Chapter 34

Chapter Thirty-Four

" A deline, my dear, are you quite sure you're ready for this?" Lady Gillingham's concerned voice broke through Adeline's reverie as their carriage approached her townhouse.

Adeline took a deep breath, squeezing Edmund's hand where it rested on her knee. They had barely spent a moment apart since reconciling a week ago. "As ready as I'll ever be, Grandmama. It's time we faced Father once and for all."

As they descended from the carriage, Adeline's stomach churned with anticipation and dread.

What if he hasn't changed? What if this is all for nothing?

She pushed the doubts aside, straightening her spine as Edmund offered her his arm.

The door swung open, revealing Isabella's excited face. "Oh, thank goodness you're here! Father's just arrived, and he's in a frightful mood."

Adeline felt Edmund tense up beside her. "Perhaps I should speak with him alone first," he suggested, his tone protective.

"No," Adeline said firmly, surprising herself with her own resolve. "We face this together."

They entered the drawing room to find Lord Brenton pacing like a caged lion, his face thunderous. He whirled around at their entrance, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Edmund.

"So," he spat, "the prodigal daughter returns, with her Duke in tow. How charming."

Edmund stepped forward, subtly positioning himself between Adeline and her father.

"Lord Brenton," he said, his voice cool but polite. "I believe we have much to discuss."

Lord Brenton's lip curled. "Do we? I wasn't aware that family matters were any of your concern, Your Grace."

"They became my concern the moment I married your daughter," Edmund replied, a hint of steel entering his voice.

Adeline laid a hand on Edmund's arm, stepping forward. "Father, we need to talk. About how things have been since my accident."

Lord Brenton's gaze shifted to her, his expression hardening. "What is there to discuss? We've moved past that unfortunate incident."

"No, Father, we haven't," Adeline replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "You've treated me as a burden ever since. As if my scars were something to be ashamed of, to hide away."

Lord Brenton's face flushed. "I've only ever tried to protect you, to shield you from society's cruelty."

"By making me feel worthless?" Adeline countered, tears pricking her eyes. "By pushing me aside, focusing all your attention on Isabella's debut?"

Isabella stepped forward, taking her sister's hand. "It's true, Father. You've always treated Adeline differently, and it's not fair."

Lord Brenton's anger flared. "Isabella, hold your tongue! This doesn't concern you. In fact, you'll be coming home with me this instant. I won't have Adeline's rebellious influence corrupting you further."

"I will do no such thing," Isabella retorted, chin raised in defiance. "I'm staying with Grandmama. At least she appreciates us for who we are, not how we can advance the family's standing."

Lady Gillingham intervened, her usually jovial face stern. "Richard, that's quite enough. Isabella will remain here, where she is loved unconditionally. And Adeline is a married woman now, with her own household to manage."

Lord Brenton's hands clenched at his sides, his body coiled with tension. Edmund stepped forward, his presence a clear warning.

"I suggest you calm yourself, sir," Edmund said quietly, his eyes locked on the Earl's.

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Finally, Lord Brenton seemed to deflate, the fight leaving him.

"Is this truly what you want, Adeline?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "To turn your back on your upbringing, on everything I've tried to teach you?"

Adeline shook her head, tears now falling freely. "No, Father. I want you to see me, to love me as I am. Not as a pawn in your social games, not as a burden to be hidden away. As your daughter."

Lord Brenton's face crumpled, the reality of his actions finally sinking in. "I…… never meant… I thought I was protecting you. Both of you."

"Forcing me onto that horse wasn't protection," Adeline said softly. "Nor was trying to hide me away after the accident. It only made me feel ashamed, Father. Like I wasn't worthy of your love anymore."

The words hung in the air, heavy with years of unspoken pain.

Lord Brenton staggered as if physically struck, collapsing into a nearby chair. "Oh God," he whispered, his face buried in his hands. "What have I done?"

The room fell silent, everyone stunned by this unexpected display of emotion from the usually stoic Earl. Adeline felt Edmund's hand on her back, offering silent support as she struggled with her tumultuous feelings.

"I'm sorry," Lord Brenton choked out, looking up at her with red-rimmed eyes. "I'm so sorry, my dear girl. You're right. The accident… it was my fault. I was so focused on impressing our guests, on maintaining our image, that I didn't listen to you. I didn't protect you when I should have."

