Chapter 4

“Iam starting to fear this was not a blessing,” Lydia stressed, looking anxiously out the window in the bridal room. “A week is too soon, and we’ve learned nothing about the Duke other than what little he’s shared with us. I was not expecting his mask to be something so permanent. He must have done something awful to be that deformed.”

“Lydia, please,” Alice urged, lifting the massive skirts of her wedding gown so she could go to her sister. “Worry not about this. I am confident in my decision, and just like you and Papa had said in the beginning, this is for the best.”

Lydia’s excitement about Duncan’s proposal had quickly waned when she was made aware of his deformities as well as the limited information the London tonseemed to have on him. All she had been able to ascertain thus far was that he was quiet, domineering, and stuck to himself as much as possible. It also did not help that, as promised, he had provided everything for the wedding but the dress.

Lydia had even gone so far as to try to dissuade their father from allowing the marriage, but that had led to nowhere. In fact, she was downright laughed at when she had brought it up. Owen Knight was so satisfied to finally have one daughter married off—to a duke, no less—that he didn’t care about Lydia’s opinion.

When she tried to push him again though, he grew angry and threatened to cut off her allowance. Lydia had kept her disapproval to herself and her sisters after that. Which had only become a burden for Alice, who was already struggling with her new reality.

So many things swirled in her mind. Duncan did not want marriage. He did not want heirs. But there had been a passion, real and true, in their kiss, and though they’d met by arguing, their banter afterwards had not just been fun but somehow safe. It was all too strange to make any sense of, but she did know one thing: the man who had given her her first kiss, who’d given her her first taste of passion, was marrying her today.

“I am not so sure,” Lydia retorted worriedly. “What if he is a violent man?” she asked, wringing her hands. “He certainly looks capable of violence.”

“He is not violent,” Alice assured her with a laugh.

Though, if truth be told, she had no evidence of this, and her sister was right about his appearance. Still, when he looked at her, she did not feel terrified but safe.

“In fact, he was quite chivalrous when he proposed,” Alice added, her eyes glossing over as she remembered. “He was so truthful. And patient. The way he handled Father was—” She paused, laughing again. “It was the most satisfying thing I have ever witnessed.”

“You like him!” Lydia gasped suddenly, her eyes once more growing wide with alarm.

Alice felt a blush spread across her cheeks and bosom as she mentally traced over Duncan’s scarred face. She had not found him ugly. Not in the least.

“I am intrigued by him,” she allowed herself to admit, feeling suddenly shy.

Lydia was looking at her curiously when a knock sounded at the door, and Juliet appeared. In her bridesmaid gown, she looked more grown-up than ever, and Alice felt a well of emotion as she pictured her baby sister on her own wedding day.

“You look perfect,” Juliet sighed, walking slowly toward Alice with open arms. “A stunning bride is before us.”

Her small arms wrapped around Alice delicately, so as not to crush the layers of tulle, but Alice pulled her tightly to her, not caring at all about the dress.

“Thank you, Sister,” Alice replied emphatically, pulling her little sister back so they could look at one another.

“Father is ready for you,” Juliet informed her, stepping to the side and linking their arms. “As is your soon-to-be-husband. Are you ready?”

“I am,” Alice declared with a nod, meaning it.

The small church they’d settled on was just a stretch outside of London, sitting on the edge of the countryside. Alice had been allowed to invite Barbara and her family, and her father had invited some well-connected cousins, but there was no one on Duncan’s side of the church.

He stood alone and proud on the pulpit of the church he’d picked outside of London as she let her father lead her down the aisle, and she felt her heart ache for him when his eyes found hers. Even behind the mask, she could see the satisfaction in his eyes. If he was bothered by his lack of witnesses, he was not showing it in the least.

“You look radiant,” Duncan murmured as she stood before him.

“Thank you,” Alice replied quietly, blushing as she felt butterflies in her stomach. “Your jacket is quite fetching. It suits you well.”

He nodded at her appreciatively, but his face went blank and emotionless as they turned toward the priest. His emotionless expression never changed as the day seemed to move in a quick blur of exchanged vows, a signed register, and goodbyes to her family after a brief reception of tea and cake in the church’s meeting room.

