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“What would you require of me?” she asked.

This was one of the requirements he had given at the start of their marriage, and she wanted in some small way to help ease this dark cloud he seemed to perpetually walk under.

He smiled softly at her. “Only that you be the proper Duchess of Blackhill,” he answered, rising from his seat. “Walk with me?”

She nodded, and he helped her out of her seat, intertwining their hands. She tried not to shrink back from the intimacy of holding hands, but it was hard, considering how her body came alive instantly.

She had never experienced such easy intimacy with a man, and she had not known one could be so outside the bedroom. It was a welcome change from the dominant man he usually was.

“I know you’ve wondered about my family’s absence, and I am not a fool to think you’re ignorant of the rumors surrounding me,” he started as they stepped out into the warm sunshine.

She nodded. “I tried not to pry. That’s why I’ve never really asked.”

“I was thankful, but it’s better I educate you before time.” He smiled ruefully at her. “My family is wont to try to besmirch my credibility by attempting to trap me in scandals that in times past I’ve escaped, but the last was a little more challenging, and although I could choose not to go, I do not want any more stains on my reputation.”

“And my presence there would…”

“Help dissuade them from making such attempts at best.”

“And at worst?”

“Well, I’ll be putting a target on your head too.”

“Wonderful.”

“Indeed.”

They took a turn about the garden in uneasy silence, but she didn’t hurry to fill it as she gathered her thoughts.

A part of her pitied him and understood why he had been the way he had been. He was only a man trying to protect himself and his name.

Another part of her wondered at his family’s actions and didn’t fear them. She had dealt with a fair share of poorly mannered members of the ton and had always come out on top. She was almost excited to help him avoid the traps he felt his family would have set for him.

“Do you require anything else?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I just need you by my side.”

“Then that’s where I will be for as long as you need me.”

He stopped in his tracks and stared at her, his gaze searching. He opened his mouth to say something, but as though deciding against it, he shook his head.

He resumed their silent stroll, a cloud of emotions passing over his features. He was obviously conflicted, but it would be a while before he would open up to her.

She tried not to feel hurt, considering his own family had betrayed him severely, which caused and reinforced his inability to trust people. Besides, she understood it was still too early and would be a damn near impossible feat for him to trust her, considering that what they had was only a contractual marriage. Once she attended their agreed-upon events, they’d separate, so there was no need to complicate their lives.

She tried to ignore the bitter taste that piece of truth left in her mouth, but it was difficult because she had hoped the newfound intimacy they shared would have at least made him warm up to her.

“Your Graces,” they heard a footman call.

“Yes?”

“Your delivery is here.”

“Oh, perfect.” Alexander smiled. “Come, Helen, it is for you.”

She followed him with excited steps into the manor, where he showed her the gown he had bought for her for the engagement party.

It was a beautiful number in a dark blue and silver damask that glittered in the light, with fabulous stonework that made her sure the dress would be heavier than anything she had ever worn.