Page 20 of A Bride for the Cruel Duke (Claimed by Regency Devils #1)

Chapter Twenty

“I s that all you are going to tell me?” Violet chided her sister, a smile on her lips that was knowing; it perfectly matched the look in her eyes.

“I told you everything that you need to hear.”

Violet rolled her eyes. “You told me next to nothing. And you know you did.”

“I told you enough,” Caroline countered. She sipped her tea, but mostly just so that she could hide her smile. “Besides, there are some things that need to be kept a secret. Especially between husband and wife.”

“Between husband and wife...” Violet considered the phrasing as she too took a sip of tea. “So, not between monster and captive?”

“You will not goad me,” Caroline said. “So do not even try.”

“Alright, alright...” Violet sighed and eyed her sister with curiosity. “Fine, keep your secrets if you must. But just know, I see you. Do not think I do not.”

“What do you mean...?” Caroline felt her cheeks flushing.

“There!” Violet cried out and laughed. “Right there. You play coy with me, sister, but I see that look in your eyes and that flush on your cheeks. Do you think I was born just yesterday?”

Caroline was flushing furiously, and she refused to meet her sister’s accusing and amused stare. “It is hot, is why... and I am tired.”

“Tired.” Violet laughed. “Whatever is the reason? Up late last night, were we?”

“Stop it!” Caroline cried, unable to keep herself from laughing. “You go too far!”

“Not nearly far enough,” Violet countered. “But fine, if you insist, I shall hold my tongue. For now, anyway...” She winked at Caroline, smirking next as she took a sip of tea. It was so clear that Violet was able to read through the story that Caroline had told her, likely guessing darn near perfectly the reason that Caroline was in such a good mood. Not to mention the reason she had paid her sister a visit out of nowhere.

It was two days after the opera and Caroline found herself at her soon-to-be brother-in-law’s home. Not the Aldworth Estate, as that was much further north, but a summer home where the Duke of Aldworth was staying for the time being so that it would be easier for him to pay a visit to Violet.

It was a good thing that His Grace was so close, and that Violet was with him today, as it allowed for Caroline to pop in unannounced, as she had a question that she sensed only His Grace could answer, and she was desperate to ask it.

Of course, that meant fielding her sister’s questions first, mostly why on earth she wished to speak with her husband about Anthony to begin with. It was also clear to Violet how peaked Caroline’s mood was— of course it is— which had her querying with relentless hostility as to why.

Caroline had never been much of a liar, but she also wasn’t about to start telling her sister about her and Anthony’s more erotic activities. I would die to see her reaction! So, she simply told her sister that she and Anthony were happy, more than she had thought she could be, and for that reason, she wished to do something special for him. A half-truth... but enough of one, for the whole truth might have given Violet a heart attack.

“So, where is your betrothed, anyway?” Caroline asked. “I did not see him when I was brought inside.”

“Working, I would say,” Violet sighed. “But I have sent for him, do not fret. He will join us when he is ready.”

Caroline eyed her sister with a sense of sadness. She knew that Violet’s courtship was not a love match, but she had hoped that by now that might have changed. After all, their circumstances had not been dissimilar to her own—proof that the way things began were not the way they had to stay.

“I hope he will not mind me asking after him.” Caroline decided not to press the matter, simply because she did not wish to sully her good mood or make her sister feel worse.

“Oh, he will be fine,” Violet said. “Roderick is more bark than bite, and where he might seek to intimidate, I assure you it is all an act.”

Caroline chuckled. “You do remember to whom I am married? I think I can handle your husband.”

The two sisters were sitting in the back garden, enjoying a pot of tea and some sweetmeats. The weather was lovely this day, and where Caroline did not regret spending it with her sister, she found that she would have rather had been home so she could be taking advantage of her husband in ways that were reminiscent of the other night.

It is just so strange how quickly things can change. Two weeks ago, I hated the man, convinced he was an evil, wicked soul who wanted nothing more than to see me with child so he could get about ignoring me for the rest of his life. And now...

Two nights ago still sat on the fore of Caroline’s thoughts. She made sure not to think too much of them, because to do so in her sister’s presence would see her unravel. It was just so unlike anything she had ever experienced before. And not just the pleasure. But the fact that Anthony had put her pleasure before his own. That was what she focused on.

