Page 24 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Lady Afferton slapped her, the sharp sting making Beatrice gasp.
“You insolent girl! How dare youspeak to me like that? If your father had lived to see this day, he would be utterly disappointed in you. You are a disgrace to this family.”
Beatrice’s heart shattered. The mention of her late father’s disappointment cut deeper than any slap.
She turned and fled, running through the halls until she found a balcony.
As she stepped outside into the cool night air, she burst into sobs that wracked her body.
She stared up at the night sky, longing for her life to be different, to be anywhere but there. The stars blurred through her tears as she cried, her heart aching with the harshness of her reality.
The sound of footsteps behind her made her stiffen. She quickly wiped at her tears, trying to compose herself.
“Lady Beatrice?”
She turned to see the Duke standing there, concern etched on his face.
Chapter Eight
“Ibeg your pardon, Your Grace, but I would prefer to be alone,” Beatrice said, her voice strained.
Kenneth ignored her plea, stepping closer.
“Who did this to you?” he asked, his voice hardening with anger. “Was it that idiot Lord Hartley?”
Beatrice shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please leave me alone. I don’t want anyone to see me like this.”
Kenneth’s eyes flicked to her dress, noticing the large red stain. “Your dress is stained.”
Beatrice’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Thank you, Your Grace. Your powers of deduction astonish me.”
His patience worn thin, Kenneth bristled. “There’s no need to be rude. I am only trying to help.”
Beatrice squared her shoulders, a spark of defiance in her eyes. “Well, you are not helping. If anything, you are making it worse.”
Kenneth took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper in check. “How did your dress get stained?”
Beatrice hesitated then sighed. “Lady Featherwell ‘accidentally’ stumbled into me and caused me to spill my wine. She apologized, of course, but it was clearly intentional.”
Kenneth’s jaw tightened. “That woman has a talent for cruelty. But surely a stained dress isn’t enough to bring you to tears.”
Beatrice turned away, staring out into the night. “It’s not just the dress,” she muttered.
Kenneth stepped closer, his voice softening. “Then what is it, Lady Beatrice? There must be more to it than a ruined gown.”
Beatrice’s shoulders tensed up, and she took a deep breath. “It’s nothing. I just… it’s been a long day.”
Kenneth frowned, his concern deepening. “My Lady, I can see there’s more troubling you.”
“You needn’t worry about me, Your Grace. You can go ahead and enjoy yourself,” she responded.
“I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s truly bothering you,” Kenneth insisted, his voice firm.
She rounded on him, her eyes blazing. “You wouldn’t understand. This is not something that can be solved with your gallant efforts.”
Kenneth did not back down, his gaze steady. “Try me. I might surprise you.”
Beatrice clenched her fists. “Some things are beyond your reach, Your Grace.”
