Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

" A re you certain you want to join the hunt, Adeline? There's no shame in preferring to stay behind," Edmund said, his brow furrowed with concern as he adjusted the saddle on his mount.

Adeline lifted her chin, a determined glint in her eyes. "I'm quite certain, Edmund. I may not be ready to ride, but I can certainly manage the phaeton. Besides, I'm rather curious to see the famous Duke of Holbrook in action."

A slow smile spread across Edmund's face, making her stomach flutter. "Very well, then. Let's see how you fare in the field, Duchess."

As they made their way to the gathering point, Adeline couldn't help but admire how striking Edmund looked in his hunting attire. The deep green coat accentuated his broad shoulders, and his breeches and polished boots showed off his strong legs to great advantage.

Stop it , she silently chided herself. This is no time to be mooning over your husband like a lovesick girl.

The assembly was a colorful sight, with gentlemen in their finest hunting attire and ladies in elegant riding habits. Adeline noticed more than a few curious glances directed her way as Edmund helped her into the phaeton.

"Good day for a hunt, eh wot?" Lord Rutherford boomed, riding up beside them. "I say, Holbrook, it's good to see the Duchess joining us. Will you be riding, my dear?"

Adeline smiled politely, grateful for Edmund's steadying presence beside her. "Not today, my lord. I'm still getting reacquainted with the equestrian arts. But I'm looking forward to observing from the phaeton."

As the hunt prepared to set off, a large, sleek hound bounded up to Edmund's horse, its tail wagging furiously.

"Ah, there you are, Artemis," Edmund said fondly, reaching down to scratch behind the dog's ears. "Ready for the chase, old girl?"

Adeline watched, charmed, as the fierce-looking hound melted under her husband's touch.

"She's beautiful," she remarked. "May I?"

Edmund nodded, and Adeline tentatively extended her hand. Artemis sniffed her fingers for a moment before giving them an approving lick.

"Well, I'll be." Edmund chuckled. "She doesn't usually take to strangers so quickly. You must have a way with animals, Duchess."

Adeline felt a warm glow of pleasure at his words. "Or perhaps she simply has excellent taste," she quipped, surprising herself with her boldness.

The sound of the horn cut through the air, signaling the start of the hunt. With a final touch to his hat, Edmund urged his horse forward, Artemis bounding along beside him.

As the hunt moved across the rolling hills of Holbrook, Adeline found herself captivated by the spectacle. The thundering of hooves, the excited baying of the hounds, the flash of red coats against the green landscape—it was like a scene from a painting come to life.

But more than anything, she found her eyes drawn to Edmund. He rode with an easy grace, his body moving in perfect harmony with his mount. When he gave commands to the hounds, his deep voice carried across the field with natural authority.

He truly is in his element here , Adeline silently noted, a surge of admiration welling up inside her.

As the day wore on, the hunt paused for a brief respite. Edmund rode up to the phaeton, his face flushed with exertion and his eyes bright with excitement.

"Enjoying the view, wife?" he asked, a teasing note in his voice.

Adeline felt a flush rise to her cheeks, wondering if he had caught her staring. "Indeed, husband. The countryside is breathtaking."

"The countryside. Of course," Edmund said, his lips curling into a knowing smile that made her heart race. "Perhaps you'd like a closer look? There's a lovely spot just over that hill, perfect for a short walk."

Intrigued, Adeline allowed Edmund to help her down from the phaeton. As they walked together, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, she was acutely aware of his proximity.

They crested the hill, and Adeline gasped at the vista before her. A small, crystal-clear stream wound its way through a meadow dotted with wildflowers, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the scene.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, turning to Edmund with twinkling eyes.

He was looking at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Yes," he murmured. "Beautiful."

Before Adeline could respond, Edmund had closed the distance between them. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently tracing the line of her scar.

For a moment, they stood frozen, the air between them charged with desire. Then, with a low growl that sent shivers down Adeline's spine, Edmund captured her lips in a searing kiss. She responded with equal fervor, her hands fisting in the fabric of his coat as she pressed herself closer to him.

The kiss deepened, Edmund's tongue teasing the seam of her lips until she opened for him with a soft moan. His hands roamed over her body, one tangling in her hair while the other pulled her flush against him.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Adeline felt dizzy with want. Edmund rested his forehead against hers, his eyes dark with barely restrained passion.

"Adeline," he whispered, his voice rough. His lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You have no idea what you do to me."

She gasped as his mouth traced a burning path along her jaw, down the column of her throat. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, her knees weak from the onslaught of sensations.

"Edmund," she breathed, arching into him as his teeth grazed a particularly sensitive spot on her neck.

His hands skimmed down her sides, coming to rest on her hips. With a low growl, he pulled her flush against him once more, allowing her to feel the evidence of his arousal.

Adeline reached down, and her fingers made quick work of the fastening of his trousers.

