Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

V ictor had never been one to dwell too long on his own mistakes, but tonight the weight of his earlier actions hung heavily over him.

The accusing looks he had received at dinner—from his daughters and Ashing—made it abundantly clear he had been in the wrong. Miss Brown's dismissal had been swift, too swift, and while he'd convinced himself it was justified at the time, the growing sense of unease gnawed at him now.

He should apologize to Christina. He knew it, though the very thought of it sat uncomfortably with him. She hadn't joined them for dinner, and he couldn't blame her for it. She likely wished to avoid him altogether after the way he had dismissed her opinion earlier in the day.

As the final course of the meal was cleared, Victor rose from his seat. "Excuse me," he muttered, his tone curt, though he caught the questioning glance from Ashing as he left. He was not about to explain himself, but he could feel the weight of his brother's disapproval just as keenly as his own.

Stepping into the grand foyer, Victor paused. His gaze drifted upward to the grand staircase, its banisters gleaming in the soft glow of the evening candles. For a moment, he stood there, his mind turning over what he should say, how he could possibly make amends. It wasn't in his nature to apologize—especially not for a matter he'd initially believed himself right about—but Christina deserved better.

His decision made, he swiftly took the stairs two at a time, moving with purpose toward Christina's bedchamber. As he passed an arrangement of flowers set on a polished table in the hallway, he halted abruptly. Something about them caught his eye. For a fleeting moment, he hesitated, then turned back and plucked a single white lily from the vase before continuing on his way.

When he reached Christina's door, he paused again, gathering his thoughts before raising his hand to knock. A moment later, the door opened, revealing her lady's maid. She curtsied politely.

"Your Grace," Addison said, keeping her voice even. "How may I assist you?"

"I wish to speak with my wife," Victor said, his tone formal but not unkind.

Addison curtsied again and stepped aside. Victor entered, his eyes immediately seeking Christina. She was seated by the fireplace, her posture relaxed yet distant, her meal already finished. The flickering light from the hearth cast a soft glow on her, illuminating the deep red of her gown. She didn't look up right away, and he stood there for a moment, uncertain of how to proceed.

How did one begin to apologize when apologies had never come easily?

"Christina," he finally said, stepping closer, his voice low. "I was wrong earlier today."

Her gaze lifted to meet his, and though she smiled, it was not the free, easy smile he had come to enjoy from her. It was more guarded, careful.

He cleared his throat, moving closer. "I dismissed your judgment unfairly, and for that, I apologize. It was not my place to make such a hasty decision without considering your thoughts. I... I've brought you a peace offering." With a tentative smile, he extended the lily toward her.

Christina's eyes flickered down to the flower, then back up to his face. Her lips curved into a softer smile, though there was still a trace of restraint there. She accepted the lily with a quiet grace. "Thank you, Victor," she said, her voice gentle. "It's lovely."

Hearing his name on her lips stirred something inside him. He studied her expression, noting the lingering distance between them, and knew his apology, though accepted, hadn't fully mended what had been strained. He had more work to do, and he wasn't entirely sure how to proceed.

"How are you this evening?" he asked, moving to stand beside her. "I hope you are not too displeased with me."

Christina's smile faltered for just a moment, but then she surprised him by laughing softly. "I suppose you deserve my displeasure, Victor. But I will forgive you... this time."

Her teasing tone lightened the air between them, and Victor felt a small surge of relief. He inclined his head with a wry smile. "I shall have to work harder, it seems, to stay in your good graces."

"You certainly shall," she replied, a playful gleam in her eye.

He hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer, enjoying the way her cheeks flushed as he did so. "Perhaps I can start by asking if you would still consider joining me for those swimming lessons tomorrow?"

Christina's eyes widened, and the delicate blush that bloomed across her cheeks did not go unnoticed. "I had thought you might forget about those."

"Forget?" He raised an eyebrow. "You wound me, Christina. I never forget such important matters. I would be quite honored to teach you."

She bit her lip, clearly flustered, which only served to amuse him further. "Very well, Victor," she said with mock formality. "I shall accept. But I must warn you, I am an utter novice."

"Then I shall ensure your lessons are... thorough," Victor replied, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Christina's blush deepened, and she laughed softly, though her gaze held his, unflinching. "I do hope you will be a kind instructor, Victor."

Victor couldn't help but smile at her. "I shall do my best."

The air between them shifted, lightened, and for the first time that evening, Victor felt truly at ease. He had misstepped earlier, but the moment felt salvaged, the tension that had lingered between them now dissipating.

Victor bowed slightly. "I will bid you goodnight, then," he said, his voice softening. "Until tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Victor," Christina replied, her eyes still sparkling as she watched him retreat.

Christina paced back and forth in her bedchamber, her skirts swishing softly against the floor. Her thoughts spun faster with every step, her emotions a confusing tangle of nervousness and irritation.

