Page 20 of Duke of Emeralds
Thomas quirked a surprised brow, his eyes widening slightly, but he didn’t argue, simply nodded his head in acquiescence.
Hester swallowed, her throat tight with nerves. She knew that it was time they discussed the true terms of their marriage, and she made certain things very clear to him.
“Since it’s our wedding night, naturally, it is expected of us to… be together,” she began tentatively, her fingers twisting together. “So in the privacy of these two rooms, we will remain close enough to not start any speculations about our relationship but far enough from each other to not carry out any… matrimonial obligations,” she added, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Thomas was quiet for a moment, his eyes never leaving her face, and then he said, “I dinnae realize ye gave that much credit to what people expect and say of ye.”
Hester bristled, her chin lifting slightly in defiance. “I beg your pardon,” she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. “But isn’t that the reason why you married me in the first place? Because you also give just as much credit to others’ opinions of you, if not more?” she challenged, her hands flying to her hips.
And he chuckled, the nerve of him, but she didn’t back down, simply raising her brow slightly as she waited for his response.
“That is true enough,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “I need to blend into English society if I am to make a success of me stature and Dukedom,” he added, his shoulders squaring slightly.
“Very well,” Hester replied, her chin lifting slightly. “You’ve gotten what you wanted. An English bride. Now, it’s time for you to give that bride what she wants, too.”
“Which is?” Thomas asked with that amusement in his eyes; the way he always regarded her with an odd interest never failed to leave her self-conscious and blushing.
“Are,” she corrected. “There’s more than one,” she added, her fingers nervously twisting together.
“I’m listening,” Thomas said, his eyes never leaving her face.
Hester took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring slightly. “Our marriage will not be a real one,” she began. “As such, you will not come into my chambers, starting tonight. And we will avoid each other at night.”
Thomas was quiet for a moment then he argued, “And here I thought I’d need an heir.”
Guilt twisted in her gut, but she shook her head. “I… I do not want children,” she returned.
But deep down, she knew she was lying to herself.
CHAPTER 11
Hester sighed. The thought of a family, of a little one to love and cherish, was something she had always wanted. But she couldn’t risk it, not when she knew the pain and heartache that came with love and loss. It was best to avoid it all together. If children were to be the ultimate sacrifice, then so be it.
“As you wish, Duchess,” Thomas surprisingly agreed. His acquiescence left her slightly skeptical, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied his face.
“I will be in the sitting area if ye need anything then,” he said. “Or happen to change yer mind,” he added with an impish glint in his eyes.
Hester felt herself blush profusely, her cheeks warming under his gaze. Thomas must have noticed her reaction and gotten the response he wanted, for he burst out laughing then, the sound rich and warm.
“If you will excuse me, I should like to change and have dinner now,” Hester said as she shooed her husband out of the room.
She had dismissed her lady’s maid, Miss Holt, earlier, to keep up appearances since she had no intention of having a proper wedding night. Relief eased through her as the door closed behind Thomas, leaving her alone in the room.
She made her way to the small table where their meal awaited them, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filling the air. She took a seat then glanced at the door. Thomas might rejoin her soon, and she was unsure if she welcomed his company.
He did so moments later, his tall frame filling the doorway as he entered the room. He took a seat across from her, his eyes never leaving her face.
“But why do we have to avoid each other completely at night?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her.
“You seem to find all of this amusing, do you not?”
“Certainly. I cannae understand why a bride avoids her groom so.”
Hester felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she recalled the rumors Nancy had shared. How could she possibly tell him that a part of her was afraid those rumors could be true? And that she didn’t want to risk seeing him prowling the night in his wolf form?
“You shall get your answer after I’ve had my meal,” Hester finally said, her chin lifting slightly as she shooed him out of the room once more.
Thomas chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Ye take dinner very seriously, don’t ye?” he asked as she reached for a second helping of some mash and gravy.
