“Certainly, my dear.”

The meal was rather pleasant; not the food, but Belinda’s company. Bridget would have to see the cook about the meal, for it lacked in many ways. As she was leaving the dining room, she looked around, realizing she had a lot to accomplish before the castle could feel like a home. It should keep her occupied.

Later, as Sarah was helping her undress, she recounted the day’s events.

“The servants are reluctant to speak of the duke in my presence,” Sarah told her, “but some of them are pleased to have a new duchess after all these years.”

“When did the former duchess pass?” Bridget picked up her hairbrush and gave it to Sarah.

“Only days after the duke’s birth, I heard.” She ran the brush through her bright curls.

Bridget swallowed because she knew what it was like to be without a mother. “Do you know about his wound?”

Sarah shook her head. “I did not ask. We will discover this castle’s secrets in time, Bridget.”

“Indeed, we will.”

When she saw Sarah bring out a silk nightrail with lace trimmings, she shook her head and asked her to return it, electing to wear a thicker one made of linen because she was almost certain the duke was not visiting her tonight.

Sleep tried to elude her again that night, and as she tossed beneath her covers, she heard a soft click, which made her sit up and look about, seeking the sound’s origin.

When it came again, her eyes snapped toward the door she thought led to the duke’s chambers. Slowly, it opened, and the duke stepped into her room.

Her heart began to race, and she instinctively drew her covers up to her chest, her eyes wide.

Chapter 5

Harry’s body tensed when he saw his wife sitting up in her bed, clutching the covers to her chest. She was afraid of him, as he had predicted, and he almost turned on his heel and left. However, he reasoned that it was important to speak to her. Besides, he could not tear his eyes away from her delicate shoulders and creamy skin.

“You may be at ease,” he began, taking a step toward the bed. “I will not touch you.” Although, now, he greatly wished that he could.

She blinked, her eyes amber in the candlelight. When she did not speak, he was compelled to continue. “You must think that I would take liberties with you because of your reputation.”

“My reputation?” Her eyes flashed and the covers slipped, revealing an enticing figure beneath her nightrail. Harry would have seduced her if he was himself ten years ago, and was sure she would welcome his advances. “You will believe what you have been told instead of judging my character by yourself?”

Harry was unable to decide where to look. At her eyes that now regarded him with anger or her bosom that rose and fell with every breath she took, stoking his desire.

“I do not believe the rumors,” he responded, returning his gaze to her eyes.

“Your words earlier suggested otherwise,” she said, her shoulders visibly tensing, drawing his eyes to her fiery hair, which cascaded down her back in silken curls. He had never imagined that he would be fortunate enough to marry a beauty.

“I heard everything people said, but I did not believe it,” she continued. “I came to Grayfield and married you.” His mouth curved into a smile because he was surprised by her passion. “You mock me.” She rose from the bed and came to stand before him, tilting her head back to see him.

“I do not,” he said simply, his countenance unchanged. “You surprise me.”

“Why? Because I am defending myself?” she asked.

“Yes. Your zeal to do so is rather remarkable, too,” he added, his blood warming from the desire that was building in his veins. His fingers moved at his sides, compelled to stroke her fine hair, while his arms wanted to circle her waist and draw her against his hard body.

“And you say that you are not mocking me.” She huffed. “I do not know what to make of you.”

“We only got married this morning.” He tried to contain his smile. It would not do if she continued to misinterpret it.

“Yes, and you walked out immediately after.”

He almost cursed, because he had forgotten that he had promised her father that he would apologize. “I found myself in an unfortunate situation that rendered me unfit for company.”

She blinked, her fine brows knitting, then looked away. “I suppose it was not an easy morning for either of us.”