Page 47 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Oh, really?” Ava asked.
“Indeed.” Edith hesitated, considering her words. “He is still no less of a mystery to me.”
“Even after two weeks of cohabiting?” Ava’s eyebrows flew up.
“Yes. I understand that he is a duke and must work to keep his duchy afloat, and yet…” Edith swallowed hard. “I do wish he would be more… present.”
“I fear that is a complaint many wives have about their husbands.”
“Christian seems rather present,” Edith quipped, glancing at Ava’s rounded belly.
“Oh, hush, I am simply lucky. The Duke of Richmond is more an anomaly than the norm.”
“Do you think he could teach my husband how to be as odd?”
“I am afraid it is part innate and part learned,” Ava said. “I am sure that my husband could teach your husband a thing ortwo. However, there needs to be an openness to that kind of education.”
“I have yet to convince him to dine with me and Tilly. I am afraid he would not be open to any education,” Edith sighed.
“Well then, we must simply hope there is something innate to help him along.” Ava eyed her carefully. “I am sure he has taught you many innate or… intimate things?”
Edith felt her cheeks redden and bowed her head.
“Ava!” She let out a scandalized laugh.
“Am I incorrect?” Ava asked with a grin.
“That is not the point!” Edith protested. “This is not the sort of conversation we should be having here.”
“No, I suppose not, but your response told me more than you realize.”
“In what way?”
“Well, I can tell that even if you and your husband have not fulfilled your marital duties,” Ava explained, “it sounds like you might want to.”
“I…” Edith trailed off and looked down.
Frankly, she did not have the words to express her feelings or what was happening between her and Laurence. She opened her mouth to explain, but promptly closed it again.
After a moment, she felt Ava’s hand on hers. “It seems I have teased you too much.”
“No, no,” Edith said, taking a deep breath to compose herself. “I am all right.”
“Are you? For I’ve never seen you quite so… emotional.”
“In truth, I am unaccustomed to behaving this way,” Edith admitted.
Ava nodded slowly. “When I first married Christian, neither of us quite knew how to act. With some work and time, you’ll both find your footing.”
“I hope so,” Edith whispered. “I know I should rest assured in the knowledge that our marriage is based on practicality, not love, and yet…” She swallowed hard. “And yet I cannot stop thinking about him.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I’m afraid to say.”
“I see.” Ava nodded. “Well, you will just have to see where life takes you both.”
Laurence quietly watched Edith and Ava talk. The conversation that James and the others were having was hardly of interest. His mind was much more focused on his wife, and he could feel himself being pulled to her.