Through everything, Duncan’s words were polite but short, and unless directly spoken to, he did not offer a word to anyone. Alice had very little time to worry about it though, and before she knew it, she was hugging Lydia, Juliet, and Barbara goodbye, and giving an awkward nod to her father, who had more or less been silent throughout the whole day.

Now, though, with the two of them alone in the carriage, worry and regret roiled inside her. Duncan had remained silent, even after the wheels of the carriage started to move, and he was looking warily down at the floor as if he had dropped something there.

Of course, he lost something.

The reality of their situation hit her like a slap to the face. He had lost his freedom. Because of her.

“Was that the first wedding you ever attended?” Alice asked, needing to break the silence.

She was not at all sure if it was a good idea or not, but she could not stand his defeated look.

He looked at up her, and to her surprise, he looked amused. He then leaned back into his seat and seemed to consider her question.

“I believe it is,” he replied after a while. “I have no siblings, and I am the first of my friends to marry. Why do you ask?”

Alice shrugged, suddenly feeling awkward. She had no idea how to behave in front of her husband. It wasn’t as if she had anyone to ask regarding the topic.

“It just… it all seemed to go so fast,” she explained, feeling foolish now for even asking.

“Thank heaven for that,” he muttered, looking more relieved than ever that the ceremony was over.

She looked back at him indignantly, her feelings hurt. “That was a bit harsh,” she scoffed, crossing her arms.

Duncan looked back up at her in surprise. “What was?”

“To be thankful that our wedding ceremony went so fast.” She sniffed, turning to the carriage window.

Alice let out a squeak as his hands gripped her hips and turned her back toward him. She looked at him, bewildered, then gasped when he caught her chin with his thumb and forefinger, ensuring that her eyes would stay on his.

“Let us be clear,” he began, his calm tone a direct contrast to his rather domineering actions. “I am thankful the wedding is over, not our marriage. Our marriage will never be over, for when I sign a contract, I keep it. Am I understood?”

“Yes,” Alice breathed, startled at the mix of alarm and arousal that he stirred within her.

It was not at all like her father spoke to her, or other men. He was not patronizing as they were. And yet he was somehow far more dominant.

She watched as a hint of a smile touched his lips as he looked at her with heated eyes for a moment, and she felt that now-familiar stir of excitement within her grow.

“That’s very good,” he praised, his thumb softly caressing her chin before he let her go.

Alice had no idea how much she’d been leaning into his touch until he pulled away, and she felt her cheeks grow red as her body slightly sagged forward at his absence. Quickly, she righted herself and glanced back up at him.

“Another point,” he continued, holding her gaze. “When I say I do not enjoy social interactions, I mean it. As a duke, I understand that my presence is required at times, but I greatly loathe the responsibility. Whether it is a ball, a royal event, or even our wedding, I will want out of it immediately.

“I do apologize that I did not warn you properly about this, but now that you know, you can understand that it is best to stay away from me for a while once such events are finished. I can be… irritable after being forced to interact with pompous social climbers.”

“As I told you when we first met, I am not fond of such events either,” she replied, her tone matching his as she relaxed into the conversation, no longer intimidated by his intensity. “And as your wife, I shall now be required to attend such events with you. So staying away from you is simply not an option.”

Duncan’s smug gaze dimmed a little as his brow furrowed.

“I suppose that is true,” he muttered, sounding unsettled.

“We can despise them together,” she told him, shrugging her shoulders as she embraced a devil-may-care attitude. “Why not? Perhaps we could even have a bit of fun with it.”

Satisfaction seeped through her as she watched him smile mischievously at her, as if he were impressed.

“You are saying we work as partners of sorts?” he asked.

“Is that not what a marriage is?” Alice quipped, leaning toward him. Out of nowhere, a sense of boldness swept through her, and she winked at him.

The domineering air from before was now completely gone, and Duncan sprawled comfortably on the seat across from her, finally looking happy to be in her presence.

