Page 64 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“Well, that part was less romantic,” Juliet admitted.

“Oh, but once we were married, I hired a carriage for us,” Thomas interjected quickly. “I would never travel alone with your cousin before we were married, of course.”

“That is quite admirable of you, Mr. Bailey, and I’m glad to hear that you thought of such provisions. But tell me, what are your plans now? Have your fathers had anything to say about this?”

Juliet and Thomas exchanged worried glances, and Frances assumed the rest. She gestured for them to sit once more, then took a seat across from them.

“There have been some fortunate developments in your absence,” Frances began, taking a deep breath. “Mr. Bailey, I have paid a visit to your father, and I believe he will not be too terribly put out with you.”

Thomas looked as though he might faint once more, only this time it was from sheer relief. He nodded and stammered his thanks.

“As for you, cousin, your mother is quite beside herself.”

“I know,” Juliet said dejectedly, looking down. She brightened suddenly and leaned forward to plead her case. “But I swear! I never would have done something so drastic if not for the threat of Lord Rowland hanging over me! You’ve met the man, you know yourself how awful he is! He had the nerve to speak of… well,you know… and right in front of Father! I wished to die of humiliation right on the stop!”

“Yes, I’m all too familiar with his behavior,” Frances agreed primly. “I am not condemning your actions, dear cousin. I assure you. I believe I have been able to repair the upset with your parents, though I must require that you do not ask me how it came about.”

“Your Grace, we are both very grateful for your intervention with our families. We do not deserve such effort, but we are both indebted to you!” Thomas said. Juliet wept tears of happiness.

“You are quite welcome, but I suggest you save your thanks for after your parents have finished scolding both of you. Now, as for the matter of where you shall reside and what you shall do next, what have the pair of you decided?”

“Well,” Juliet said, frowning slightly, “I had thought we could stay here for a while…”

“Here? At Cadmoor House? I’m sorry, I don’t know that I can make that possible,” Frances began, fretting at having to disappoint them.

“But the duke has already granted it,” Juliet answered, looking over Frances’ shoulder.

Frances followed her cousin’s gaze to the corner near the door. She gasped in surprise at the sight of Anthony, standing silently, appearing as though he’d been present the entire time. She noticed some ominous marks on his face and drops of red on the front of his shirt, though there were no other injuries so far as she could tell.

“I see,” Frances said, trying to sound cheerful as she turned back to them and smiled. “Then I suppose Vickers shall show you to your room. Juliet, if you have need of a lady’s maid, Sara will be more than happy to help you.”

“Thank you, Frances,” the girl said shyly, “ But I’m proud to be Mrs. Thomas Bailey, now.”

“How clumsy of me. Of course, Mrs. Bailey,” she said with a proud grin.

Thomas and Juliet thanked her once again then rose to follow Mr. Vickers out. Frances waited until they’d gone, then whirled around to look at Anthony.

“What happened to you? Are you all right?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Anthony looked at her for several agonizing seconds, then simply walked out of the room.

It felt as though a searing pain had pierced Frances’ heart. He was so put out with her that he couldn’t even bring himself to answer a simple question, not if it meant having to speak to her. She didn’t miss the cold stare in his eyes as he pondered her question, and it broke her heart to know that things between them were already so in peril.

“Give him time,” someone said softly. Frances turned to face Mrs. Barrett.

“How much time, hmm? Be patient, give him time, don’t think about this, don’t question… when does it stop, Mrs. Barrett?” she asked accusingly.

“I don’t know, Your Grace. But what choice is there? To remain miserable and confused as you stumble about in search of answers, or to make the best of it and continue to believe that all will be well?”

“Why will you not simply tell me the truth? Why does everyone insist that I am an outsider and not to be trusted? This is supposed to be my home!” Frances cried, the frustration mounting.

Mrs. Barrett could only shake her head as she backed out of the room slowly. Frances felt the irritation shift into anger, and she stormed out of the room after Anthony. She could see him at the far end of the long hallway, which meant he had to be going up to visit “A.”

“Anthony!” Frances called out, though he did not slow his steps or even acknowledge he’d heard her. “Anthony!”

At least he isn’t running from me. That must count for something, she thought as she hurried after him.

When Anthony reached the door to the forbidden stairs, he stopped just long enough to grasp the door handle. The person upstairs must have been expecting him, for the latch turned and the door opened slightly without the need for a key. Frances called his name once more, the desperation she felt nearly suffocating her.

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