Page 53 of Unraveled By the Duke
“Are you going to suggest that I marry Phillip Grimaire?” Aurelia asked, rising and pacing the room, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
“No, of course not. By all accounts, he is a terrible man unworthy of the title of gentleman. What makes you think I would suggest such a thing?”
“It was your solution, was it not?”
“Hardly. I accepted afait accompli. There was nothing else for it.”
“But your husband is a rake, is he not? Just like Phillip Grimaire. Yet you married him.”
Celia rose now. “He is not!” she snapped.
Is he? An uncommon rake, is how he put it. He certainly was no virgin. I can attest to his expertise in bed.
“I am glad to hear my wife come to my defense,” Alexander said from the doorway.
Aurelia jumped and moved towards Celia before stopping herself.
Celia felt a pang of regret as she saw Aurelia adjusting her instinctive reaction to seek protection from her sister.
She does not trust that I will protect her. Oh, Aurelia, you silly girl! Just give me a chance to show you that I am the same person you have always known.
“Of course,” she said.
“I trust you had a restful sleep and a pleasant breakfast, Duchess?” Alexander asked.
His use of the honorific chafed at her.
He is trying to put me back into a box. One on which he can close the lid. Why? What is this need he has to be alone?
“I did. In fact, I slept for too long—the consequence of falling asleep far too late,” Celia drawled.
Alexander colored, and Celia felt her cheeks flush in response. Both were thinking the same, remembering the same acts.
Like when he showed me how much pleasure can be had from using his tongue on a different part than my lips. Oh my, do not think about that, or you will turn scarlet!
She tried to keep her tone level and her chin high, ignoring the warmth in her cheeks.
“I understand that I owe you an additional debt of gratitude, Your Grace,” Aurelia interjected, her tone dignified.
“Think nothing of it.”
“But I do. Celia has told me of your intervention with a gentleman of your acquaintance to manage any potential scandal. It is more than I could hope for.”
Alexander inclined his head sharply. “As I said, think nothing of it. I take it you are recovered?”
“Quite. May I request the use of your carriage to return to Banfield House?”
“I’m not sure that is a good idea right now, Aurelia. Perhaps let Father cool down, if he has heard the news. Write to him.”
“I quite agree, Celia. Begging your pardon, but it was not my intention to return home just yet. I thought it would be better to go to Miss Dunnings’. I understand that her father keeps a townhouse for her near St James’s.”
Alexander frowned. “Did you not say last night that this rogue was introduced to you by Miss Dunnings?” he asked. “Why would you wish to stay with her?”
Celia had been about to ask the same question. Coming from Alexander, it was laced with brotherly concern.
He shows concern for my sister. Hope is not lost that he has retreated behind his walls once more.
She could not help but feel a flicker of affection for him.
