Page 16 of How to Capture a Duke

She rolled her eyes. “I sense she has spirit. I like her.”

He stayed silent. It didn’t matter whether his grandmother liked Olivia or not. He’d made up his mind. He didn’t trust his wife, not one bit.

“I wonder what’s going on behind your brooding glare. I fear I won’t like it.”

“I did my duty. What m…m-ore do you want?”

“You haven’t come close to fulfilling your ducal responsibilities. But I am hopeful that you will come around, my boy.”

He waved a servant over, placed the empty flute on the tray, and took another.

Antonia eyed his glass. “I fear that drink will be one of many.” She shifted and tapped his foot with her cane again. He itched to snatch the weapon from her, but she turned and walked away.

His lips twitched at her departing figure. He’d always admired Antonia for her spirit. Still, he wanted to call her back and argue but knew it wouldn’t serve any purpose. His grandmother could be quite stubborn.

Tristan returned to watching Olivia. She smiled at something one of the ladies said, and his gaze lowered to her lips. She had a lush mouth, made to be kissed by a man. He’d kissed her once, and the memory was not one he’d easily forget.

But he would forget.

A young, brown-haired gentleman came forth and raised her hand to kiss the back of her glove. Tristan moved forward before he was aware his feet were even moving. Startled, she looked up at his approach, her green eyes bright.

She swallowed, and Tristan glanced at her slender throat before returning to her face.

“May I introduce Lord Elton,” she said, making the introductions. “Lord Elton, this is my husband, His Grace.”

“You are a lucky man indeed, Your Grace,” Elton said.

Tristan nodded, his jaw tense. So this was the man who’d wanted to take Olivia for a walk in the gardens. No doubt to disappear in the maze with her and take certain liberties. Without uttering a word, Tristan took Olivia’s arm and led her away.

She struggled to keep up with his pace, her silk skirts brushing his legs, and glared up at him. “That was terribly rude. I understand you may not wish to speak, but you do not have to drag me away.”

“I’m not dragging you.”

She pulled back. “You are.”

“It’s time for them to leave.”

“You mean the guests? Or Lord Elton?”

“Both. I want a word alone with my wife.”

…

Tristan appeared very different in his wedding finery. Devastatingly handsome in black formal attire, his profile spoke of pride and masculine grace, and his dark eyes held a sheen of purpose. His coat emphasized his broad shoulders, and his cravat was meticulously tied. His dark hair was combed in the al la Brutus style favored by gentleman of the ton. But he looked far from a dandy. Rather, his muscular physique bespoke hours in the saddle rather than in the cushioned armchairs of gentlemen’s clubs.

His large hand swallowed hers as he led her out of the ballroom and down the hall. Each long finger felt like a brand on her skin. The calluses on his palm and the strength of his grip spoke of labor, certainly not the hands of a duke. He was an enigma, different from the man who’d taken her riding on a pleasant morning.

Would she ever glimpse that man again?

It was difficult to believe that just two hours before, she’d stood beside him and exchanged vows in front of the local vicar. She’d been tense as she’d looked up at her groom with all the stoicism of facing a firing squad. She had no recollection of her vows. She’d spoken when necessary, smiled when required. Tristan hadn’t spoken his vows but had nodded once. It had been sufficient.

To make matters worse, her brother and sister and their spouses were not in attendance. Ian’s and Grace’s little girl had a cold, and they could not travel. Hugh and Ellie now ran the Raven Club and could not leave. Both of her siblings had written to wish her well and were excited to welcome the duke into the family.

Olivia did not have the heart to write back and tell them the truth behind the marriage. What would she have said?

It’s a fraud. The duke dislikes me, distrusts me, and only agreed to marry me not to upset his grandmother. I had no choice.

Ugh.