Page 29 of The Tempting of a Devilish Lord

“That does not sound like love.”

“It was not but I didn’t know better at the time.”

“That you wanted love?”

He scowled. Love had never come into it. He didn’t need love then and he still did not, even if his marriage seemed a little cold and awful when he thought back now. “Love is not something a marquis can expect.”

“That seems a shame.”

“She had my admiration and respect.”

“Didshenot want love?”

“I...” He let his frown deepen. “I have no idea.” He cleared his throat. He’d tried not to think too hard on Eliza’s death over the years. It had brought him far too close to the reality that life could be snuffed out in an instant and he refused to let himself be dragged down by the thought.

“Are you a secret romantic?” he asked.

“Goodness, no. Never.”

He smiled at her defensive tone. There really was much more to Lucy than a determination to adhere to the strict rules of society. “You seem quite determined that one should have love in a marriage which, you must admit, is not the most common reason for marriage amongst our peers.”

“My parents love one another. It simply seems a much better way to live.”

“Have you ever loved?”

“No,” she replied quietly, almost sadly.

A strange pang vibrated in his chest. He certainly could not let her die here without having experienced such an emotion.

A few moments of silence passed before she asked, “How did your wife die?”

“She died unexpectedly and far too young,” he explained perfunctorily. “I never really found out why. The physician suspected she had some underlying problem of the heart and she died in her sleep.”

“That must have been quite a shock.”

“Well, indeed, and it made me realize life could end in but a moment, and I was certainly not going to vegetate away doing nothing.”

“I-I suppose that makes sense.” She sighed deeply. “I am sorry you went through that, Alex, and that you had no one to aid you in understanding your grief.”

“Now you are just being ridiculous. I am perfectly fine.”

“Apart from being trapped in a well.” Lucy laughed but it sounded forced.

“What of you? Why do you pretend you do not like castles or my fast driving or romantic notions? I know there is a deeper reason than simply losing interest.”

The silence lasted so long his gut tightened in fear that she had lost consciousness. “Lucy?” he pressed.

“I suppose it would not hurt to admit it. Especially as we are probably going to die here.”

“We are not going to die,” he said forcefully.

“Nearly ten years ago, I was—”

“Coo-ee!” A voice came from above them.

A shadow darted overhead, and Alex looked up. The silhouette of a face appeared at the top of the well and Alex’s heart gave a leap.

“Mary-Anne?” Lucy said, craning her neck.

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