Page 79 of Unraveled By the Duke
But that is why we got married. To fool everyone into believing there is no scandal. And it is working, at least partially.
But it did nothing to quiet the voice at the back of his mind that insisted he did not deserve to feel pride. Worse, if he gave in to that feeling, if he embraced it, then maybe their marriage would becomereal.
Which I do not want and have never wanted. I will not fall in love. I will not be weakened and taken advantage of.
Celia and Violet were making their way towards him, arm in arm.
“Have you had your fill of over-crowded, over-heated rooms?” he asked.
“We have, and we have gorged our souls on some of the finest works of art,” Violet gushed.
“Excellent. Now, let us get out into the fresh air. I am suffocating,” Alexander said.
He allowed Celia to take his arm and guided them both out of 100 Pall Mall, feeling relief at the cool, fresh air on his face and the space around him.
Their carriage arrived, and Violet leaned out of the window to the driver.
“Cheverton,” she commanded.
“We should go to Finsbury first,” Alexander said.
“No, we will not. I have decided that Celia should reside in Cheverton, as is proper. I will have her things brought over, and then you may recall Peggy and Samuels,” Violet declared.
“So, you have accepted her as Duchess,” Alexander murmured.
“I have. I had my reservations in the beginning, I must admit, but today has reassured me. I think Celia will make a fine duchess.”
“Congratulations,” Alexander said to Celia, “you have broken through one of the last lines of my defense. The DowagerDuchess was always going to be the harshest critic of any wife I take, particularly under these circumstances.”
“I have not tried to do anything other than be myself,” Celia stated. “I did not know Lady Violet was going to be here.”
“You knew she was fond of art,” Alexander countered.
“As am I. But if you think I knew which gallery among all of those that exist in London Lady Violet was going to attend today, then you ascribe to me magical powers that I do not have.”
That is a matter of debate. You are bewitching me no matter how hard I try to keep you away.
“I think not, Violet. I think it best that Celia continue to reside at Finsbury,” Alexander said.
He saw the disappointment on Celia’s face and turned away, refusing to acknowledge how it cut him.
This was my father’s mistake. He allowed himself to be taken advantage of, exploited by those who saw him as easy meat. The same will not happen to me.
“Do not be difficult, Alexander. Just because your marriage did not begin in the most ideal fashion does not mean it cannot end that way. I want her to reside with us at Cheverton,” Violet insisted.
“I am the master of Cheverton now. And I refuse,” Alexander said flatly.
When his stepmother drew in a breath to protest once more, he spoke over her.
“Enough. I will speak no more on it.” He thumped the roof of the carriage. “Driver, we will go to Finsbury House first. Then, take the Dowager Duchess home to Cheverton.”
CHAPTER 25
“Your Grace, a note from Cheverton. From Lady Hyacinth!”
Peggy hurried into Celia’s rooms bearing a folded piece of paper.
“One of the boys brought it over in Her Ladyship’s carriage and is waiting for your reply.”
