Page 62 of The Duke and his Hellion
“Talk to him,” Harriet said firmly, her expression turning serious. “If you are feeling conflicted or you are filled with doubts, you need to discuss it with your husband. Marriage is built on trust and open communication. Do not let gossip come between you.”
Abigail nodded, her face flushing a bit. “You are right,” she said with a laugh. “I need to talk to Charles about this — to hear the truth from him directly.”
Harriet smiled and nodded. “That's my girl! Talk to your husband, Abby. It is the only way you will ever know the whole truth.”
Abigail felt tears prick at her eyes. “Thank you, Harriet,” she whispered and Harriet's smile widened.
“That's what sisters are for,” she said warmly. “Now, enough of this serious talk! Why don't you tell me what you find being a duchess like? I want to hear all about what you've been up to.”
Abigail laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. The rest of the conversation was light, and once the sun began to set, Abigail rose reluctantly.
“I should be getting home,” she said, embracing Harriet tightly. “Thank you for everything, Harriet. Really.”
Harriet hugged her back just as fiercely. “Anytime, Abby. And good luck with the conversation!”
Abigail laughed softly, her heart feeling a little lighter as she climbed into the carriage once again.
CHAPTER30
The carriage ride back to Grouton Manor passed in a blur of nervous anticipation. By the time Abigail arrived home, it was almost time for dinner and she rushed to her bedchamber, changing into a simple evening gown and steeling herself for the conversation ahead.
As she descended the stairs for dinner, her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Charles was already sitting at the table when she entered the dining room and he rose to greet her, a warm smile on his lips.
“Abigail,” he said, pulling out her chair. “I hope you had a pleasant day. I do apologize for being so impossibly busy with work lately.”
“It's alright,” Abigail said with a smile. “I visited Harriet and the baby today.”
“Ah, how are they?” Charles asked, with genuine interest in his voice.
“They're well,” Abigail replied, her voice soft. “Graham is growing so quickly.”
They lapsed into silence as the first course was served and Abigail pushed her food around her plate, her appetite deserting her as she tried to summon the courage to broach the heaviness weighing on her mind.
It was Charles who spoke first, a thin frown between his brows.
“Abigail… if you will forgive my bluntness. Is something the matter?”
Abigail nodded slowly and he tilted his head.
“Talk to me.”
“You are right, Charles,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “There is something I need to discuss with you.”
Charles looked up, his brow furrowing at her serious tone. “Of course, Abigail. What is it?”
Abigail felt her cheeks flush as she struggled to find the right words. “I… I want you to know that… I do not want you to think… I mean… you're a good husband, you've been a good husband,” she said at last. “And I know… I believe that you wouldn't be unfaithful, but… for my peace of mind, I need to ask you something.”
Charles set down his fork, giving her his full attention. “Go on,” he said gently and she took another deep breath — forcing herself to meet his gaze.
“I… I've noticed a certain way in which women react to you,” she said at last. “At the market, at parties… at the inn we visited. And then… I've heard rumors. About your past and I just need to know… Have you… were any of those women…”
She trailed off, unable to finish the question, but Charles seemed to understand.
His expression softened and he reached out a hand to take hers.
“Ah,” he said softly. “So that is what has been bothering you. I knew something was off. I saw it at the inn, and again at the Pembertons', but I could not quite put my finger on what it was.”
Abigail nodded, her cheeks burning even hotter. “I am sorry,” she whispered. “I do not mean to pry or to accuse. I just…”
