Page 38 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“They all sound splendid!” Hector cried. “I would love to travel too, if Papa will allow it.”
He glanced at his father, silently seeking reassurance.
“When you are older, Hector,” the Duke said.
Wilhelmina couldn’t help but reflect on the disparity between widows and widowers, how her freedom was measured differently, and how the Duke could simply stride through the world while she had to navigate invisible boundaries.
“Your father is right,” she murmured, though her eyes stayed on Hector.
The boy’s delight softened into something quieter, more contemplative. He and Victoria had seamlessly fallen into conversation, a small bubble of innocence in a world that often demanded far too much.
Wilhelmina shook her head at the thought of women vying for the Duke’s attention, oblivious to his devotion to his son.
“Lady Slyham, have you seen the shelf with the knights and dragons?” Hector asked, tugging at her sleeve.
“Why, not yet, Lord Hector. I’d love to see it,” she replied, letting him lead her to a corner of the shop she had not yet explored.
The Duke remained a silent shadow a few paces behind, his hands clasped behind his back, his expression unreadable. His presence unsettled her in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
Hector’s small fingers trailed along the spines of books as he guided her. “Here, My Lady. You’d enjoy this one,” he said, handing her a slim volume.
Wilhelmina flipped through it, noting the sparse illustrations. “You read beyond your years, My Lord,” she observed.
“Yes, I do,” he confirmed proudly. “You should see more of my books at home.”
“I-I don’t think that would be proper,” she stammered, aware of the Duke’s gaze on her.
“That would be wonderful,” Victoria blurted, then glanced at the Duke nervously.
Hector turned to her eagerly. “Can I show you some of my favorite adventure stories if you ever visit?”
“Oh, certainly! I’d love to read as many adventure stories as I can; I consider them practice for adventures I’ll embark on someday!” Victoria replied, beaming.
“May I join you one day?” Hector asked, his eyes wide.
“You have many plans, My Lord,” Victoria hedged. “When you’re grown, perhaps. Only time will tell.”
“Knights and dragons,” the Duke said suddenly, his voice quiet but firm, arching an eyebrow. “Will they be your next conquest, Lady Slyham?”
Wilhelmina lowered her gaze, her cheeks pinkening. Was he teasing her, or merely commenting on her choice of books?
“Dragons do surround me,” she replied carefully, “if the ton insists on their importance. Yet the outcasts—the so-called monsters—are often more courteous.”
“Mhm,” he murmured. “Still, even dragons must unleash their fire at some point.”
“As they should,” she agreed, meeting his gaze. “And some people deserve to feel the burn.”
A small smile curved his lips, and for a moment, Wilhelmina simply basked in it. Recognition arced between them—subtle, electric, and impossible to ignore.
Before the silence could settle into something warmer, the door swung open again. Wilhelmina wondered why this bookshop drew large crowds when other shops were equally open.
She turned and groaned inwardly. Her mother and Daphne had arrived. Reflexively, she took a step back from the Duke.
Lady Grisham swanned in as if the shop were a ballroom, every movement thoroughly practiced and elegant. Daphne followed, pleasant but obedient in her shadow.
“Wilhelmina,” Lady Grisham began, her voice carrying that familiar chill. “What on earth is happening? We’ve been—oh, dear.” Her eyes landed on the Duke. “Your Grace. Pardon me. This is… unexpected.”
“Lady Grisham,” Gerard greeted smoothly, inclining his head. “Lady Daphne. I am pleased to see you both.”
