Page 71 of Trapped with the Forbidden Duke
“A wife who is trying to interfere in my business. We agreed that you are my wife in name only.”
Edwina barked out a laugh. “It did seem that way last night when you were pleasuring me, asking me to voice my pleasure as I wished.”
Lucien slowly dropped his quill and lifted his gaze back to hers. “Do you wish me to bend you over my desk right now, then?” He so enjoyed how her face flushed at the bluntness of his question. “To slide my hand back between your legs and enter you once more?”
“N-No,” she muttered. “I am here as your wife in other areas. I am not trying to interfere in your business ventures, Lucien. Although, Heavens knows I would likely understand a great deal. I am here to ask what Jasper meant by you having a strained relationship with your relatives. I was under the impression that you were in contact with them.”
“I am.”
“So why did he?—”
“Edwina.”
“No. No, Lucien. Do not say my name as though I am asking about things I should not know about. You can share things with me. We are husband and wife, and you know about my family’s secrets.”
“I do now,” he countered. “It took you a long time, and even then, I only found out thanks to that broken bottle. You neededto keep your secrets for a reason, as do I now. It is my business, not yours.”
He saw her flinch back, her eyes flickering with hurt.
“Edwina—”
“No, you are right. I was ashamed of my brother’s addiction. I was protecting him, and myself. How selfish of me not to predict that when the situation was reversed, I would be met with the same behavior.”
She pulled back, moving further away from his desk.
“Come back,” he said.
“I shall leave you to your business,” she murmured, before slipping out of the study.
Chapter Twenty-Two
In her chamber, Edwina sat at her writing desk, which was littered with paper, inkpots, and quills.
She had already drafted a letter several times, trying to work out how not to sound like a clucking, fussing hen, and trying to work out how to describe her first week and a half at her new home.
Dear Aunt Isabel,
Good morning from Stormhold!
Immediately, she started over again.
First off, it is rather beautiful here. Stormhold Hall is surrounded by woodland and a lovely village that I have not visited yet but will later today. Married life is well. The Duke and I are very happy.
How is Nicholas? I think of his recovery every day, and I hope he will be able to write to me soon. I cannot wait to visit you both. I am sure it will be soon! Do send word when you can.
Yours,
Edwina Fitzgerald.
It was the first time she had signed her new surname on a letter. It felt rather strange yet oddly freeing at the same time.
Edwina sealed the short note and called for her lady’s maid.
Swiftly, Lily stepped into her room.
“See that this is sent to Red Acre Lodge,” Edwina instructed. “And alert me of any response, no matter the hour.”
“Of course, Your Grace. Are you ready for your outing to the village?”
