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“I agree to your terms, husband. I shall not take a lover. But if you will not permit me to seek comfort elsewhere, then you shall provide it.”

Eveline’s words haunted him and tempted him as well as her boldness in demanding what she wanted from him.

It was getting harder to resist giving in to the temptation that was his wife even after avoiding her. The devil on his shoulder taunted him to open the adjoining door and step into her chambers, but he thought better of what might happen if he were to lose himself thus.

He turned onto his side, before sitting up in bed.

She would no doubt begin to harbor feelings that he did not deserve, and she would no doubt be hurt when he failed to reciprocate them.

He would need to work on building his resistance to his wife’s light, or else one of them would end up suffering because ofhis weakness. Distance had not helped him, but perhaps with constant exposure, he might find a flaw to fixate upon.

Tomorrow, he would set his new plan into motion, but tonight, he would enjoy the sound of his wife’s excitement.

CHAPTER 11

“Isee now why you delayed inviting us to your estate,” Ava mused, eyeing the castle. “This is absolutely marvelous, Evie.”

Eveline had been too excited to sleep after her kiss with the Duke, and while she had tossed and turned, she remembered that she had yet to write to her sisters. It had been no hard feat to write a letter. First, she apologized for not writing to them sooner, and then she described the estate in as much detail as Stella would no doubt demand, not forgetting to mention her duties to Ava. She refrained from mentioning her relationship with the Duke but hinted at his kindness to her.

She had also extended an invitation to visit, as she wanted very much to show them her new home and what she had accomplished. And so, in a week, they arrived.

Their awe had been all the answer she needed to know that she had indeed performed well.

“It is, indeed,” she answered. “I felt much the same when I first arrived.”

“And you look radiant, Sister,” Stella remarked with a smile. “Do you think I will be able to marry a duke too?”

“If you pay attention to your lessons,” Ava chided.

“It wasn’t lessons that got Eveline her Duke.” Stella pouted.

“Stella!” Ava gasped.

“Let us go into the drawing room. It is much too hot to be outside,” Eveline suggested, not wanting her sister to fight, and then led them down a scenic path to the room.

She described the changes she had made as she did so, savoring the way her sisters hung on her every word, offering praise where necessary.

“Wilma, please bring a tea tray,” she ordered once they sat.

“Yes, Your Grace,” the parlor maid answered, before scurrying away.

“I see you have adjusted to your role,” Ava noted. “It becomes you.”

“It’s only because of your guidance, Ava. Or else I would have been hopelessly lost.”

“You are doing fine,” Ava commended. “Although I cannot help but wonder if you are truly well. How has the Duke treated you?”

“Kindly,” Eveline answered with a blush. “He has been kind to me.”

“Is that not only because you have been performing your duties well? Has he shown you his rage? Does he hurt you when…” Ava trailed off with a pointed look at Stella, but Eveline caught her meaning.

“No,” Eveline answered, shaking her head. “He doesn’t hurt me, and he seems to care for me.”

She thought back to how attentive her husband had been over the last few days and smiled again, lowering her head.

“What is it, Evie?” Stella asked excitedly. “Have you fallen in love with your husband?”

“Love?” Eveline protested. “That is far-reaching, Stella. I… I cannot deny I have feelings for him, but I am confused.”