Page 76 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
Adele had meant to pack herself, but she knew the maid would not let her. It would not be proper. She sighed and wandered to her sewing room, hoping that perhaps a project might distract her.
But everything reminded her of Warner. Every step made her look up, her heart hammering wildly as she hoped that he would be the one at her door. Eventually, she stopped looking.
“You are leaving,” Warner’s voice drifted towards her.
He stood just inside her sewing room. His clothes were rumpled, his hair in disarray. His eyes were bloodshot. The shadow on his jaw and neck told Adele that he had not shaved.
“Yes.” Adele stood up and smoothed the fabric of her skirt. “You said you wanted some space, and I thought it would be best if I honoured your request.”
Warner’s face was unreadable. “I see.”
She expected him to ask her more questions, but he did not. He simply looked at her.
Adele forced herself not to take a step towards him, even as every part of her screamed at her to move to him. She did not think she would be able to do what she had to do. What he had asked her to do.Free of interference and distraction.
And if he asks me to stay, I will.She hated the treacherous thought worming through her. The little kernel of hope that spread through her chest. She could feel it, rooting into place with all her other foolish dreams.
“I am not sure where I will go. I do not want to return to Kidlington house,” Adele said to fill the heavy silence between them. “Perhaps I will stay with my parents or Anne.”
“You should stay in your townhouse.” He shifted, and for a moment, she thought he would move towards her, but he did not. “It will be no trouble to have the servants open it though you will be rather light on the staff.”
“My townhouse?” Adele was not sure she had heard him correctly. “What townhouse?
“The one you would live in after all this was done.” Warner made a vague gesture.
Adele remembered what he had told her. That he would let her choose a house, so she would have a place all her own. Apparently, he had grown tired of waiting.He has always wanted me to go.
“The deed is in your name, and I have had it renovated and furnished. Though of course, you are free to sell it if it is not to your liking.” Warner ran a hand across his jaw.
“When did you do this?” Adele asked.Why did you not tell me?
Her heart turned to lead, and she felt like someone had punched her in the gut. All the air fled from her lungs at the Duke’s next words. “I bought it when we were first married. I did not know how long it might take you to find something or how long… Well, I wanted you to have somewhere to go.”
“That was thoughtful of you.” Adele managed to force the words out. “Thank you.”
“I did not want you to feel trapped here.” Warner took another step down the stairs and then stopped, shaking his head. “I should have told you sooner. If you are leaving, you should go there. It is your - yours.”
It is mine.Adele nodded. When she had first agreed to this, she would have been delighted, but now, all she could think of was returning to a life where she would be alone.
“I do not even know where it is.” Adele swallowed around the lump in her throat, feeling the start of tears in her eyes.
She turned her face away from him, not wanting him to see her.He is being kind.He had wanted her to have somewhere for herself; he had done this for her.He does not want me.
“It is on Park Lane, only a few doors away from Lady Verity’s residence. Lady Cora is a few roads away, but still within walking distance, as is Lady Rowen.” Warner cleared his throat. “I thought you would like to be close to your friends.”
“You seem to have thought of everything.” Adele gave him a weak smile, wiping her eyes before she turned to him.
“Not everything.” Warner’s voice was soft.
“The carriage is ready, Your Grace,” a voice said from the doorway. “All the driver needs is a destination.”
“Thank you.” Adele nodded but did not move towards the door. “Tell them I will be out in just a few moments.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The servant disappeared with a bow.
“I should go.” Adele moved towards the door, even though it would bring her closer to Warner.
“Do you want to leave?” Warner asked, his eyes finding hers.
