Page 67 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“The children were getting a little rowdy, and Cora thought that I could do with a break, so she suggested that I bring you up a snack and some tea.” Adele put the tea on Warner’s desk. “They know that if Uncle Scar is in his office, he is not to be disturbed.”
“And the flowers?” Warner gestured to the bouquet of daisies, roses, and wildflowers that Adele had placed on the windowsill.
“They worried that you might be sad that you had to work instead of play with them, so they picked some flowers fromthe garden for you.” Adele shook her head, the corners of her lips quirking upwards as she turned to face him. “It was quite difficult to convince George not to accompany me.”
“You did not need to dissuade her.” Warner took one of the pastries from the tray and popped it into his mouth, leaning against the edge of the desk as he watched Adele.
“I know, but I wanted some time alone with you.” Adele’s cheeks flushed endearingly, but before Warner could tease her, she continued, “I wanted to thank you.”
“I have already told you, you do not need to thank me for letting your family stay here. This is your home too.” Warner made a dismissive gesture with his hand.For now.
He pushed the thought away.
“That is not what I mean. I just… I know that you were only playing a part last night, but…” Adele took a half step towards him, her fingers playing with the fabric of her dress. “It meant a lot to me. I do not think I have ever had so much fun at a ball before. Nor danced so much. My feet were rather unimpressed with me by the end of it.”
Warner moved towards her, his hands coming out of his pockets as he searched her face for signs of pain. “You should have told me.”
I should have realised that her feet were hurting. How can I have missed that?He had been so focused on the delight he felt when she had been in his arms. He had let himself be selfish, and now, look what it had done. He swallowed, struggling to contain his feelings.
She looked at him, a small smile on her face. “But I did not want to stop dancing.”
Nor did I.His heart skittered, and he ran a hand through his hair to keep from reaching for her. “I had no wish to cause you pain.”
“They did not hurt while we danced. Only once I walked upstairs.” She gave him an impish grin “Besides, it is not like you could have swept me in your arms and carried me to bed.”
“Do you doubt that I could?” Warner chuckled, taking another step towards her.
Adele arched an eyebrow at him, spots of colour on her cheeks as she smiled at him. “It is not a question of capability so much as willingness.”
“And you think I would be unwilling to sweep you off your feet?” He shook his head as a smile crept over his face. “Perhaps I rather like the idea of playing the gallant hero.”
“As amusing as that image is, what makes you think I wish to play the part of a swooning princess?” Adele straightened but did not step away from him as he moved closer.
“I thought all women wished to be swept off their feet.” His eyes danced as he breathed in the smell of roses. “Perhaps you simply need to be shown how enjoyable such things can be?”
Adele’s eyes widened, but before she could say another word, there was a knock at the door. Warner moved in front of Adele and called, “Enter.”
“Your Grace, I am sorry to interrupt, but I must speak to you on a rather urgent matter.” Mr. Turner walked into the room and placed a newspaper on the desk.
The headline read:Proof at Last — Marquess murdered by his Marchioness.
He turned to Mr. Turner, his voice cold and hard as steel. “I thought I made clear that these papers were not to publish any hearsay.”
“It is not hearsay Your Grace; the papers claim they have a witness.” Mr. Turner paled, shaking slightly beneath Warner’s anger. “Apparently a servant from Her Grace’s household has come forward to speak against her.”
“Her parents’ household or the Marquess’?” Warner’s brow furrowed.
From what he knew of Adele’s past, he doubted it would be her parents, but perhaps if it was a servant of Eric’s, that would helpthem. After all, they would have not been hers until after they were married.
His mind began to race, even as a wave of rage broke over him.How can this have happened?He had made it clear to the editors of every respectable paper that smears against the Duchess would invite serious confidence.Which means they must have some damning proof indeed.
The thought settled over him uneasily.
“Eric’s.” Adele’s voice was small, her eyes wide as she read the article. “At least that is what the article claims though they do not name the person.”
“They will be claiming to protect the person through their anonymity.” Warner let out a hiss of breath.
“I cannot believe what they have written.” Adele chewed on her lip, her brow furrowing as she read aloud, “She approached me and said that once they were married, her dowry would be mine if I would only help her end the Marquess’s life. When I turned her down, she claimed that I had passed some kind of test. But now, I know it was a lie. Clearly, she found some other person to do her dirty work.”