His eyes flashed with desire as her fingers curled around his length. As her hand began to stroke him, he let out a groan and lifted the hem of her dress.

His fingers quickly found her folds, and he skillfully traced her most sensitive spot with his thumb, expertly drawing circles around it.

A soft moan escaped her lips at the intimate contact. "Oh!"

Her hand paused around his length, and her knees trembled as pleasure coursed through her. "Edmund, I?—"

Edmund's chuckle was dark and full of promise. "Indeed," he murmured, his fingers tracing maddening patterns. "Now you see why we must return. If we stay here much longer, I fear I won't be able to control myself and I will take you right here."

As if to prove his point, he captured her lips once more in a searing kiss that left her breathless and aching for more. As if to prove his point, he captured her lips once more in a searing kiss that left her breathless and aching for more. His hands roamed her body with increasing urgency, and Adeline found herself responding with equal fervor.

"Edmund," she gasped, breaking away for air. "Perhaps we don't need to return just yet."

His eyes darkened with desire. "Are you certain, my sweet? Once we start, I don't think I'll be able to stop."

Adeline's answer was to pull him back into a passionate embrace, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed herself against him.

With a low growl, Edmund lifted her, her legs wrapping instinctively around his waist as he carried her to a more secluded spot.

Edmund's lips trailed a path of fire down Adeline's neck, eliciting a soft gasp from her. His hands, gentle yet insistent, traced the contours of her body through her gown.

"You're like Diana herself," he murmured against her skin, his fingers finding the laces at the back of her dress. "A goddess of the hunt, fierce and untamed."

Adeline's heart raced as she felt the gentle tug of the laces loosening. "Edmund," she breathed, half in warning, half in encouragement.

He paused, pulling back to meet her eyes. "Do you want me to stop?"

In response, Adeline guided his hand back to her laces. With agonizing slowness, Edmund began to undo them, his lips never leaving her skin as he worshipped every inch of her that was revealed.

As the gown slipped from her shoulders, Edmund's breath caught. "Beautiful," he whispered, reverence in his voice as he gazed at her.

Standing before him in the quiet of the forest, Adeline felt both exposed and empowered. The cool breeze brushed her skin, heightening the heat between them, while the soft rustling of the leaves seemed to echo the wild rhythm of her heart. For the first time in her life, she felt free—unbound by the expectations of society, her scars forgotten in the way Edmund's eyes worshipped her. Here, surrounded by nature, she was not just a woman or a duchess-to-be—she was elemental, untamed, and entirely his.

She reached out and unbutton his trousers, freeing him from his constraints. She grasped the hard shaft in her hand and he let out a growl of desire. He spun her around and her mouth formed into a moue of protest which was quickly stopped when he pressed himself against her.

He nipped her shoulder, and she instinctively knew to part her legs to allow him entry. As he entered her, he grasped her hips and pulled her against him. She felt the fullness of him inside of her and she bucked against him, wanting to feel him deeper.

Without a sound, he thrust deeply into her. With one hand, he reached down and his fingers found the center of her pleasure. As he moved in and out of her, his finger thrummed a rhythm.

Adeline felt her knees weaken with the sensation of pure bliss. When Edmund's thrusts began to quicken, Adeline reached the peak. Her dropped against him as she cried out.

"Now, Edmund. Please…"

He needed no encouragement. With a hard, final thrust, he let out a roar of release as Adeline collapsed against him, not trusting her legs to hold her.

When their breathing quieted, the distant sound of hounds baying brought them back to reality. Edmund and Adeline shared a look of mingled amusement and panic.

"We should…" Adeline began, glancing around for her discarded clothing.

"Yes, we should," Edmund agreed, already reaching for her gown.

With an ease that surprised them both, Edmund helped Adeline back into her dress, his fingers lingering as he fastened each button. "I never thought I'd enjoy dressing a woman as much as undressing one," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder.

Adeline shivered at his touch, turning to face him. "We really must hurry," she said, though her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they smoothed down his shirt.

Edmund caught her hands in his, bringing them to his lips. "Indeed, though I find myself wishing we could stay here forever."

The sound of approaching horses spurred them into quicker action. As Adeline pinned up her hair, Edmund straightened his own attire, both stealing glances at each other and suppressing grins.

Just as they deemed themselves presentable, Edmund pulled Adeline close for one last, searing kiss. "To tide me over," he explained with a roguish wink.

When they finally parted, both were flushed and disheveled. Edmund took a step back, his eyes roaming over her with such heat that she felt as though she might combust on the spot.

"We should go," he said, his voice strained as he buttoned his trousers. "But make no mistake, my dear. This is far from over."

The promise in his words sent a thrill of anticipation through her as they made their way back to the party, both acutely aware of the passion simmering just beneath the surface.

