Page 50 of An Unwanted Virgin for the Duke
There was nothing more said after that. Daphne was too emotionally drained to attempt a conversation, no matter how light. Because of this, the journey back to London became a masterclass in polite endurance.
The Duke made a show of reading some documents during the journey. His eyes never strayed toward hers but instead focused entirely on several large stacks of parchment.
Daphne tried not to stare at him or the pages. She did everything in her power to temper her curiosity but when she strayed from thinking about the business that consumed her husband’s mind, she thought of how he allowed himself to set his ledgers and plans aside yesterday and participate in the snowy festivities.
It was agony to think of things other than her husband, but Daphne did her best to remind herself that she enjoyed seeing a snowy landscape. And with this thought actively pushed to the forefront of her mind, she twitched the curtain aside.
She let herself feel the change of atmosphere. But before long, the chill of the English countryside gave way to the bustling warmth of London. She braced herself. She knew that she was back to the world where she’d be judged according toher appearance and behavior. Everything about her would be analyzed once more.
She glanced at the Duke. She did not know if he was truly oblivious or good at pretending to be so. However, she had to remind herself of their arrangement, of how what they had was a partnership. She was lending her impeccable manners to his questionable fortune, while he protected her with his mysterious background, title, and wealth.
Soon, they arrived at the Duke of Wolfcrest’s impressive London townhouse just as the streetlamps lit up as if in preparation for their arrival. While their arrival was discreet, she knew that thetonwould immediately know about it.
However, as soon as she thought she was just getting settled into the townhouse, the Duke immediately disappeared, leaving a note for her through the butler.
I had to leave. Business until dawn.
Again, she had the crushing feeling that her husband might be involved in something nefarious. After all, who did their business during nighttime hours? And what was so pressing that it could not wait another night or two?
She sighed and tried to ignore the ramifications of the note. She decided that she needed an anchor, being back in London. Although she was not too thrilled about seeing her mother, she was excited to see the rest of her family again.
The following day, her first stop was the Grisham townhouse.
“I hate to say this, Daphne,” Victoria said, “but you look splendid. It must be because married life agrees with you.”
The twins embraced, not wanting to let go. As they did, Daphne could not help but feel teary-eyed at the familiar scent of clean linen and gardenias in the Grisham drawing room. When she first arrived at Wolfcrest, the place smelled sterile until she made it all about roses, orchids, and, sometimes, lavender.
“What about you, Vicky?” Daphne asked, pulling back to admire her sister’s newly tailored gown.
She knew what it meant. Their mother was already gently pushing her twin toward a whole series of suitors. Even though the Season had already concluded months ago, their mother would not allow the Christmastide holiday to pass without making sure Victoria was paraded in front of every eligible bachelor left in the city. Daphne could not help but feel sorry for her sister. “It does not look like London missed my presence at all.”
“Oh, no. That is where you are wrong. London is dull without you here. I know you aren’t the most thrilling person, either—” Victoria laughed as she felt a pinch from her sister. “There is a need for such dullness here, too. But seriously, you and the Dukehad taken over the town gossip. People have been speculating about why you married so soon after you left due to illness. They are too late, anyway. You are already married.”
“Ha! I expected that. People will talk about it. Even Mother thinks I must have compromised myself to have gotten an offer of marriage from the Duke.”
“Oh, forget about her. Sometimes, I wonder if she ever knew us at all. Then again, with how dangerously handsome your Duke looks, she may have a point.”
“Victoria!” Daphne cried in outrage.
“Mm. Well, is he good to you? Is he taking care of you?” The teasing between twins shifted to concern.
“He is,” Daphne replied sincerely. She knew that she had nothing to be afraid of when it came to the Duke. Other people? She was not too sure.
“I am glad. But let me warn you. I might ask the same question once more. I have missed you. I would want you to be in a safe place even if you are far apart from me.”
“I know,” she said softly.
“Unfortunately, Daniel is held up at a business meeting,” Victoria said, with a slight shrug.
“There will be plenty of time, I am certain,” she said cheerfully.
The door then creaked open, and the Dowager Countess swept elegantly into the room. She wore a crimson gown which featured heavy black lace around the collar. Her hair was arranged in a neat chignon. There was a small brooch resting in the Dowager’s bosom and Daphne was surprised by such trappings.
Is Mother prepared to go out? Just as soon as I have arrived?
“Ah, Daphne. You have joined us—at last,” her mother greeted with a nod. Not a hug. Not a kiss. “Where is the Duke? Did you travel to London without him?”
“His Grace has business he must attend to immediately,” Daphne replied, keeping her voice even.
