Page 13 of Duchess Needed
And she had not undermined him in the process either.
She would make a good mother, Edward had thought then, and he still felt the same way now.
“I still find it hard to believe,” Thomas said suddenly, picking up the bottle to refill their empty glasses. “That you would suddenly develop an interest in getting married. Have you grown tired of torturing the masses and decided it was best to settle down? Or is this your way of acquiring a victim you shall train to endure your antics?”
“You have a lot of complaints for someone who has been friends with me for decades,” Edward smirked. “What if I simply wished to fulfil my filial duties?”
“All of a sudden? I mean – you have always put your dukedom above all else in your life, so I suppose it should not surprise methat this was your next course of action. What about this woman you chose? How do you feel about her?” Thomas asked in turn.
Edward’s smirk faltered slightly. “She seems sensible. And selfless. I believe she will make a good duchess and a good mother.”
“Is that it?” Thomas voiced, looking startled.
A frown crawled over Edward’s face before he could help himself.
“Does there need to be more? I do not think I require much more than what I have attained, give the fact that I can live vicariously through you and your own duchess. Tell me, how is Jane doing these days? Is Reuben still refusing to let her out of his sight?”
Thomas scoffed and sat back, folding his arms. If he sensed Edward’s efforts to change the subject, he did not mention it, and he replied seriously,
“That was long ago. He has outgrown that habit.”
“But?” Edward pressed, sensing there was more.
“But he is still as attached to her as he was when they first met. Jane has assured me he will eventually outgrow that habit too, but I cannot help but feel... a little miffed to be vying for her attention by his side. It is demeaning.”
Edward burst into laughter, completely entertained by what he had heard.
“It is so silly,” Thomas grunted in addition as he raised his glass up to his lips and gulped the contents down.
“It is,” Edward grinned. “But you have survived much worse. You have been to war, my friend. I am sure you will find a way to handle sharing your wife’s attention with your son. Though, he is on the way to becoming a mama’s boy, so you might have to deal with it for a while longer, eventually, you’ll miss watching him be so incredibly enamoured by her. Or at least, that is what I have heard.”
“I look forward to seeing you face your own struggles when your marriage progresses. I will sit as you do now, and offer you pointless advice, while laughing in your face as you have at me.” Thomas swore.
“I find it hard to believe that you will have the time to do so if that ever happens – but more than anything, I am sure you have nothing to worry about. My marriage will not be anything like yours,” Edward promised with an innocent smile.
A look crossed over Thomas’ face and he parted his lips, no doubt to ask Edward what he meant, but the duke of Montford quickly distracted him my refilling their glasses one last time.
“We should toast to my wedding. It is happening tomorrow, after all. Don’t you have any kind words to say to me? Well wishes, perhaps?”
“Well, what do you want? Out of this marriage?”
Edward paused thoughtfully, and after a moment, he replied, “Satisfaction.”
Thomas frowned slightly. “Not happiness?”
“Life is fickle and short. Happiness is a fleeting notion. I would much rather be satisfied with the choices I have made, for a long time, if possible.” Edward shrugged.
“You are a strange man.”
“Is that meant to be my toast?” Edward complained teasingly.
“And so hard to please,” Thomas shook his head with a smile and held up a glass. “To you, dear friend. I hope that you are satisfied. And if there is room for more, I hope that you are happy in the days that come.”
It was kind of Thomas to wish him happiness, but Edward had long since given up on such occurring in his life. He worked had and fulfilled his responsibilities in order to feel contented with his actions and choices. It was more than he could hope for and his marriage would be the same, because he was not marrying to obtain an idealistic life. It was a part of his duty and he intended to see it handled properly.
No matter what it takes.
“You look wonderful, Phoebe.”
