Page 40 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
“You look beautiful, Duchess,” he murmured, his voice low and tightly controlled.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she replied coolly, slipping her hand into the crook of his arm as they made their way to the waiting carriage.
The journey to the ball passed in silence although Aurelia’s mind raced. She would see her father, interact with other nobles and possibly, finally make some friends.
Perhaps this evening would bring a touch of normalcy to her otherwise strained existence. However, when they arrived at the grand estate and were greeted by their host, her hopes were immediately dashed.
“Greetings, Your Graces,” the Marchioness of Thornton greeted, bowing politely to them. “Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your wedding,” she said with a small smile that Aurelia returned. “I must say, I was a little surprised when I heard of the union. Such an unlikely pair, especially given what happened to…”
“Lady Thornton, you have broached an extremely bothersome topic that affects my wife greatly,” Philip cut in immediately. “This is an exceptionally beautiful ball. I would rather we only speak of joyous things to match the mood,” he said, pullingAurelia to his side, holding her close as though he was a doting husband.
Instead of responding to him, Aurelia plastered a smile on her face, nodding at the older woman before she recalled what it was that she wanted to ask her.
“Lady Thornton, I would like to know if my father has yet arrived,” she asked, as she felt Philip go rigid beside her.
“Your father, Your Grace?” the Marchioness asked, her eyes darting from the young Duchess to her husband. “I am afraid he has not, although he sent a note saying he was unduly delayed,” she said, before bowing politely. “He was called to Wales for urgent business.”
“Urgent business?” Aurelia couldn’t help but ask.
Her heart sank and she glanced at Philip, her expression tight. Something about the Marchioness’s explanation didn’t sit well with her.
Delayed in Wales? It was too convenient. Too perfectly aligned with the warning Philip had given her about staying away from her father now that she was a Duchess.
Perhaps he thought that if the Ton saw her with her father there would be murmurs about what had happened with his brother.
Her suspicions grew as they made the rounds, exchanging pleasantries with the other guests. With each passing minute the doubt lingering in the back of her mind became more distressing.
When she finally found a moment alone with Philip at a small corner table, she could no longer contain herself.
“You did this, did you not?” Aurelia’s voice was quiet, but it carried the weight of her accusation. She kept her expression neutral, though her eyes blazed with frustration.
Philip looked at her, his face impassive. “Did what, exactly?”
“My father…—his absence,” she bit out, her voice rising slightly. “You had something to do with his absence. Do not think I am blind to your schemes.”
Philip didn’t deny it. He smirked and took a sip of his wine before answering. “I did what was necessary. You are the Duchess of Oakdale now, and your place is here by my side, not chasing after your criminal of a father.”
Aurelia stared at him in disbelief. “How could you say that? He is my father!”
“And a murderer,” Philip said coldly. “Do not forget that, Aurelia. Do not forget why you are here.”
Her hands shook with anger and she fought to keep her voice steady. “I had begun to think…I had begun to believe there was more to you than this but I was wrong. How easily I allowed myself to forget the kind of man you are.”
Philip raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking. “And what kind of man is that, my wife?”
“A cruel one,” she hissed. “A man without honor. Without decency.”
For a moment she saw something like hurt in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I told you not to mistake me for an ally, Duchess. I am not a loving husband, despite what we have to make the Ton believe.”
She recoiled as if he had slapped her, although she was more terrified of the reason behind her reaction.
Do I want him to be a loving husband?
“I have no desire to remain here,” she said, her voice filled with hurt and anger. “But I suppose I must, for the sake of appearances.”
Philip’s expression hardened. “Yes, you will stay. This is our first public appearance as husband and wife. You have a duty to fulfill and I expect you to play your part.”
