Page 69 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
Memories of what happened the night before came crashing down on her.
“No! No!” she groaned.
Her maid entered as swiftly and quietly as a mouse, bearing a small tray with a steaming cup and a covered dish.
“His Grace asked me to bring these to you, Your Grace,” she said softly, not meeting Wilhelmina’s bleary gaze. “He said they should make you feel better.”
“Did he now?” Wilhelmina asked, feeling doubly ashamed.
How many of the servants knew about what she’d done last night? What happened to Mrs. Everly?
“How thoughtful,” she mumbled.
She took the cup and dish, anyway, knowing that she definitely needed them. There was no immediate cure for mortification, though. She could still feel it for the rest of the morning. She didn’t think she could face her husband today.
A month had passed after the wedding.
Wilhelmina could not believe it. Somehow, the awkward meals were only made better by Hector’s presence. She loved spending time with the boy. This time, there was the added benefit of being able to avoid her husband.
Then came their first invitation to a ball as a married couple.
“This is our first public appearance together as man and wife,” Gerard declared, calm and collected as always.
It annoyed Wilhelmina that he could be like this while her palms were sweating.
“Are you nervous?”
“Me? No. Not at all,” she lied, even as she glared at him.
They walked side by side. She was grateful that he never once took her hand, not like how Robert used to do. Or else he would have discovered that her palms were clammy. And yet she felt a pang of disappointment in her chest.
Gerard was cold, and he would always be.
Her frown turned into a smile when she heard what could only be inappropriate squealing. Sure enough, her sisters came barreling at her, unheeding of the guests watching them with clear distaste.
“We missed you, Mina!” Daphne cried, hugging her tightly just like she used to when they were much younger.
“How do we actually miss her when we live in the same city?” Victoria asked.
“You don’t miss me, then?” Wilhelmina teased.
“Of course I miss you! I always do!” Victoria replied, looking affronted.
Daniel joined them, much to Wilhelmina’s delight.
“Good heavens, Sister,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I had to wonder if my eyes were deceiving me when I saw you arrive at the ball on time. What must His Grace have done to accomplish such a feat?”
“I am not always late, Daniel!” Wilhelmina protested, although deep down she was relieved to have some lighthearted interaction that didn’t involve a child of seven.
Hector was a little sweetheart, though. He made life at Talleystone much more manageable. There was always something to do.
“You are,” Daniel affirmed. “Even Lady Grisham had some difficulty making you get ready on time. How you escaped punishment from her still evades me.”
“I’ve heard whispers of the Duchess’s tendencies,” Gerard admitted, trying to stifle a smile. “However, tonight, she was already dressed before I even had my coat on.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed at Gerard momentarily, but after one glance at his sister, his features softened. “That is indeed some progress. Robert always spoiled her a little. He let her take her time.”
“Robert took his time, as well,” Wilhelmina said wistfully.