“So, Alice,” he ventured, his posture relaxing.

“Yes, Duncan,” Alice replied lightheartedly, crossing her legs and folding her hands over her knees.

It was the first time she’d spoken his name out loud. It gave her a strange thrill, especially when his smile widened a smidge.

“What do you like to do in your spare time?”

“I love being outside,” she confessed quickly. “The country is my favorite place to be.”

“What do you like to do outside?” he asked, seeming genuinely interested.

“I like to read my books and lie in the sun,” she further explained. “Sometimes I write.”

“What do you write?” Duncan followed up, his voice turning into a purr.

Alice felt a shiver run down her spine, remembering how his hand had briefly touched her there. Suddenly, her mouth felt incredibly dry, and she wished for water.

“It’s just a journal, mostly,” she rasped out, her tongue feeling dry and clumsy in her mouth. “Some poems and short stories here and there. Whatever is roaming about inside my head.”

As they drove through the countryside, Alice grew more accustomed to Duncan’s questions, beginning to look forward to each new one after she provided an answer. No one had ever asked such things about her, and she found their conversation immensely enjoyable. In what seemed like no time at all, Duncan announced that they had made it to Baxter and drew the curtains back for her to see.

Alice gasped as she saw the large, sprawling stone manor that lay before their path. It might not have been a castle, but it was certainly the closest thing to one. It was as intimidating as it was beautiful. It matched her new husband’s personality perfectly.

“You are disappointed,” Duncan noted. It was not a question, and his tone made her look back at him.

“Not at all,” she replied truthfully. “Just surprised. During all the talking we just did, you failed to mention what my new home was like.”

“To be fair,” Duncan countered as the carriage pulled up to the manor’s entrance, “it was you who did most of the talking.”

Alice smirked at him, too happy about the start of their marriage to be offended by his comment. The wedding had been short and simple, yes, but thus far she was enjoying her new husband’s company immensely. She already imagined the adventures they could have together. Picnicking on the grounds, lying lazily with one another as they fed one another grapes. Reading together on a balcony—oh but he did mention his vast library! Perhaps they would curl up together by the fireplace. It was going to be exactly what she wanted.

“Well, it is you, husband, who urged me to do so,” she replied coyly, raising a haughty eyebrow. “I cannot be held responsible for your curiosity.”

“I beg to differ,” Duncan replied, his lips curling into a sly smile.

He leaned forward, his hand moving as if it were about to touch her knee, but Alice felt a sliver of disappointment when it moved past her and toward the just-opened carriage door. She watched her husband get out of the carriage and quickly turn to offer her his hand.

“Come,” he encouraged, moving his hand a tad closer. “Let us go inside so you can meet your new household.”

Pushing her disappointment aside, Alice took his hand and alighted from the carriage. She noted how he kept her hand firmly in his as they walked up the stone steps and into the manor, and felt comforted by it. As they stepped into the foyer, he turned to her with a small smile and waved his hand toward the long line of staff that ran his home.

“As a duchess, these lovely people will now be under your protection and instruction,” Duncan explained, leading her toward a stout, grey-haired woman in a dark blue dress and black apron, and a tall, grey-haired man of equal age in a black suit. The two of them bowed to her immediately, and she was quick to return the courtesy.

“This is Mrs. Fletcher, our housekeeper, and her husband, Mr. Fletcher. They know more about this manor than anyone, including myself.”

“Oh, Your Grace,” Mrs. Fletcher scolded, though a smile was on her lips. “You know we keep nothing from you.”

“Surely not,” Duncan agreed, giving her an affectionate look. “That doesn’t mean I remember everything that you tell me, though.”

Alice watched as her husband winked at the housekeeper from beneath his mask before the three of them burst into laughter.

“Honestly,” Duncan continued, “anything you need or want to know, ask them. They are happy to assist.”

“An honor to meet you, Your Grace,” Mrs. Fletcher greeted her enthusiastically.

“A most sincere welcome home, Your Grace,” Mr. Fletcher offered, his baritone voice stiff with old-world British sophistication.