Adeline felt as though the floor had dropped out from beneath her. After years of denial, of subtle blame and dismissal, to hear her father finally acknowledge his role in her accident was overwhelming.

"Father," she began, her voice trembling.

"No, please," he interrupted, rising unsteadily to his feet. "Let me finish. I've been a fool, Adeline. A prideful, stubborn fool. I let my fear of scandal, of what others might think, overshadow what truly mattered—the happiness and well-being of my daughters."

He turned to Isabella, his expression contrite. "And you, my dear, I've been so focused on your debut, on finding you the ‘right' match, that I never stopped to consider what you wanted. Can you ever forgive me?"

Isabella's lower lip trembled, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Oh, Papa," she whispered, rushing into his arms.

Adeline watched the scene unfold, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion, hope, and lingering hurt. She felt Edmund's arm wrap around her waist, anchoring her.

"What do you need?" he murmured in her ear, his voice low and comforting.

Adeline took a deep breath, centering herself. "Time," she said finally, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I need time, Father. If you truly mean what you say, if you're really sorry, then you need to prove it."

Lord Brenton nodded eagerly, hope flickering in his eyes. "Anything, Adeline. Tell me what I need to do."

"No more mistresses," Adeline stated firmly. "No more obsession with appearances or social standing. No more judgment or scrutiny of our choices. I need you to be a father, not an earl, for once in your life."

"I… yes, of course," Lord Brenton agreed, his voice thick with emotion. "I swear to you, Adeline, Isabella, I will do better. I will be better."

Adeline nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start. A chance to heal wounds that had festered for far too long.

Lady Gillingham cleared her throat, her eyes suspiciously bright. "Well," she said, her voice wavering slightly, "I think this calls for some tea. And perhaps something stronger for those of us who need it."

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a cautious sense of hope, Adeline leaned into Edmund's embrace. She looked up at him, seeing the love and pride shining in his eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, leaning up to place a soft kiss on his lips.

Edmund smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "For what, my love?"

"For being here. For supporting me. For everything."

As they followed the others into the dining room, Adeline felt a sense of peace settle over her. There was still much to work through, relationships to mend and trust to rebuild. But for the first time in years, she felt truly hopeful about her family's future.

Perhaps broken things can be made whole again. Different but whole.

As the carriage pulled away from Lady Gillingham's townhouse, Edmund found himself acutely aware of Adeline's presence beside him. The events of the day had left him in awe of her strength and grace, and the way she had handled the confrontation with her father only deepened his admiration and love for her.

"You were magnificent today," he murmured, taking her hand in his.

Adeline turned to him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I couldn't have done it without you there."

Edmund shook his head, bringing her hand to his lips. "You're stronger than you know, my love. I'm honored to stand by your side."

As he kissed her knuckles, he felt her shiver slightly. Their eyes met, and suddenly the air in the carriage seemed charged with electricity.

"Edmund," Adeline breathed, her voice husky.

Unable to resist any longer, Edmund pulled her into his lap, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss. Adeline responded with equal fervor, her hands tangling in his hair as she pressed herself against him.

"God, I've missed you," Edmund groaned against her neck, peppering kisses along her jaw.

Adeline arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips. "Edmund, we can't… not here…"

But her protests were weak, belied by the way her body moved against his. Edmund's hands roamed down her back, itching to unlace her gown.

"Why not?" he challenged, his voice low and husky. "We're married, after all. You know how much I crave you. And I intend to enjoy every moment of it."

Adeline pulled back slightly, her eyes dark with lust but still hesitant. "But what if someone sees?"

Edmund grinned wickedly, reaching up to lower the carriage blinds. "Then we'll give them quite a show, won't we?"

Adeline's laugh turned into a gasp as his lips found a particularly sensitive spot on her neck. "You're incorrigible," she muttered, even as her hands began to work at his cravat.

"Only for you, my love," Edmund replied, his fingers finally finding the laces of her gown. "Only ever for you."

As the carriage rattled on towards Holbrook, the outside world faded away. There was only Edmund and Adeline, lost in their passion, rediscovering each other with eager hands and heated kisses.

By the time they arrived at Holbrook Manor, both were disheveled and breathing heavily. Edmund practically carried Adeline out of the carriage, ignoring the startled looks from the servants as they rushed inside.

