Page 69 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
Philip turned slightly. “I want you to cease following my wife.”
John blinked in surprise. “Is there a reason why, Your Grace?”
Philip recalled the discussion that had altered his perspective.
“I must say,” Thomas quipped, leaning back in his chair with a playful grin on his face, “it is refreshing to see you so open with the Duchess. Who would have thought the Duke of Oakdale could be so…affectionate?”
Kenneth chuckled, nodding in agreement. “You are positively besotted, Philip. It suits you.”
Philip shrugged, a smile breaking through despite his attempts at seriousness. “Perhaps I am. Aurelia is…different. I never expected to feel this way.”
Thomas interjected, “Have you told her the entire truth about her father? I suspect she deserves to know.”
Philip sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “No, I have not.”
A sudden silence filled the room.
“Why not?” Thomas pressed, his eyebrow arched. “You should tell her, share the burden, Philip. That is what marriage is about—overcoming hardships together.”
“Thomas is right,” Kenneth added, leaning forward. “The new Duchess is quite smitten with you. She deserves to know everything. She is your wife now. Shielding her from the truth will only create more distance. Trust her. She will stand by you.”
The words had struck Philip deeply. At that moment, he had felt a veil lift from his eyes and he understood that withholding the truth was not the path forward.
Turning back to John, he said, “I trust Her Grace. I believe she will not meet with her father.”
John remained quiet, his expression uncertain.
“What is it?” Philip asked him.
“It’s not my place to question your decisions, Your Grace,” John said. “But I will do whatever you ask of me.”
“Good. I want you to investigate Keldbrooke. Monitor his movements and report back to me,” Philip instructed.
John’s brow furrowed. “What do you intend to do with Lord Keldbrooke?”
Philip’s lips curled into a mysterious smile. “That is something I will address in due time.”
John nodded, though a trace of concern lingered in his eyes. “As you wish, Your Grace.”
Philip stepped out of his study after John had left and walked onto the manor’s grounds in search of his wife, feeling a sudden need to be near her. As he made his way through the winding paths of their garden he spotted her among the vibrant flowerbeds, picking flowers and placing them into a basket held by her maid.
The sight of her surrounded by bright and cheerful colors tugged at his heart. He detected a hint of sadness in her demeanor, likely due to the departure of their friends the day prior.
“Aurelia,” he called, a smile breaking across his face.
She turned, her surprise evident as she blinked at him. “Philip! I did not realize you would be out so early. Is there something you need?”
“Perhaps biscuits and tea to boost my efficiency?” he replied, adopting a playful tone.
“Really? I could have Eilidh fetch some for you!” she suggested, her eyes twinkling.
Philip laughed as he stepped toward her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “Not quite. What I truly need is not biscuits or tea.”
She furrowed her brow in curiosity. “Then tell me what you need. Whatever it is, I shall ensure the maids bring it to you.”
Shaking his head, Philip leaned down slightly, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Are you certain?” he questioned, and she nodded. “I want you to come up to my study.Thatis what I need.”
Aurelia’s cheeks flushed a deep red and she buried her face against his shirt, momentarily flustered. “Philip! I am all dirty from the garden.”
