Page 22 of Duke of Silver
“I had urgent estate matters that required my attention,” he said simply, his tone dismissive.
“I see,” she murmured, mostly to herself, feeling the weight of his gaze still upon her.
The silence between them stretched taut, and Elizabeth’s heart raced as she prepared herself to ask the question that had driven her here. “Are you not coming to bed?” she asked, her voice steady, though her nerves felt anything but.
His brow quirked ever so slightly. “There is no need for us to consummate the marriage, if that is what you are asking, Elizabeth,” he said flatly.
Heat flushed her cheeks, spreading through her body in a wave of mortification and frustration. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself momentarily stunned by the bluntness of his words.
“You never made clear the terms of our marriage from the start,” she finally managed, her voice tight with indignation.
“Would it have made a difference in your decision?” he returned, his tone still maddeningly calm.
“I still had a right to know,” she challenged, her heart thudding in her chest. His dictatorial manner, his refusal to include her in even the most personal decisions—how could she have been so naive to think there might be any semblance of partnership between them?
“Well, now you know,” he said, dismissively, as though the matter were of little consequence.
Elizabeth’s irritation flared. “This is nothing more than a marriage of convenience, then?” she demanded. “I see now. You have no intention of having children.”
“Exactly. I do not intend to sire any children,” he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
She hadn’t realized how much those words would hurt until she heard them spoken aloud. Disappointment and anger surged within her. She had unknowingly given up the hope of ever having a family of her own by entering into this marriage. It felt like a betrayal, as if something precious had been stolen from her without her knowledge.
“Who will be your heir, then?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
“Why, my brother, of course,” he said, as if the answer were obvious.
The mention of Percy brought a bitter taste to her mouth. Percy, who had thrust her into this situation. Percy, who had thought only of himself, leaving her to bear the consequences of his actions. Even from miles away, he was still haunting her life, still casting shadows over her future.
“Very well,” Elizabeth said, her voice strained but dignified. She straightened her back, holding herself tall as she bid him goodnight and turned on her heel, leaving the study behind.
The moment she returned to her chambers and closed the door behind her, the dam broke. Tears spilled freely down her cheeks, hot and unbidden. She had always dreamed of having children—of a family filled with laughter and warmth. And now, that dream was as distant as the stars, unreachable in the life she had chosen.
Or rather, the life that had been chosen for her.
CHAPTER 10
Alexander sat at his desk, the faint morning light filtering through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. He had been awake for hours, restless thoughts keeping sleep at bay, and now, with the day barely begun, he found himself already seeking answers. The knock he had been anticipating finally came.
“You summoned, Your Grace?” Mrs. Ryton entered, her brow furrowed slightly. It was early, far too early for his usual summons, and her presence conveyed that she, too, sensed something out of the ordinary. “Is everything alright, Your Grace?” she asked.
Alexander waved a hand dismissively, leaning back in his chair. “All is well,” he replied. “I simply wished to speak with you before the day carried on.”
He could see the relief in Mrs. Ryton’s posture as she offered a small nod.
“I trust the Duchess is settling in?” he ventured, though his mind already regretted the question. It was an indirect way of asking after Elizabeth, to inquire without showing too much of his own concern. He had brought her here, taken her from the life she knew, thrust her into this unfamiliar world of his. How could she not feel disoriented? He wondered if she had slept well, if the enormity of the changes had kept her awake as it had him.
Mrs. Ryton’s expression softened, her gaze gentle. “The poor young lady does seem a bit lost, Your Grace, as one would expect in such circumstances. But I am certain that, with time, she will find her footing.”
Alexander nodded slowly, the guilt settling deeper in his chest. He had seen the strain in Elizabeth’s eyes, though she had tried to hide it behind a composed exterior. He was grateful for Mrs. Ryton’s honesty. “I trust your judgment in helping her along.”
The housekeeper offered him a reassuring smile. “You need not worry, Your Grace. She’s in capable hands, and we will do all we can to make her feel at home.”
“I never doubted,” he said with a slight smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Although…” Mrs. Ryton hesitated, her expression clouding. Alexander’s brow furrowed as he leaned forward slightly.
“Is something amiss?”
