Page 91 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
Margaret leaned in closer. “Is it… good? Will I like it?”
“I do hope so.”
“Doyoulike it?”
“I love it. Edward and I do love to explore, and we’re still finding out new things about each other. It can be very enjoyable when both of you care about each other’s enjoyment. But if one partner is selfish, it’s less enjoyable.”
Margaret gave her a shrewd look. “Lord Fenton was selfish, wasn’t he?”
Ava looked away. “I don’t even want tothinkabout that man. May he continue burning in hell.”
Margaret squeezed her hand apologetically. “I’m sorry for mentioning him.”
“It’s quite all right, dear. I’m glad I was able to do this for you.” She took Margaret by the shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. “The important thing to remember is that this is a consummation of your love. He gives you love, and you receive it; and vice versa. If you keep that in mind, then there will be nothing to worry about.”
Margaret gave her a fond look before surging forward to embrace her tightly. “You’re the best sister in the whole world. I hope you know that.”
“Oh no, I’m not. I simplycannothold a candle to Lily,” she said with faux sadness.
Margaret laughed. “Yes, well Lily is special, isn’t she?”
“Thatshe is,” Ava agreed.
Edward was making his way to his seat when he spotted someone he had not expected to see ever again. He froze, blinking a few times as he stared at her. She was looking back at him, a rueful smile on her face. Edward hesitated a moment longer before changing direction and marching right up to her.
“Lady Helen, I did not expect to see you here.”
“I can see that,” she said dryly. “The Waters are actually my cousins, on my mother’s side. Matthew and I were rather close growing up.”
“I see.” Edward pursed his lips feeling uncomfortable.
“I wanted to congratulate you on your marriage.” She gave an awkward shrug. “A little late, I know.”
“Better late than never,” he replied gracelessly back.
Her face became very serious, and Edward had a sinking feeling as to what she was going to say next. “I want to apologize—” she began.
He raised up a hand to stop her. “Please don’t. You breaking our engagement turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I was able to meet the love of my life and marry her as a result. There is nothing to apologize for,” he said it as gently as he could, and he still saw her flinch.
“Still, I was cruel and callous. That was unnecessary. I just had so many people in my ear, telling me what an awful life I would have with a cripple, who also resembled a beast.”
He looked away, lips twisting, marveling at how different she was from Ava.
“Wait let me finish.” She reached out to grab his sleeve, and he stopped but did not turn back to face her. “Those were the words I heard every day, and I let them influence me. I know that they affected you as well because you withdrew from society for a long time. You have no reason to believe me that I bitterly regret the way I behaved, and if there was any way, I could make it up to you, I would.”
He turned back to look her in the eye. “If you would like to make it up to me, then I suggest you learn to be kinder. Although I’m not sure that’s a skill you can acquire.”
She blanched. “That was not a very pleasant thing to say.”
He pursed his lips. “Perhaps not. The truth is sometimes hard to hear. That doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. Now, if you will excuse me…”
He backed away from her before turning and walking away. To his surprise, he felt a curious sense of satisfaction and completion in having spoken to her. She had been right about one thing—her words had driven him into hiding. He had assumed that nobody could ever love him as he was—a beast, as she had said.
I’ve never been so happy to be wrong about anything.
He looked up and saw Ava approaching. Her face lit up when she saw him, scars and all. He went up to her and offered her his arm. “Come and sit down with me,” he said. “I know you haven’t eaten yet.”
“But… the twins…” she protested weakly.
