Page 14 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
The street was full of people, and the Black Widows and Adele were jostled by the crowd. It had been over a fortnight since she had seen the Duke.
In that time, she had grown closer to her new friends and revelled in the easy comradery of their company. Their presence had helped soothe some of the pain of Eric’s passing.
He was my friend. I have to believe that he would want me to have such companionship.They had decided to go hat shopping together after Verity’s horror at the dowdy state of most of Adele’s wardrobe.
Though Verity had teased her, it had not felt barbed, especially when Adele had explained that the drab state of affairs was herparents’ doing rather than any choice of her own. With some cajoling from Cora and Rowen, she had set about procuring a more exciting wardrobe.
“Not so loud, or you will give the game away.” Rowen hissed, looking around them. “I have already had to swap personas twice.”
“And you are on your third as well,” Verity pointed out as she linked an arm through one of Adele’s. “It is a shame; I rather liked Sebastien Haverworth.”
“So did I.” Adele admitted. “He was a fun man to play.”
“I am sure the three of you will find other equally delightful personas.” Cora shook her head and leaned on her cane as they walked down the crowded street towards the carriage.
As they did, the hair on the back of Adele’s neck prickled, as though someone was watching her. She glanced over her shoulder and thought she saw a small mousy-haired man looking at her, but a moment later, he was lost in the crowd.
She was fairly certain she had seen the man before. Ever since her encounter with the Duke, she had noticed men following her. Or at least, she thought she had.
The Duke’s threat lingered in her mind, and at the memory of their last conversation her heart quickened. Absently shetouched a hand to her neck, remembering the way his breath had tickled her skin. Spots of colour appeared on her cheeks.
“Oh, thank goodness, the phaeton! My feet are aching most terribly.” Cora’s words jerked Adele back to the present.
The coachman was nowhere to be seen, and it fell to Adele and Rowen to help Cora into the seat. The others clambered in after her, but Adele remained half in the Phaeton and half out. She glanced around, but the driver was nowhere to be found.Was that a flash of mousy hair?
“Shall we go to the tearooms next?” Adele asked as she looked up at the others. “Or perhaps a matinee at the theatre? Or a picnic in the park? Though if the coachman does not get here soon, we may not end up going anywhere.”
“I am sure he is around here somewhere.” Cora fanned herself. “We did finish rather earlier than we expected. And I will admit, I am in no hurry to experience the horrors of this death trap.”
“It is not that bad.” Verity patted the phaeton affectionately. “Besides, it is fast, and that is rather exciting.”
Cora harrumphed, and Adele found herself smiling. “It is all the more reason for us to take a break on the journey. It will give you a chance to recover from your ordeal.”
“If I did not know any better, I would say you are trying to avoid going home.” Rowen canted her head towards her, gently squeezing Adele’s hand with her own.
“I am.” Adele admitted. “It does not feel like it is mine. It feels like I am a guest.”
“It is an adjustment living on one’s own.” Verity nodded sagely. “And though Kidlington House is not the grandest of houses, it is not exactly small and cosy.”
“I still find myself lost more often than not, and I fear few houses would feel cosy when there is only me within the walls.” Adele did not say that she felt she should be used to such emptiness, especially as her parents had often left her at home with only servants for company.Why let an unplanned, unwanted daughter spoil their fun?“I just… I was not expecting my life to be so lonely.”
“You have us.” Verity gestured to the other women.
“I know that, but you all have your own homes to return to. Your own lives.” Adele sighed. “And you have lived in your estates for years. You know them as intimately as your own hand. When I am at Kidlington House, I feel as though I am invisible. The servants are polite, of course, but they are distant. Cold. It feels like they judge me.”
“Let them judge you. It does not matter.” Rowen wrinkled her nose. “They cannot do anything to hurt you.”
“I know that, but it is not the most pleasant experience. It feels as though I am walking on eggshells constantly. Like everyone is simply waiting for me to slip up or like they blame me for how things have turned out.” Her thoughts turned to Martha and her baby.
She still had not managed to see the other woman; every time she suggested it, the servants became uneasy and put her off. Yet she could not bear to sit back and let her go without help, even if she didn’t know what that could even entail.
I can hardly run away to Paris now and come back with a child. Goodness only knows what the ton would say.And there was, of course, the fact that she did not want to leave while the investigation was under way.
“This is why I have my dogs. They are all together simpler than people.” Verity leaned back in her seat.
“You cannot avoid your home forever.” Cora gave her a knowing look. “I was much the same when my Henry passed. I know it is different, but it is clear that you cared for Lord Kidlington.”
“He was my friend. I have known him for years, and he was always kind to me. He did not deserve to have his life cut short.” Adele chewed on her bottom lip.