Adeline felt as though something fundamental had shifted between them.

Whatever was growing between them, it was far more potent—and potentially dangerous—than she had ever anticipated.

The crackling fire in the drawing room cast a warm glow over Adeline's features as she sipped her sherry. Edmund found his gaze drawn to the play of light and shadow across her face, highlighting the delicate arch of her cheekbones and the soft curve of her lips.

"I must say," Adeline began, setting down her glass, "the hunt was far more exhilarating than I expected. Even from the phaeton, the energy was palpable."

Edmund smiled, leaning back in his armchair. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You seemed quite absorbed in it."

"Indeed, I was," Adeline replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Though I must confess, the highlight was watching Artemis outsmart Lord Rutherford's prized hound. The poor man looked positively scandalized."

A chuckle rumbled in Edmund's chest. "Ah yes, Artemis has always had a knack for beating the competition. She comes from a long line of excellent hunting dogs."

"Oh?" Adeline leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Is breeding hounds a family tradition, then?"

Edmund nodded, a wistful expression crossing his face. "Yes, it was something my grandfather started. He had quite the eye for good stock."

"And your father?" Adeline asked gently. "Did he share the same passion?"

Edmund's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "He had other interests."

Adeline must have sensed his discomfort, for she quickly changed tack. "What about your mother? Did she enjoy the hunt as well?"

A pang of old grief shot through Edmund's chest. He took a sip of his brandy, buying time to compose himself. "I'm afraid I never knew my mother," he said softly. "She died shortly after I was born."

Adeline's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with dismay. "Oh, Edmund, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

Edmund waved off her apology, though he was touched by her genuine concern. "It's all right. It was a long time ago."

"Still," Adeline said, her voice gentle, "it must have been difficult growing up without her."

Edmund found himself nodding, surprising himself with his willingness to open up.

"It was challenging. My father, he…" He paused, searching for the right words. "He never quite recovered from her loss."

Adeline's brow furrowed in sympathy. "That must have been hard on you both."

"In different ways, perhaps," Edmund said, his voice low. He stared into the fire, lost in memories. "My father, he… he blamed me for her death. Said if it hadn't been for me, she'd still be alive."

Adeline gasped softly. "Oh, Edmund. That's terrible. Surely he didn't mean it?"

Edmund's laugh was bitter. "Oh, he meant it. Made sure I knew it, too. Every time he looked at me, I could see the accusation in his eyes."

Without warning, Adeline rose from her seat and crossed to Edmund's chair. She knelt beside him, taking his hand in both of hers. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through him.

"Listen to me," she said firmly, her green eyes intense as they met his. "Your mother's death was not your fault. You were an innocent child, Edmund. Your father had no right to place that burden on you."

Edmund felt a lump form in his throat at her vehemence.

How is it , he silently wondered, that this woman, whom I've known for such a short time, can see into the very heart of me?

"Thank you," he managed, his voice rough with emotion. He squeezed her hand, marveling at how small and delicate it felt in his.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Then, hesitantly, Adeline spoke again.

"What was he like? Your father, I mean. When he wasn't…"

Edmund's back went rigid, his old defenses rising. "He was… a man of appetites," he said curtly. "Always seeking the next distraction, the next thrill."

Adeline tilted her head, sensing there was more to the story. "And you? How did you fare in all this?"

Edmund pulled his hand away, rising abruptly from his chair. He strode to the fireplace, bracing one arm against the mantel as he stared into the flames.

"I learned to fend for myself," he said, his voice clipped. "To expect nothing and be surprised by less."

"Edmund," Adeline murmured, coming to stand beside him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It's clear this is painful for you."

He turned to look at her, seeing the concern etched on her face. Part of him wanted to open up, to share the full extent of his father's betrayal—with Joanna, with countless others. But the words stuck in his throat, held back by years of practiced reserve.

"It's fine," he uttered, his tone cooler than he had intended. "It's all in the past now."

Adeline flinched slightly at his tone, taking a step back. "Of course," she murmured. "I… I should retire. It's been a long day."

As she turned to leave, Edmund felt a surge of regret.

Say something , a voice in the back of his head urged. Don't let her go like this.

But his pride, his deeply ingrained habit of keeping others at arm's length, held him back.

He watched in silence as she paused at the door, looking back at him with an expression he couldn't quite decipher. Disappointment? Hurt? Understanding?

"Goodnight, Edmund," she said softly. "Thank you for sharing what you did. I… I'm honored by your trust."

With that, she was gone, leaving him alone with the crackling fire and the weight of his unspoken truths.

He sank back into his chair, running a hand over his face.

Fool , he berated himself. She offered you understanding, compassion, and you shut her out.

But the thought of laying bare the full extent of his father's betrayal, of admitting how deeply Joanna's actions had wounded him… it was too much.

Not yet.

Perhaps not ever.