Page 62 of My Blind Duke
“Thank you, Jefferson. That will be all.”
The butler bowed and took his leave, but William remained still in his chair, his thoughts lingering on the duchess.
He had told Prudence that what happened between them would not occur again, but it felt as though he had gone back on his word by just thinking about her so often.
Prudence had all but consumed every inch of his mind, asking more of him than he felt he was allowed to give. He had missed his daughter terribly and had hoped to make things right with her upon his return, but a part of him had longed for the duchess as well, wanting nothing more than to be the object of her focus once more.
William missed her voice, and her stubbornness, and he had missed being the target of her ire.
But as a result, he felt it would only endanger her if he were to go back on his word by giving into his desires.
“I would like to find the duchess a way to live a new life,” he had told Lord Montclair on the way back to Pemberly estate. “Itis clear all these rumors had picked her as the easiest victim simply because she was the easiest target. She deserves a fresh start. Do you have an inkling on how she could achieve such a goal?”
“A new husband, perhaps,”the marques snorted.“Although it would not be an easy feat. There are not many men who will be willing to marry the Black Widow. But perhaps it would be the easiest way to get her out of your hair.”
Hugo’s words gave him some semblance of hope that the end results that he hoped for, but it ate at his heart as well.
“Then… Please… find a way to make sure she gets such an opportunity with someone who will prioritize her well-being above all else.”
Hugo was silent, likely displeased by the task, still he opted for the answer William wanted to hear.
“Very well, Your Grace. I will begin the search right away.”
Although the idea left a bad taste his mouth, William knew this was for the best.
Absentmindedly, he wondered if he should send for her. But he likely should not, given that he was meant to put a stop to whatever attraction kept drawing them close to each other, and not encourage it. But it was growing extremely difficult to pretend he was not greedy for all that he could get from her.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he nearly missed the knocking at the door.
“Y-Yes?” he responded quickly, sitting up.
The door opened and soft footfalls approached his desk, the sweet scent that filled the air stirring up his heart as he recognized it.
“Good morning, Your Grace.”
William cleared his throat.
“Duchess. Good morning.”
“I am pleased to see that you returned safe and sound. How were your travels?” Prudence questioned her tone even.
“Pleasant and fulfilling. It seems my estate did not implode in my absence and I know I have you to thank for that.”
“Hardly,” she scoffed lightly. “You have put enough fear of God into the hearts of your household, that no one would dare make a costly mistake if they value their heads. Your Grace.”
It sounded like she added the last bit as an afterthought and it made William grin.
“All right. If you say so. Still, I was told my daughter is in good health, and I know you oversee her care. You have my gratitude,” he told her softly.
William heard her exhale sharply, and then she said,
“You should not have to hear about her well-being. I expected that you would have attempted to see her by now.”
“When? Late last night when I arrived? I was informed that she was asleep. Or this morning when I was told that she was having breakfast with you?”
Prudence was silent for a moment, then she began to stutter. “I did not mean it like that. It is just–”
“I know. I understand,” he cut her off gently. “I have every intention to see her. I bought her a gift from my travels and I do intend to apologize for my behavior. I just… have not gotten around to doing it yet. But I will.”
