Page 89 of It's All About the Duke
And he had been hers for such a short time. His anger was to be expected, which was why she’d never wanted him to know what she’d done. Why she would never tell him about Mr. Bramwell. Rath admitted he would like to throttle him.
Marlena sat on the bench where she and Rath had first kissed. She supposed everything would remind her of him. The herbs were green, the trees were budding, and green sprouts had popped up everywhere signaling spring’s arrival. In truth Marlena supposed she’d always been alone since her parents died. She’d had those who’d nursed her and cared for her before she’d gone to live with her aunt Imogene, uncle Fergus, and the boys who’d taught her so much. She’d had Mr. Olingworth who’d educated her and taught her to be a lady. Veronica and Eugenia had taught her how to be a loyal friend.
The duke had taught her how to love. What being in love meant.
Leaving him that day in her room, with hurtful words between them, had been excruciating. It seemed to have left a hole in her chest where her heart should have been.
It devastated her to think he believed she’d lured him into her bed for revenge. That he blamed her for the scandal sheet, the harm to Lady Vera, and not telling him who started the rumor, she could understand. She deserved his anger for those things. But his thinking she let him make love to her so she could exact more revenge was the most hurtful of all.
She wasn’t unhappy, nor was she distraught about their coming together for their afternoon of sweet loving and passion. How could she be dismayed by something she’d wanted so desperately from the man she loved with all her heart? She treasured every moment they were together. She would always remember the extraordinary feelings he’d brought to life inside her. How he’d shown her how he could make her feel, and how she made him feel. She would not forget one single touch or kiss of their time together.
There had been nothing about her identity as Miss Honora Truth in any of the newsprints or other scandal sheets so she had to believe he hadn’t told anyone. Yet. Maybe Rath hadn’t decided what he wanted to do about it. Maybe he was looking for someone else to take over his guardianship of her.
Marlena’s head hurt from all the thoughts she’d crammed into it. There was, at least, one thing she could remove from the crowded spaces in her mind, though: The morning had brought her the signal there would be no babe from her time with the duke. That had calmed one of her fears.
Marlena lifted her face to the sky. The sunshine was as warm and comforting as the duke’s embrace; the fresh air reminded her of him, his kisses, his caresses, his—
“Marlena! Marlena.”
The side gate burst open and Eugenia rushed through waving a piece of paper. She stopped abruptly when shesaw Marlena sitting on the bench. Her eyes widened and she looked around the garden. “Is the duke here?” she asked softly.
“No.” Marlena smiled. “I’m alone. Come sit with me and tell me what you are so excited about. And look at you. Out here without a cape or gloves. What’s happened?”
“I have my shawl but didn’t want to take time to get anything else.”
“You must have been in a really big hurry.”
Eugenia’s eyes were glistening with happiness. “If I get cold, we can go inside. I couldn’t wait to show you this.” She handed Marlena the sheet of vellum. “You must read it right now. Out loud, please. I want to hear it again.”
“All right.” She unfolded the sheet and read.
“My dear…”
Marlena looked up. It was from Mr. Trout. She and the man never addressed or signed their letters to each other. That way their names were safe should one of their letters ever fall into the wrong hands.
“Yes, it’s from Mr. Trout,” Eugenia said. “My maid forgot she had it in her sewing basket this morning. He finally answered us. Read on.”
“It is with much gladness I tell you the publication of your book has gone extremely well. It has sold out and we are in the process of printing more. I will be adding fifty pounds into your account on the date this note is addressed.”
“Fifty pounds!” Marlena exclaimed and looked up at her friend. “That’s a fortune! I can’t believe it.”
“I know!” Eugenia squealed with glee. “Keep reading!”
“You can expect generous additions in the future. Yours truly.”
Marlena leaned back in the bench, stunned. Thebreeze fluttered the edges of the paper. “I can’t believe it earned us that much.”
“It must be true.” Eugenia reached over and hugged Marlena. “Your book has done so well they are printing more. I’m thrilled for you!”
Marlena patted Eugenia’s hand affectionately. “You now have enough money for the extra things you and Veronica need. And it looks as if there will be even more coming in to see you through the summer, autumn, and some of the winter too.”
“It’s so wonderful the book has done so well. I feel bad taking all the money. You’ve never taken a pence.”
“You know how it’s helped you. So don’t mention that again.”
“I don’t need extra things for the Season now. You gave me quite enough.” Eugenia sighed. “I don’t even want to attend anymore.”
“Why do you say that? I’ve seen you dancing with several young gentlemen and you seemed to be having a wonderful time.”
