Page 67 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“Then don’t go.”

“Edward,” she said in an admonishing tone. “I must leave and you must let me.”

“Then kiss me goodbye,” he said, his hand outstretched.

But she just gave him a smile and slipped out the door. He was alone. Again. The room had a chill about it with her gone, and he did not like it. A lot of what she had said to him gave him pause. Had he cultivated this image of himself that he could not sustain? Was he so desperate to distance himself from his own family that he had lost himself in the process?

Chapter Sixteen

Marianne smiled when Rose entered the room. She had not seen her alone since the night of Edward’s attack. The night that whatever was said after she left had affected him so badly.

“How is Lord Dunstan?”

“He is well,” Marianne said with a grin.

“It is going well, then? I saw you both deep in conversation at the picnic. He was very attentive and had you laughing. It was lovely to see.”

“I have not had reason to laugh lately. He is so much more than I thought he was. I mean, I knew he was an artist and an earl, but I find him fascinating. His view on things, his love for his younger brother. Oh, did I tell you he has a brother, Cornelias. I do not know what his parents were thinking. They call him Elias in any case, which I am sure he is very thankful for.”

The speed of her friend’s delivery made Rose blink. “My goodness. That is a lot to take in.”

“I’m sorry, I was going a hundred miles an hour, wasn’t I?”

“You are excited and maybe just a little in love?”

Marianne took a breath and let it out as a sigh. “I keep thinking any minute now he will tell me he is leaving for some foreign clime. That he is not ready for a wife.”

“Has he given you any indication of this?”

“No.”

“You are usually the most optimistic person I know; this is very unlike you.” Rose took her friend’s hand in hers. “I think you really like him and are afraid he does not feel the same.”

“I do like him. There is so much to consider. Before, the marriage mart was a bit of a game. I was not really looking for a husband, just enjoying myself. Then the years went by and not even a serious suitor would stay in my parlor. I think they were afraid of my brother, but I cannot say for sure. Perhaps it was me. Perhaps they knew I did not need a husband.”

“You still do not need a husband, but if you feel he is the right man for you, you should tell him. Reassure him of your feelings for him.”

“I should. I know, but then I think about Mother and I am uncertain again.”

“Your mother is a strong woman. She will miss having your company every day, but she has daughters-in-law and grandchildren to keep her occupied.”

Marianne brightened. “That is true. And she could take turns staying with us all.”

“Of course she will. And of course you will all travel to Ashtonvale for Christmas. It will be sure to be a joyous one this year. You will have Anna’s baby by then and little William as well. If you marry Dunstan, you will have him, and perhaps even his brother will come. It will be a very merry party. Max will be beside herself with happiness.”

“What a picture you paint. And you must also be there. You are like family to us.”

“I would like that very much.” Marianne may not feel the same way if she knew Rose had been kissing her brother.

“Tea?” Marianne asked brightly.

“Yes, please.”

Her own mind was a tangle of mixed emotions. Desire being one of the newer ones; she was learning to contend with it. She was realizing that controlling her body around Edward was not easy. There was so much she did not know about love-play. She had to admit there was so much she did not know about love in general. What was this thing that she felt for Edward? Was it infatuation, lust, or something more?

“Are you excited for the opera tonight? Phin is eager to use his new box.”

“Phin?”