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“We were all very surprised the Duke got married so quickly. We didn’t think…” the lady trailed off. “I must admit, I can see what he saw in you. You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

Arabella wondered who the woman was. If she were a maid, she’d understand why Edward hadn’t said anything about her, but she wasn’t dressed as a servant, so Arabella wondered who she was and asked as much.

“I’m the Duke’s ward,” Joana answered. “My parents died in an accident when I was young, and he took me in. We basically grew up together and have been as thick as thieves.”

Arabella couldn’t help the rush of jealousy that flared within her then. She couldn’t help but admit that Joana was a beauty, and she wondered why Edward had never married her, since they’d known each other so long.

He hadn’t even mentioned her.

They stepped into familiar territory, and she thanked Joana.

“You’re welcome.” Joana smiled, although she looked like she had something more to say. “I want to ask you for a favor.”

Arabella nodded.

“Would you mind…”

She understood immediately what Joana was asking.

“I won’t say a word.”

“Thank you,” Joana breathed. “I look forward to seeing you at dinner.”

“I look forward to seeing you too.” Arabella smiled at her and then bid her a good day.

Once she was safely in her chamber, she couldn’t help but wonder why Edward hadn’t said anything about his ward. Perhaps he’d forgotten, since Joana hadn’t come down for breakfast, and hoped he’d introduce them later on.

Arabella noted how beautiful Joana was and felt a twinge of jealousy as she wondered just how close she and Edward had been. Joana walked more elegantly than even Sarah, who had the prettiest smile and who Arabella had always looked up to.

She wondered still why Joana was kissing a footman when she looked beautiful enough to have any man she wanted.

She wondered what Edward would say if he got word of that but shook her head. He might be a gentleman, but he looked the protective sort.

She thought back to the conversation they had earlier, and she smiled. She’d felt so warm that she’d almost wanted to ask that they prolong the conversation.

Perhaps if they could continue as they had this afternoon, their marriage would work out well.

She shook the thought out of her head. Nothing good could come from expecting that he felt the same way about their situation. Just because they had one nice conversation didn’t mean that their marriage would work.

Feeling tired after the long day she had, she decided to skip dinner and rest.

ChapterEleven

“Charles, please…” Edward tried to beg off the conversation he was having with his brother.

He thought the matter had been settled days ago, when they’d discussed it after breakfast, but it seemed his brother was hell-bent on irritating him.

“You know why I do what I do, Edward,” Charles went on. “Your marriage has caused an uproar among the ton.”

“Of course it would!” Edward yelled, beside himself with anger. “When they have nothing more to do than gossip and drink tea. I beg you to leave my wife out of?—”

“I cannot, Edward. Can’t you see you’ve made a big mistake by marrying beneath your rank?” Charles argued. “You should have?—”

“Well, I’m married to her now, aren’t I? Would you have me divorce her so early in our marriage? Is that what you want? Would that not worsen the uproar you are so scared of?”

“Brother, you need to?—”