Page 14 of Taming a Beastly Duke
I am unworthy of this desire, he thought, growling into the wind which was hitting his cheeks. I do not deserve any chance at happiness while Charlotte’s death remains unresolved.
He had to stay away from Miss Barrett. No matter how much his body yearned for her.
Marcus rode until late afternoon, when he returned with windburned cheeks and a mind no more at ease than when he started his ride. He summoned his valet to help him change out of his riding habit and into a dull gray wool suit, then sought out his grandmother. He intended to tell her that for as long as she was entertaining Miss Barrett and her aunt, he would returnto his country-seat. However, when he found her in the drawing room, the words died on his lips. Augusta was having tea with Edith, Lady Helena, Thomas and Miss Barrett. And just settling in to join them was Edwin.
“I am relieved to see that you will be all right,” he was saying as Marcus entered. “I shudder to think what might have befallen you. It was nearly unbearable to wait this long to call upon you and enquire after your well-being.”
Tension began building in Marcus at once, and he silenced the words he had ready on his lips. Augusta was giving her youngest grandson approving smiles as he fawned over Miss Barrett’s health. Marcus gave his grandmother a stiff kiss on the cheek, nodding curtly to the other people in the room before moving to the fireplace. He was careful to avoid Miss Barrett’s direct gaze, though he gave her a sidelong glance, unable to stifle his concern. She did appear to be well, and she was smiling, which instantly weakened him. But he looked away and was quickly distracted by Miss Potter’s sudden appearance with a teacup already poured.
“Here you are, Your Grace,” she said with a smile that seemed overly innocent.
He nodded, taking the cup and dismissing the maid. He did not know why she made him so uncomfortable. He only knew that he was always glad when she was gone.
“Marcus, you are just in time,” his cousin said. “I was just preparing to invite the ladies to join me at the Pump Room tomorrow morning. Naturally, that invitation extends to you and Thomas, as well.”
Marcus choked back a chortle as he sipped his tea.
“That sounds delightful,” he said flatly. “I can think of nothing better than bathing with two men.”
Edwin laughed heartily, a sound which grated Marcus’s nerves.
“These ladies are so lovely, I doubt that we will have any time to pay attention to one another,” he said solicitously.
Marcus bristled at the insinuation, incensed that Edwin would conceive of Miss Barrett in such a manner. Perhaps, it was hypocritical though, considering the way he had thought of her since their first interaction in the library. But to see their grandmother, Edith, and Lady Helena giggling, as though what he had said was perfectly innocent and harmless, while he knew the opposite was true, infuriated him. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the mantle, and he barely resisted the urge to snarl at his cousin.
“Perhaps the mineral water will help soothe your illness,” Thomas said in his usual calm, comforting voice. But even his friend could not reduce the anger building in Marcus. Along with the agitation came more dizziness, which further soured Marcus’s mood. It was clear that Edwin had intentions toward Miss Barrett. While Marcus knew he was no good for such a beautiful, sweet young lady, he couldn't help but notice the way Edwin gazed a little too long ather and smiled with a shyness that Marcus knew he lacked when she met his eyes. It was evident that Edwin was determined to pursue Miss Barrett. All others may perceive only the allure of which Edwin was most certainly capable. But Marcus knew there was far more to his cousin, and that those intentions were far more impure than his own were.
The women laughed in harmony as Edwin began telling some tale about a rescue he performed at the Pump Room many years prior. Marcus watched with barely contained irritation as Edwin pretended to accidentally touch Miss Barrett’s hand as he reached for the tray of cakes.
She blushed and laughed, but it was nervous, not relaxed and delighted, as it had been with Edith in the milliner’s shop. He decided right then that he would not be leaving for his country-seat. He did not know precisely why but protecting Miss Barrett, from whatever Edwin’s machinations, was more important than keeping himself away from her.
Chapter Seven
The following morning, Lord Thomas who had arrived early to call in on the duke, along with Adelaide, the Dowager Duchess, Helena, and Edith entered the Pump Room. The women had chosen cotton purple, blue, and gray bathing gowns, respectively, while Adelaide’s was green linen. The skirts of their bathing gowns trailed behind them like delicate clouds, giving them the illusion of floating. However, Adelaide felt anything but light.
While the bathhouse was beautiful, with its exquisite marble floors and ornate Corinthian columns, Adelaide could not forget the event of the previous day. She had been in Bath for less than three days, and she had given its citizens more of a reason to gossip than her peers in London had received. She was sure that if anyone recognized her while they were there, the gossip would start anew and ruin the day for everyone. The classical frescoes adorning the ceiling were aglow with the sunlight streaming through the grand windows. Yet, it did little to alleviate her unease.
Edith linked her arm with Adelaide’s, giving her a gentle pat.
“You look beautiful, Adelaide,” she said, smiling warmly at her. “It is a pity to see such a solemn expression on the face of someone who is about to bask in Bath’s finest luxury.”
Adelaide shrugged sheepishly, regretting that her distress was affecting others in their party.
“I suppose I worry too much,” she said.
Edith nodded, giving her a small wink.
“I should say so,” she replied. “You must endeavour to relax. You experienced a most dreadful fright yesterday. This day is intended for your repose, to help you quiet your mind and dismiss all your cares. Do not trouble yourself with anxieties that may never come to pass.”
Adelaide nodded with another smile. She was sure the troubles she feared would find her. But she desperately needed the comfort that Edith’s advice offered. She forced her shoulders and expression to relax, offering a genuine smile.
“You are quite correct,” she replied. “And this is such a delightful establishment. I have never encountered a bathhouse so exquisite.”
Edith nodded, tugging on her arm.
“And this is only part of it,” she said, stopping a smartly dressed waiter carrying a tray of drinks and taking two glasses of wine. “Come. Let me give you a tour.”
Edith was right. The bathhouse was lovelier with each corner they explored. Crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across the floors while the uniformed pump attendant dispensed the mineral waters from the elaborate fountain. Adelaide wrinkled her nose at the sulfurous taste. She turned her face away reflexively, despite the inability to escape the pungent fragrance.
