Page 78 of An Accidental Bride for the Duke
Time to heal was what Iris needed, and it would be done alone as it was a common theme in her life. The way she had acted these last few weeks, that was one thing Iris could be sure of.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Philip was in his office when Percy knocked on the door.
He was supposed to be working, but he found it impossible to focus. It had been two days now since Iris left him and try as he might, he simply could not forget about her.
Why is it so hard? When we first married, pretending that she did not exist was the easiest of things! And now that she isn’t here, it’s all I can do not to think about her.
The memories only made things worse. He wanted to focus on the bad. The hard times. When he had hated having her around and spurned the very sight of her. But whenever she came to mind, he would see her smile, her kind eyes, hear her laughter as if she were in the room. He would remember the taste of her lips, and the last night they had spent together…
That is what makes this all the harder. A perfect night, confirmation for both of us that we were meant to be together. Suddenly torn asunder because… because of me.
He did not even blame her anymore. That she had broken his trust was one thing, but his reaction was unnecessary. It was a defense mechanism and rather than admitting the fact, he’d dug in and refused to budge. Stubborn until the end.
When Percy appeared in the doorway, he was glad for the distraction.
“I thought I’d find you here.” Percy remained leaning on the doorway. “Where else would you be hiding.”
“I’m not hiding,” Philip said sharply. “I’m working.”
“If you say so.”
Percy said nothing after that. He folded his arms and watched Philip behind the desk. His expression flat, judgmental, and fixed upon him with the sense that he had something he wanted to say. Something Philip guessed he wasn’t going to like hearing.
“What?” Philip barked. “What is that look?”
“What look?”
“Whatever it is,” Philip continued, temper rising. “You did not come here to gawk, did you? So come on then, out with it.”
Percy exhaled sharply from his nose. “I just thought you’d like to know, I decided to go for a little wander through the manor. It occurred to me earlier that since arriving here, I’ve spent most of my time in the western wing…” He raised an eyebrow at Philip.
Philip frowned. “And? That’s where your rooms are located. This is not exactly new information.”
“Figured I might check out the eastern wing,” Percy said simply. “It’s been so long since I’ve bothered wandering to that side of the manor.”
Philip felt his stomach twist and he grimaced from the sensation and the fresh wave of despair it brought. He knew well what Percy was implying. Just as he knew this was not a conversation he wished to have.
“Good for you,” Philip said dismissively and then bent his head down as if he meant to get back to work. “Now, if you do not mind, I have work?—”
“I was surprised by what I found…” Percy pushed himself off the doorway and sauntered inside. “Although I suppose I shouldn’t have been. And don’t worry, I didn’t go into your bedroom. That is not what I mean.”
“Percy…” he spoke through a clenched jaw.
“It was the rest of it that drew my interest. How barren it was. How empty and lifeless. Almost as if it were on purpose.”
Philip’s right foot began to tap. “This is a big house. Until last month, I was its only resident. I can’t be expected to keep up every square inch. What would be the point.”
“Oh, I know that, Philip. I just find it strange that the eastern wing is where you have chosen to turn a blind eye.” He reached the desk and placed his palms flat on it as he leaned over. “I can’t help but wonder if there is a reason.”
“Say what you mean,” Philip snarled without looking.
“You know what I mean,” Percy shot back. “Just as you knowwhatit means.”
Philip’s breathing had become heavy. But it was not anger that was doing it. Rather, guilt and shame took him fully in that moment so that he felt the small office turn around him.
As a child, the eastern wing had been where his mother and father resided, the duke and duchess’ wing, as it was known. And after his father had died, his mother had stayed there for two years before she too had passed on. And during those two years, during which Percy had been born, not once had Philip dared to venture to that side of the house.
