Page 84 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“And where exactly do you plan on going?”You would be the father.The venom in her voice ran through his veins, and he used it to fuel his anger.
“Home.” She looked over her shoulder, one hand on the door.
“This is your home.” He took a step towards her.
“Not anymore. Goodbye, Frederick. I will send someone for my things in the morning.” She turned away from him, and slammed the door behind her.
Frederick listened as her footsteps echoed through the hall, the sound of the front door closing behind her. The box she had given him fell onto the bed, tumbling with a dull thunk.
He slammed his fist into the wall, sliding into a crumpled heap onto the floor. His chest heaved as he clutched at his heart. “Everyone leaves in the end.”
He had been a fool for thinking it might be different. With shaking hands, he opened the box. Two objects fell out of it. The first was a sterling silver pocket watch. When he opened it, he found a lock of her hair inside it.
The second was another, smaller box. He could not bring himself to open it. Instead, he put the objects away, and buried his face in his hands.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
“Please Andrea, come for a walk in the garden with us. It is a really lovely day.” Charlotte’s voice was full of worry, as she placed a hand on Andrea’s back.
Andrea sighed and looked up from her pillow. Her eyes were red and puffy, her chest ached. Every movement felt like it was torture.
She blinked in the dazzling sunlight and swallowed. It had been two days since her fight with Frederick. Two days since she had returned to her London home and cried herself to sleep. She had not remembered the house feeling so empty before.
As she had walked the halls, her steps had echoed painfully around her, driving home just how alone she was. Finally, she could stand it no longer and she had left, deciding to visit Charlotte in the country.
“Andrea?” Charlotte’s voice brought her gently back to the present.
This was a mistake.Frederick’s words hit her like a punch to the stomach, forcing all air from her lungs.
I will not think of that.
She swallowed and sat up a little straighter, looking at Charlotte. “You go without me, I would just ruin the day.”
“Andrea, you have scarcely left the room since you arrived. I still have no idea what happened between you and the Duke.” Charlotte shook her head. “All I know is that you are lying in one of my guest rooms with a broken heart.”
“I do not want to speak about it.”
“And I will not force you to, but please, come walk with me in the gardens. The fresh air will do you good.” Charlotte gave her hand a squeeze. “Besides, the maids wish to clean your room and they will not feel comfortable if you are still in bed.”
“Fine.” Andrea threw her hands up in exasperation, pulling on a dress with Charlotte’s help. “But I warn you, I am not going to be good company.”
“That is fine, I am not expecting good company. Simply your presence.” Charlotte looped an arm through hers and dragged her out of the room, down the stairs and into the gardens of the castle.
She blinked in the dazzling sunlight, the warmth of the sun on her skin seemed a cruel joke when compared with the blackness that surged within her.
How can the world keep turning?She ran a hand across her chest, trying to alleviate some of the pain she felt.You have always had one foot out the door.
The Duke’s words echoed around her, mingling with the birdsong in the garden. Andrea could see the pain in his eyes, the anger when she had said she did not want to be a mother.
He will not want you, not once he knows the truth. What man would?Her father’s cold sneer appeared before her eyes and she shook herself, trying to force the apparition away.
She caught sight of Charlotte watching her. Her friend’s mouth was curved downwards, her brow furrowed with worry. Andrea tried to think of something reassuring to say, but the words stuck in her throat.
“I know that it is painful, and I am not suggesting you need to tell me what happened between you and the Duke, just know that… Well, I am here, and I am ready to listen when you are ready to talk.”
“Thank you.” Andrea squeezed Charlotte’s hand.
A lump formed in her throat and she stared intently at one of the nearby magnolia trees. She could feel Charlotte watching her, but knew she would not push her to say more.
