.
“I didn’t know,” she said softly, her gaze fixed on the flickering candles. “About the necklace. I didn’t know it was hers.”
The room seemed to grow colder at her words. The Duke’s hand stilled, his expression hardening as he set his spoon down with deliberate care.
“I see,” he said, his voice clipped.
“I am sorry,” she added, her voice trembling slightly. She hated how small it sounded, but she felt compelled to say the words.
His gaze was distant, his jaw tight. “Apology accepted.”
The silence that followed was suffocating. Audrey folded her hands in her lap, racking her brain for something to fill the void.
Before she could speak, the Duke’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and firm. “If you are going to remain here, there are rules.”
She looked up at him, startled by the sudden change in his tone. “Rules?”
“Do not disrupt my routine. Do not disturb my peace. Do not ask about my past.” His eyes locked onto hers, colder than the snow outside. “And do not go to the west wing.”
Audrey’s chest tightened, but she kept her expression composed. The man before her was so different from the one in the stories she had heard—so guarded, so resolute in his solitude. She had thought a marriage of convenience would shield her from such complications, but now she wasn’t so sure.
“Of course,” she said simply, her voice steady despite the unease coiling in her stomach.
The Duke nodded, rising from his seat. “Enjoy your evening, Duchess.”
He walked out of the room without a backward glance, leaving her alone in the glow of the candles. Her fingers brushed the edge of her plate as she stared after him, her resolve hardening.
You will help me,even if I must tear down every wall you’ve built.
Five
Lady Audrey,
Our wedding date has been set for one month after your debut. There is no need for us to be seen together by the ton before the ceremony, as the engagement is known to all and no further acquaintance is necessary. Such interactions would serve no purpose, and I trust that you agree.
Sincerely,