The notion of Victor teaching her to swim, something that should have been simple, now left her feeling unsteady. Why did her heart race at the thought of his hands guiding her in the water? She'd never been nervous around water before—so why now?

She sighed, dragging a hand through her hair just as the door creaked open. Annie stepped inside, her face bright and her spirits clearly lifted—so different from how she had been when she first arrived at Kilton Castle.

"You look like you're about to wear a hole in the floor," Annie said, amusement in her voice. "What has you pacing like that?"

Christina stopped, exhaling a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Victor is going to teach me how to swim today."

Annie raised an eyebrow, her smile widening as she stepped further into the room. "And that's a reason to be nervous? You've never been afraid of the water before."

Christina couldn't help but laugh. "It's not the water that has me flustered, it's… well, it's Victor. I don't know why, but I feel... flutters, every time I think about it."

Annie moved to the chaise by the window, sitting gracefully and fixing her gaze on her sister. "Flutters? Oh, Christina, this is serious," she teased, her tone light but full of warmth. "Are you falling in love with him?"

The question hit Christina harder than she expected. She felt a warmth bloom in her chest at the thought, but it was accompanied by an unsettling fear. Was she falling in love with Victor? The very idea made her heart race, but at the same time, a nervous knot twisted in her stomach. It didn't make sense—why would loving her own husband make her feel so unsettled?

"I don't know," Christina admitted, sitting beside Annie. "The thought of it makes me feel... happy, but also terrified. I can't quite explain it."

Annie smiled knowingly. "Love can be both of those things at once. It's not always simple, especially when it's someone like Victor."

Christina bit her lip, feeling more vulnerable than she cared to admit. "But what if... what if he doesn't love me ? What if he never can?"

Annie's smile softened, and she reached out, taking Christina's hand. "Why would you think that?"

"Because I feel like he wants me to be something I'm not," Christina said quietly, staring down at her hands. "I fear he wants a woman who is more... controlled, more reserved. And that's not me. I don't think it ever will be."

Annie squeezed her hand gently. "You've always told me that pretending to be someone you're not only makes things worse. Don't do that to yourself, Christina. If he doesn't love the real you, then it isn't worth it."

Christina sighed, leaning back against the chaise. "I know. But it's hard not to wonder if I should change. Maybe then he would?—"

"No," Annie interrupted, her tone firm. "Don't even entertain that thought. The love wouldn't be real, and you know it."

Christina nodded, though a trace of sadness lingered. She knew Annie was right, but the fear still gnawed at her.

Annie shifted, her expression turning more serious. "Is that why you and Victor seem... distant? I've noticed something between you. It's as if you're avoiding each other, or when you're together, you argue."

Christina managed a small smile, shaking her head. "We're not fighting, not really. It's just—complicated."

Annie gave her a skeptical look, folding her arms. "It certainly looks like something more than complicated. The servants even think so."

Christina looked up, startled. "What do you mean?"

Annie hesitated before answering. "I heard them talking. Apparently, Miss Peversly's been spreading rumors. She's telling them that you and Victor aren't truly husband and wife."

Christina felt a surge of anger rise, hot and fierce. " What? She's saying that?"

Annie nodded, her voice apologetic. "I didn't want to upset you, but I thought you should know."

Before Christina could fully absorb the gravity of the situation, Addison entered the room, her usual calm demeanor in place. She moved gracefully, her hands already preparing to help Christina dress for the swimming lesson.

"Your Grace," Addison greeted with a slight smile, then glanced at Annie. "My lady, will you be staying?"

"No," Annie replied, rising to her feet. "I'll be with Kitty, doing embroidery."

She kissed Christina's cheek before leaving, though her expression was still touched with concern.

Once alone, Christina turned to Addison, her voice still tight with anger. "Addison, have you heard what Miss Peversly's been saying about me and the Duke? That we aren't truly husband and wife?"

Addison's expression darkened slightly, her hands pausing as she set down the gown she had been holding. "I have, Your Grace. She's been suggesting to the servants that your marriage hasn't been... consummated."

Christina's temper flared instantly, her hands clenching at her sides. "How dare she? I knew she was scheming, but to spread such vile lies?"

Addison stepped closer, her voice calm but firm. "We must tread carefully, Your Grace. Miss Peversly is cunning, and she knows how to manipulate situations in her favor. If we are to see her gone, we'll need the truth on our side."

Christina took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside her. "You're right. But this has gone too far. She cannot stay in this house any longer."

"We will find a way, Your Grace," Addison reassured her. "But it will require patience. Once we have something concrete, we can ensure she leaves."

Christina exhaled slowly, her anger still simmering but tempered by Addison's words. "She will be gone," she said firmly. "One way or another."

Addison nodded, her voice steady. "We'll make sure of it."

Christina allowed herself to feel a measure of relief. She wasn't alone in this fight, and knowing that gave her strength. But now, she had to focus on what lay ahead—the swimming lesson with Victor, and the feelings it was sure to stir.

One battle at a time.