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Ava’s mouth dropped open. The woman was even worse than she had imagined.

“Just like the other foolish ladies of the ton, I suppose you are either pregnant or?—”

Ava could not take it anymore.

“You do not know Edwin. He is by far the kindest and warmest man I have ever known,” she declared.

Something flickered in the Dowager Duchess’s eyes. It was surprise. “You may lie to yourself, but do not lie to me. He is my son.Iraised him. I know Edwin is a monster, just like his father.”

Ava smiled and shook her head. “Edwin is nothing like his father. And you must know, I told him I do not wish to have children, and he was quite happy to oblige.”

The Dowager Duchess’s eyebrows knitted together. She opened her mouth as though in protest but then closed it.

Ava had successfully rendered her mute.

“Edwin has been nothing but gentle with me. Ever since I became his wife, he has cared for me and ensured my safety.”

“It still does not change the fact that Edwin is emotionless and a monster. He may pretend with you, but he can never change,” the Dowager Duchess insisted.

“I must ask you a question, Duchess,” Ava said. “Have you ever wondered that perhaps the reason Edwin is the way he is, is because of how cruel you were to him growing up?”

She watched as the woman’s grip on her teacup tightened and her face paled.

The Dowager Duchess set down her cup. “It does not matter. Edwin was damaged right from the womb. You could not possibly have a man as cruel as James as your father and not be a monster. Even if I had shown Edwin affection, he still would have become a monster.”

“You are wrong, Duchess,” Ava declared. “You made Edwin into what he was. And now, because he loves me, he has become a far better man and husband. I know it must be hard for you to believe, but it is simply the truth.”

“It does not matter to me,” the Dowager Duchess scoffed. “I only wish that you and Edwin would leave me alone in the same way I have left you alone.”

“But you have not left us alone,” Ava pointed out, smiling.

“Have you ever seen me come to your home?”

“You may not have come to our home, but I cannot shake off the feeling that you are the reason behind all the attacks we’ve endured.”

“Attacks?” The Dowager Duchess looked genuinely confused.

Ava could not help but wonder if the woman was truly oblivious to it all. “You do not know about the attacks?”

“I suppose I do. When Edwin came here and told me that… that my lover, Wilbury, had sent a man after him, I?—”

“Lord Wilbury is your lover?” Ava’s eyes widened in shock.

“Hewasmy lover. And I was all too happy to dispose of him when I learned what he was capable of.”

“Weren’t you just speaking of what a monster Edwin is?” Ava reminded her. “And yet you did not recognize the monster you were sleeping with.”

The Dowager Duchess looked hurt. However, Ava did not let up.

“Edwin has not hurt anyone who did not deserve it. Meanwhile, Lord Wilbury had not only sent someone to attack my husband, but he had also sent someone to attackmein my bedchamber just this morning.”

The Dowager Duchess gasped. “I am sorry. I truly did not know that Wilbury was like this.”

“It does not matter. Edwin protected me. He truly is a good man.” Ava smiled.

“You must know, Ava. I have nothing to do with the attacks. I may not have any affection for my son, but I would never go so far as to attack him. Or attack you.”

Ava nodded as she rose to her feet. She believed her.