Page 115 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“Indeed,” Madeleine agreed quietly. “I will be fine, I promise.”
She held her friends’ gazes, nodding, urging them to go on without her.
In truth, she wished she felt up for visiting and dining as a group, for she was tiring of the same four walls. But her body was heavy, her mind was heavy, as was her heart. She could not stand it. She could not imagine facing another member of thetonand explaining why she was staying with the Easthalls.
To explain her argument with her husband was a thing she could not even stomach to think about.
Eventually, Tessa conceded and the couple left Madeleine alone to her woes.
Drifting through the remainder of her day, she tried to read once again, to no avail.
Every few lines her mind would drift back to her husband. What was he doing? Was he thinking of her? Had he returned to the countryside?
Her thoughts spun right through dinner. When she looked across the empty table, she swore she could imagine him. Those piercing eyes watching her, peeling back her defenses, complimenting her food and wine choice, the way he had looked at her as though she was more appealing than the meal itself.
So why had he suddenly closed her off and shut her away from him?
The question never once left her mind in the weeks since he had told her to leave him.
After dinner, she retreated back to the library. Her guest chamber was large and empty; she did not like being in there without it being necessary.
She had no sooner sat down with another book when the door opened and the butler was there.
“Your Grace, I have a message for you.”
He moved closer to her, offering her a letter.
It was not the thick, cream-colored letter with the Silverton seal she hoped for but she took it anyway, thanking him. He left, and Madeleine read the brief note.
My dearest wife,
I am writing to apologize to you for my heinous words. It was entirely uncalled for. Come home to me, Madeleine. Or, if you are reluctant to come home, then meet me at the West Pier by the Thames in an hour. I shall be waiting so I can display my true apology to you.
Yours,
Alexander.
Madeleine traced over the signed name, trying to figure out if she had seen her husband’s handwriting before.
She frowned, reading the words. They were not the usual smooth way he usually had but perhaps he felt awkward to apologize. His ego was large; coming to her to admit his wrongs likely was a pride hit.
And yet…
Something about the note was not right. Had the time apart made her husband sound so stiff with her? He could be formal at times when he was defensive but this seemed overly so.
Perhaps his actions truly had upset him too and he did not want to be too overly friendly, knowing forgiveness would be hard won.
It had been three long weeks—and was this very letter not what she had been waiting for? She had been waiting for him to welcome her back with open arms and an apology.
Hurrying to her feet, she ran upstairs to her chamber with a renewed sense of energy.
Her heart rose with hope, and a smile crept onto her face. Was it truly possible Alexander wanted her back, wanted to apologize?
She would see her husband again.
Madeleine giggled to herself as she fixed herself in the mirror. She had her hair brushed and styled, pretty once again. She changed her dress into a fine, pale pink gown that she would be able to go by the river in without it getting ruined.
Her stomach swept as she moved, nervous and excited, as if they were strangers courting for the first time.