“A pleasure to meet you both,” Alice replied sincerely. “I shall be relieved to have your help. I am quite unfamiliar with my new role and will need assistance.”

“Wonderful,” Duncan declared, looking between his wife and his servants with satisfaction. “This is an excellent start. Well, Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Fletcher, I shall leave my new bride to you.”

Alice swiveled toward him quickly. “I beg your pardon?” she asked, hoping she’d misheard him.

Duncan looked back at her with slight confusion. “I am not sure where I have lost you. I have been in London for the last month. First to help a friend with some business and then to attend our wedding,” he said, suddenly speaking to her in a formal tone.

“But—are we not to have a honeymoon?” Alice asked.

She felt her happiness start to wane when Duncan laughed at her and shook his head.

“We certainly do not have time for that,” he said, still chuckling. “I can offer you freedom and my servants’ loyalty, but I’m afraid that is as far as my husbandly duties can go.”

“You cannot be serious,” Alice gasped, her heart sinking in her stomach.

Duncan gave her another quizzical look and then walked up to her, speaking in a voice so low that only she could hear.

“Might I remind you that this was a marriage of protection, not love? I enjoyed our talk in the carriage, and you looked quite lovely today. But I have many things I must attend to, now that I am back. I cannot stop being a duke because I am now also a husband.”

“But, Duncan?—”

“My staff is highly trustworthy and incredibly faithful,” Duncan went on, his voice still low but calm. “They will take care of your homecoming much better than I, I assure you of this. Besides, once you have concluded your tour and such, you will want to rest after such an eventful day. You should be grateful. I doubt I shall even make it to bed tonight, what with everything I have to do.”

His words were polite but cold, the truth of them landing with a sting. Had she really only imagined a connection between them? Was their kiss really nothing special to him at all?

“Have I done something to offend you?”

It wasn’t like her to be so timid, but she really had thought the start of their life together was heading in a different direction.

“Not at all,” Duncan replied, almost sounding amused. He gave her a curious look, as if she were a silly thing, and then shook his head. “Now, have a pleasant evening, and please, enjoy yourself however you wish. This is your home now.”

He gave her a polite nod, signifying he was done with the conversation, and left without another word.

Alice wanted to say something. To tell him to stop, to demand that he make time for her. But as she watched him disappear down one of the five hallways that met in the foyer, she couldn’t seem to find her voice.

“We are most happy to have you home, Your Grace,” Mrs. Fletcher stated joyfully, approaching her. “Would you like a tour, or would you prefer to retire to your rooms for some rest? How can we assist you?”

Neither,Alice almost said, feeling a mix of hurt, loneliness, and confusion. She wanted to stomp toward her husband, catch up to him, and demand that he explain himself. Instead, she turned her attention to Mrs. Fletcher and forced herself to smile.

“I should like to meet the rest of the staff, please,” she replied. “My handmaid, in particular. And then I believe I would like to see my new rooms and get settled in. Perhaps we could have our tour tomorrow, when my husband has caught up on his work and can join us.”

“Oh, Your Grace.” Mrs. Fletcher laughed softly, shaking her head as she gave her an almost sympathetic look. “I am afraid in His Grace’s line of work, there really is no such thing as catching up.”

“He is a busy man?” Alice asked curiously.

She was practically starving for any morsel of information about her husband, suddenly understanding just how little she knew about him.

“Oh, very,” Mrs. Fletcher confirmed, her expression growing suddenly serious. “Especially in the last six months or so. He’s really turned into a whole new man.”

When Alice gave her a concerned look, the older woman quickly added, “For the better, Your Grace. He is very much improved, now that his obsessions have been put to rest.”

“Obsessions?” Alice echoed, a thousand more questions popping up in her mind. “What sort of obsessions?”

“You know what my mother says about ghosts and the past?” Mrs. Fletcher asked.

The random question took Alice by surprise for a moment, but then she asked what that was.

“If you ignore them, they’ll leave you alone,” Mrs. Fletcher replied solemnly. “His Grace has put his demons in their grave, and that is where they deserve to be. To bring them up would only hurt you and him.”