Page 27 of Her Tiger of a Duke
“No, I am pleased about it, but you cannot have it both ways. If you wish to keep your distance, then do it. If you want to form an attachment, then that is even better, but do not lead her to think you want one when you truly want the other. It is not fair.”
Owen thought about that as he traveled home. Beatrice had not kept anything from him and seemed to view their union as a sign to trust him deeply and completely, and he wished that he could do the same for her. It was what she deserved, but he could not provide it for fear that she would only turn him away, disgusted with the person he once was.
When he returned, it was time for dinner. Beatrice greeted him in a blue gown, one that he had chosen specially. Her new gowns had been a gift from him that he had not thought much of. He simply knew that her clothing was not fit for her status, and so he ensured that changed, but it clearly meant the world to her. She twirled, asking him what he thought with a bright smile, and he told her nothing but the truth.
She looked lovely, and he was pleased that she liked the frock so much.
And yet, as they ate, doubt circled once more. He liked her very much, trusted her too much, and no good could come from that.
CHAPTER 11
Beatrice had worked tirelessly the day before they went to the village.
Mrs. Forsythe was wonderful, helping her to collect lavender flowers and take jars of honey from the beekeeper and arrange them neatly in baskets, but when it came to the treats, she was alone in the task.
Thankfully, with practice came speed, and so she had that on her side, but she also found herself slowed by memories of being in the kitchens with her husband. For the first time, someone truly cared about her passions and wanted to share them with her, and she did not realize just how much that meant to her until it happened.
“Are you all right, Your Grace?” Ella asked, having joined her briefly as she baked the final few pieces the morning before she left.
“Yes, of course. Why do you ask?”
“You seem to be looking off, your mind elsewhere. I would not normally mention it, but when you are using sharp tools, I would rather be safe.”
“Oh! Yes, thank you. I am perfectly fine. I am simply nervous about today, I suppose. His Grace says that they are all fond of him, and while it means I have an advantage it also means that they will compare me to him, and that I have a high standard to achieve.”
“And you will. All that you must do is show kindness, and there is nothing that will win over the hearts and minds of the masses more than these beautiful pastries”
“Here, take one.” Beatrice smiled. “I have tried so many that I can no longer taste them. Is it good?”
“It is excellent,” she murmured through icing. “Believe me, you shall be completely and utterly adored.”
Beatrice was pleased about that, but there was sadness in her chest knowing that that same feeling was not given to her by her husband.
Of course, she hardly knew Owen. They had only met a few weeks prior, and she had only been living there for a short while, but that was precisely what pained her. She had always expected to marry only when she found true love, and that was not whathad happened. It was possible that she could soon see him as a friend, and there was nothing objectively wrong with him, but she was not a fool. She knew that he was keeping things from her, and regardless of the reason she did not like that,.
They departed soon after lunch, Beatrice having hardly eaten a thing. She could not bring herself to, because she had already consumed too many biscuits in the kitchen earlier, but also because her thoughts were consumed by what was ahead of her. She knew that Owen had noticed, for he had watched her during the meal. He had not said anything about her quietude, which filled her with thankfulness.
“They will be kind,” he assured her as they traveled. “They are all looking forward to today. They knew that I had found a wife, and so this trip was only a matter of time.”
“And are they aware that I am your wife, rather than Helena?”
“They are no more aware of her than of you. All they knew was that I was to be married.”
That helped immensely for it meant that no comparison could be made. There was no denying that, as far as Beatrice was concerned, Helena was the better option. Aside from her predicament, she bested her in every way that mattered. She was the prettier friend, more talented and with an elegance that Beatrice simply did not possess. She had learned quickly, but there was still a doubt in her mind that she was not deserving of her title.
“Are you concerned?” Owen asked.
“Of course, I am. I know that you have faith in me, but I also understand how much the villagers value you and it frightens me that I will not live up to such high standards.”
“Well, such fears will not last long. Once you have met the people there, you will see that you have been concerned for no reason. You will be very well liked, Beatrice.”
They arrived, and in an instant, they were surrounded by pleased faces. All eyes were on her, and the introductions felt like they lasted for hours, but it was precisely as Owen had said. She had been proven wrong, and with each smiling townsperson she felt more and more certain of it.
“It is so nice to meet you,” one woman said, a small child beside her. “Rosie here has not stopped asking after you.”
Beatrice smiled, bending down to greet the little girl. Her hair was in two tight braids, and she was clearly wearing her best dress. She could not have been any older than five, but she curtseyed and handed her a flower.
“This is for you, Your Grace,” she said in a hushed voice.
