Page 24

The guilt that had lingered ever since Lucas’s comment in the study had grown in Seth’s gut, churning like a worm until it writhed at every word spoken.

He had no interest in consummating his marriage tonight, nor spending any time with his wife, given the confusing feelings she stirred within him. But the worm would not rest. It somersaulted and twisted inside him, reminding him of his obligations as a husband, if nothing else.

I should say goodnight to her. It is the least I can do.

Still, his feet felt heavy as he made his way inside, the crunch of gravel giving way to the sharp tap of marble beneath his shoes.

His cravat was tight around his neck, his waistcoat suffocating, and he could stand it no longer.

Spotting the butler in the hallway, he summoned him and instructed him to remove his coat. No doubt his valet would be scandalized by his actions, but Seth could not breathe.

As the butler pulled the tight garment off his shoulders, Seth heaved a sigh and tugged at his cravat, loosening it and leaving the linen hanging about his neck, falling over his chest.

He made his way slowly upstairs, the glow of the candles at intervals along the corridor casting a hazy glow over the dark green walls.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he stopped, turning on his heel and looking down at the entrance hall.

He loved Radcliffe Manor. For a long time, it had been so synonymous with memories of his father that he had struggled to feel at ease, but now he had made his mark on it.

The thought of Alicia living here was jarring. What might she do to the place? Would it no longer feel like his own?

Glancing down the corridor, he caught a glimpse of the light beneath Alicia’s door and made his way quietly to it, ensuring that his shoes could not be heard on the plush carpet beneath his feet.

He stood in front of the door for a few minutes, listening to the sounds within.

Is she asleep? It has been a long day. I should leave her be…

He was being a coward.

Alicia had been awake minutes ago, but he wanted to go to his room and avoid her for as long as possible.

The idea that his wife sat beyond this door, which was adjacent to his room, was still an alien concept to him.

Everything about the day had been a blur, a strange whirlwind of ideas, feelings, and ruthless desire that had shocked him more than anything.

It would be better if I did not see her.

The creak of a floorboard in the room suggested that Alicia had risen from the window seat. No doubt she had heard him, and it would be even more unwise to stand there and not make himself known.

Reluctantly, he shook off the desperate desire to go to bed and knocked, listening as little footsteps sounded on the other side before the door swung open.

His breath caught in his throat. Alicia was in her nightgown—a simple cotton slip—evidently having expected a maid.

Her cheeks flushed beautifully when she looked up at him, evidently amazed that he would take the time to call on her tonight.

She stepped back, grabbing a robe from the chair beside the door and pulling it on. She stared at him, and he met her gaze, uncertain what to say or do.

The silence stretched on for so long that Seth began to feel embarrassed.

A duke should be decisive in everything he does…

He stepped into the room and pushed the door shut behind him.

The fire was crackling in the grate, and there was a candle still on the window ledge, a slim volume beside it that could have only been poetry.

He shifted his weight, glaring down at her, irritated by the need that simmered beneath his skin.

She looked glorious standing before the fire. Her dark hair fell about her shoulders, a halo forming around the edge of it with the light behind.