"Your Grace," Thornley began, stepping forward with a stack of letters. "There are some urgent matters?—"

"Not now, Thornley," Edmund cut him off, his eyes never leaving Adeline's flushed face. "The Duchess and I are not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Is that clear?"

Thornley's eyes widened slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Of course, Your Grace. Enjoy your evening."

As they ascended the stairs to their chambers, Edmund couldn't keep his hands off Adeline. Every few steps, he'd pull her close for another passionate kiss, leaving them both breathless and yearning for more.

Finally, they reached the master bedroom. Edmund kicked the door shut behind them, then turned to Adeline with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"Now, my love," he said, his voice rough with desire, "where were we?"

His hands cupped her face, his thumbs gently stroking her cheekbones as he gazed into her eyes.

"You are so beautiful," he murmured, his voice low and husky with desire.

Adeline's fingers worked at the buttons of his waistcoat, her breath coming in quick, shallow pants. "Edmund, please," she whispered, her eyes dark with want.

Edmund didn't need any further encouragement. In one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. He laid her down gently, his eyes never leaving hers as he quickly shed his coat and waistcoat.

Adeline reached for him, pulling him down for a searing kiss. Their tongues danced as his hands roamed over her body, seeking out the fastenings of her gown.

"Too many layers," he growled against her lips, fumbling with the laces.

Adeline laughed breathlessly, sitting up to help him. "Patience, my love," she teased, even as her fingers trembled with anticipation.

Finally, her gown fell away, leaving her in just her chemise. Edmund's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.

"You are exquisite," he breathed, his hands skimming up her sides.

Adeline shivered at his touch, her back arching as his thumbs brushed the undersides of her breasts.

"Edmund," she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him down for another passionate kiss.

Her nipples hardened at the feel of his skin on hers. Her hands threaded through his hair as his mouth trailed down and closed around a nipple. As he sucked, she bit back a cry and arched against him.

"Slow down, my love," Edmund whispered. "I want this to last."

His hand slid down to stroke her where she needed him most. His fingers slid into her wet folds, sending shivers through her body. She strained to meet his hand with each stroke.

When he lifted his head, she let out a moan of protest, but he quickly moved to her other nipple to give it equal attention.

"I need you, Edmund," Adeline begged. "I need you inside of me."

When he slid into her, Adeline's world tilted sideways with pleasure. The friction was almost too much for her body to bear. Every thrust pushed her closer to the edge. When he pressed harder, she clutched his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin.

Adeline's body shook as she orgasmed, and a cry tore from her lips with Edmund's final thrust. He let out a roar and spilled inside her.

As their passionate cries faded into the stillness of the night, Edmund gathered Adeline into his arms, cradling her against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear was a soothing counterpoint to the emotions swirling within her.

"Adeline," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her bare shoulder.

Adeline lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy. "Edmund," she whispered, her hand coming up to cup his cheek.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, marveling at the journey that had brought them to this point. From strangers thrust into an arranged marriage to true partners, bound by love, trust, and passion.

Edmund's thumb brushed across her cheekbone, lingering on the scar that had once caused her so much pain. "Do you remember," he asked softly, "when I told you that your scars were badges of honor?"

Adeline nodded, leaning into his touch.

"I meant it then, and I mean it even more now," he continued. "Every mark, every experience that has shaped you, they've all led you to me. And I am grateful for each one."

Adeline felt tears spill down her cheeks, overwhelmed by the depth of his love. "Oh, Edmund," she breathed. "When I agreed to this marriage, I never dreamed… I never dared to hope for this."

He pulled her closer if that was even possible. "Nor did I, my love. But you've awakened parts of me I thought long dead. You've given me a reason to believe in love again."

Adeline pressed a soft kiss to his chest, right over his heart. "And you've shown me what it truly means to be loved, scars and all."

As they lay there, entwined in the quiet darkness, Adeline marveled at how far they'd come. From a marriage of convenience, born of duty and arrangement, to this—a union of souls, forged in understanding, respect, and the deepest love.

"I love you, Edmund," she murmured, sleep beginning to tug at her consciousness. "More than I ever thought possible."

"And I love you, Adeline," he replied, his arms tightening around her protectively. "Now and always."

As they drifted off to sleep, still wrapped in each other's arms, both knew with absolute certainty that they had found their true home.

Not in Holbrook Manor or any other place, but in each other's hearts.