Things were changing so quickly. She’d broken her fast with him the following morning, and it was not awkward at all. It was companionable. Enjoyable. Dare she say that it was everything she had ever dreamt a marriage might be. As was their supper that evening. And again, this morning. They were growing closer every day, and Caroline was thrilled about the fact.

But where to go from here? Most people might see fit to continue with the way things were progressing, as Anthony still had two more chances to try and prove to her that this marriage could work—whatever that still meant! The point was proven in Caroline’s mind, which meant there was only one thing left to do.

She had been thinking about it a lot these last two days. Where they went from here and how they might get there. Caroline wanted to sleep with her husband, proving once and for all that this marriage was exactly what she suspected. She wanted to give herself to him completely, all of herself and her trust, consequences be damned.

The only thing was… and this is a most strange thought… it felt as if Anthony was the one resisting her. It was insane to consider! And she was quite certain she was imaging things. But was it possible that Anthony did not wish to bed her? Surely not.

For that reason, Caroline decided she needed to take matters into her own hands once and for all. Thus, her reason for seeking out His Grace, praying it would not all be for nought.

“There you are!” she heard His Grace cry out from across the garden. “What on earth are you doing out here?” Caroline looked up to see the Duke of Aldworth storming through the garden toward them, looking a tad upset.

“Roderick.” Violet remained seated, and she did not smile to see her husband approaching them. “The day is too lovely to spend indoors, so we thought we would take advantage.”

“I was looking for you in the sitting room.” He hurried toward them.

“And as I said, the day was too lovely for such things.”

The was clear tension between the not-so-happy couple. Violet appeared dismissive, as if she was purposefully not rising to her husband’s mood. And His Grace appeared annoyed, if for no other reason than he wanted to assert himself. He was nowhere near as physically intimidating as Anthony, still quite tall, but not bulky. More athletic, Caroline decided, handsome also, but in a way that most would deem as ‘pretty’ not rugged.

“Your Grace,” Caroline said with a pleasant smile, if for no other reason than to break the mood. “It is lovely to see you again.” She remained seated. “And thank you for agreeing to see me.”

“Oh, yes...” Roderick turned on her. “Your Grace, lovely to see you again. And alone?” He looked about as if curious. “Where is your husband? Not hiding in the bushes, is he?”

“He is at home,” she chuckled. “Taking some much needed time from me.”

“I am surprised he allowed you out of his sight.” He smirked to himself. “I know Anthony to be rather possessive.”

“I assure you, that is not the case. Anthony is happy to let me do as I please. He is rather kind like that.”

“I am sure he is…”

Caroline furrowed her brow, finding herself annoyed by how the duke was speaking of her husband. She recalled then what Anthony had said of the man, how they were friends but also cold toward one another on account of their emotionally closed-off personalities. Thus, she tried her best not to allow herself to be annoyed.

“I was hoping that I might be able to ask you a question. I would not wish to impose myself, but there is nobody else to whom I might query.”

“A question?” Roderick frowned and looked at Violet. “Do you know anything about this?”

“I was trying to pry but Caroline has held her tongue.” She raised an eyebrow at Caroline. “Needless to say, I am as intrigued as you are.”

“It is nothing as exciting as you make it out to be.” Caroline did her best to appear nonchalant. “It is just that I wished to do something...” She considered the phrasing, not certain why she suddenly felt so awkward about her question. As if revealing it was a secret that only she and Anthony were privy to. “Something special for Anthony.”

“Special?” His Grace frowned and inclined his head.

“I know so little about Anthony,” Caroline hurried to explain. “At least regarding what he likes to do for himself—what brings him pleasure. I know he is not a big reader. Somehow, I doubt that stitchwork is a passion of his.” She chuckled to herself at the image. “I was just wondering if you might have an insight into a favorite pastime of Anthony’s. Anything at all really.”

“And why would you want such a thing?” His Grace asked curiously.

“Is it such a strange thing,” Caroline said. “To want to do something nice for one’s husband?”

His Grace snorted. “If I was pressed...” His Grace clicked his tongue with consideration. “I suppose Anthony is fond of horses. Riding them specifically.”

“He is?” Caroline perked up.

“Anything outdoors, really. I would tell you to take him hunting but...” He chuckled. “Somehow, I doubt you would be very good company there.”

