Page 66 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
Adele laughed. “I will have the steward prepare some rooms for you and the children.”
“Thank you, Addie. Really.” Anne hugged her again. “And just think, soon your children will be able to play with mine, and then there will be such chaos. I like to think that perhaps they will be able to have the closeness that you and I missed.”
“That would be nice.” Adele’s chest twisted; the kindness and hope in her sister’s eyes felt like a knife in her chest.But it will never happen.
She pushed the thought away. She had never wanted that before now. And even if some part of her craved it, she knew she could never have it. Warner might play his part well, but that was all it would ever be.Why would someone like him care for someone like me?
Anne tucked her arm through Adele’s and tugged her towards the ballroom. “We should get back to your ball. I would hate for you to miss it, and no doubt, your husband is anxiously awaiting your return.”
They walked into the veranda, and Adele felt Warner’s eyes on her before she even saw him. He was standing in a corner, talking to the widows, but as soon as she walked into the room, she could tell his eyes had snapped towards her.
His face split into a broad smile as she walked towards him though the smile drooped slightly as he saw her red rimmed eyes. He was at her side in an instant, the smell of sandalwood capturing her senses and making her head spin.
“Is something the matter? If she has said something to hurt you, I will have her removed. Propriety be damned.” Warner’s eyes flashed, and Adele put a hand on his chest without thinking.
He stilled at her touch, looking down at her. “They were happy tears, Warner. She wants to know me, to try and fix our relationship. And I would like that too.”
Warner nodded, and Adele realised that Anne had moved away from them as soon as Warner had approached them. “Very well. I am pleased that they are tears of joy, I would rather not tarnish such a beautiful evening with unpleasantness.”
“I have asked Anne to stay with us. She is at the Penny Farthing with her children, and I think it would be much better if she was here.” Adele swallowed, wondering if Warner would be angry with her for not asking him first.
“If that is what you wish, then I will have rooms arranged for them. And I will tell the cook to prepare enough breakfast for the rest of the guests.”
“I do.” Adele swallowed.
“Then I will see it done.” Warner waved over one of the servants, and while he gave the man instructions, Adele moved to her sister, letting her know that she was welcome to stay with them.
As Anne hugged her once more, and left from the dance floor, Adele turned back to find her husband looking at her. He closedthe distance between them, placing a hand on the small of her back. His touch sent a shiver through her body, and her eyelids fluttered briefly.
“I have had everything arranged,” Warner told her. “Is there anything else that you want?”
“Just a dance.” Adele gave him a mischievous smile, the giddiness of her reunion breaking through. “Unless you are too tired.”
“To dance with you?” Warner took her hand in his, a wild emotion in his eyes. “Never.”
I wish you did not play your part so well.
Adele knew it was a lie. She wished that he was not just playing a part.
Twenty-Four
“How is it that the more I read this, the less sense it makes?” Warner frowned at the line on the account books that he had read and re-read several times over the last hour.
Sunlight streamed through the window of his study making him blink as he looked up. It was the day after the ball, and Warner had been sequestered in his study for several hours.
“She needs time with her friends and her family without me lurking around,” Warner mumbled to himself as the image of Adele flitted through his mind.
He tried to convince himself of his words but found that they rang hollow. Running his hand through his hair, he let out a sigh. He did not need to be a part of her joy, and it was good that she had so many people who loved her.
It will make parting easier.His chest squeezed at the thought, and he shook himself, trying to ignore the cold that filled him at the thought of them eventually leading their separate lives.I will not control her.
“This is for the best.” Warner jabbed at the line of numbers on the page in front of him.
“Talking to yourself already?” an amused voice sounded from the doorway. Warner looked up to see Adele standing there with a small bouquet of flowers, several pastries, and a pot of tea.
He stood as she entered the room, straightening his shirt as he did so. Her russet hair was tied up in a messy bun, and a strand fell across her face. Warner put his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching towards her.
“It helps me think.” Warner shrugged and gestured towards her tray. “And what is all this?”