“Riding...” Caroline thought ahead, already forming a plan for how she might use this information. The notion excited her, as did the image of seeing how taken with shock Anthony might be when she revealed her surprise. That alone made her smile... “Yes, that is good to know. Thank you, Your Grace.”

“I do not know why you bother,” His Grace said and then scoffed. “For Anthony of all people. He would not do the same for you. Or anyone, for that matter.”

“Oh...” Caroline blinked, caught off guard by the rebuke. As said, she knew His Grace and Anthony were not exactly the kindest of friends, but she had not expected him to be so overtly outspoken. “I do not know about that, Your Grace. In my experience?—”

“I am merely trying to help you,” His Grace spoke over her. “Do remember, I have known the man close to my entire life, so I have an insight into these things that you might do well to heed.”

“I...” Caroline didn’t know what to say. “Perhaps you do not know him as well as you think.”

“I know that he locked away his own mother, making her a prisoner in his home. Although to be fair, everyone know that.”

“Roderick,” Violet spoke up, her tone cold. “Now is not the time to?—”

“I am only trying to help,” His Grace spoke over her. “I am merely trying to do well by your sister. She is married to a man who in some countries would be locked away from society for their own betterment, lest he lost his temper one day and commit himself to a killing spree.” He sighed and shook his head. “At least that is how people view him.”

Caroline wasn’t at all impressed by this characterization.

She knew that the smart thing to do would be to say nothing. She was not here to defend her husband’s honor. And she certainly did not want to get on the wrong side of the duke. Keeping her mouth shut and leaving without causing a fuss was the smart move...

Only, Caroline found that she could not do that. Like the rest of the ton, she had heard the rumors of her husband, and she had believed them well enough. Why would she not? Nobody had ever told her differently. Nobody had ever thought to defend Anthony’s name when these malicious lies were spouted. And that was the entire point. People believed these things of Anthony for no good reason because, in her personal experiences, she had seen nothing to justify what was said about Anthony.

And with how she was feeling about him now, all that had happened these past few days, she simply could not imagine a word of these lies as being even half-truths. There is just no way.

“I will ask you kindly to take back what you said,” she said with great calm as she looked up at His Grace.

“Excuse me?”

“What you have said just now,” she continued with the same calm. “I will ask that you take it back. An apology too, would be welcome.”

“An apology? Who do you think you are?—?”

“That is my husband of whom you speak,” she spoke over him, still calm, but forceful. A little trick she had picked up from Anthony. “You are spreading lies about him. He is not what you say, which I think you know, which leads me to wonder why you would say such things in the first place.” She then cocked an eyebrow at the duke.

“Is that right?” he said, caught between annoyance at being argued with and amusement at the fact that she might dare. “They are lies, are they?”

“Even if they are not, what kind of man are you to say such things about another when he is not here to defend himself? A man whom you call a friend. Not much of one, I would say.”

“Caroline!” Violet cried.

At this, the duke studied Caroline, a sense that he was seeing her for the first time. Was he impressed? Was he upset? Was he about to tell her off and demand that she leave his house and never return? It was impossible to say. He simply looked at her, and she looked back, refusing to blink. It was easy to do, she realized, as she was married to a man far more intimidating than His Grace. It is not even close.

“As you say,” His Grace said eventually, shrugged as if he didn’t care one way or the other. “At least that answers another question I had.”

“Which is?”

“How you truly feel about your husband...” He chuckled to himself, a smirk crossing his lips. “And I wager, how he feels about you. A match made in heaven, it would seem.”

“Yes, well...” Caroline looked away as if embarrassed. “We are happy, if that is what you mean.”

“Clearly.”

There was little else to do after that. With the information she required now attained, Caroline was quick to thank her sister and His Grace for their help and exit the home before she said or did anything else that might cause alarm. As she left, she heard over her shoulder her sister and His Grace bickering, tempers flared for reasons that she doubted had anything to do with her, as she was starting to understand that this was the natural state of her sister’s engagement. I do hope things change for her. She deserves happiness as much as anyone.

But there was no time to worry about that. It was just gone midday and Caroline needed to be home as quickly as possible. She had an evening to plan—one she was certain Anthony was going to love. As am I, if all goes how I expect it to.