Page 27

CHAPTER 27

“ T ake me to the Dowager Duchess’s house… in London,” Ava instructed the driver before climbing into the carriage.

The carriage lurched forward as it slowly pulled out of the estate.

Ava had her mind set. It was about time she paid a visit to her mother-in-law. She had a number of questions for the woman—and a request.

The memory of her husband going up to the door and the heartbreak she had felt flashed through her mind. She remembered how she had followed him and witnessed his mother slapping him, a murderous look on her face.

No mother would look at her son in such a manner.

And even after Edwin had caught her and dragged her out of the house, she still caught a glimpse of the disdainful look on his mother’s face.

The woman had looked mad with anger.

This is why Ava had decided to pay her a visit.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the now-familiar house.

Ava stepped out of the carriage.

It is about time for the Dowager Duchess and I to get acquainted properly.

Ava took determined steps towards the front door and stopped in front of the butler, who immediately announced her presence.

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Gillingham!”

At that, she finally entered the house.

She had lingered at the door the first time she had been there and watched the events unfold. But now, she was ready to face the dragon.

A maid approached her. “Your Grace, Her Grace has requested that you wait for her in the drawing room.”

Ava followed the maid into the drawing room. She could not help but look around. The gaudy furniture and dark curtains did not quite impress her. If anything, they reminded her of the decor she had stripped off her drawing room before she renovated it.

She ran her hand over the cushion she was sitting on—it was damask.

She shook her head in disapproval. Everybody knew damask was of inferior quality for furniture. It did not quite have a long lifespan.

“I take it you do not approve of my taste,” a firm voice noted.

Even though Ava had never heard the Dowager Duchess’s voice before, she instantly recognized it even before she whipped her head around.

The older woman stood by the door, looking rather impassive as she regarded her. She was wearing a dark blue dress, a stark contrast to Ava’s colorful pink one.

“Duchess,” Ava greeted, forcing a smile.

The Dowager Duchess slowly entered the room. “You did not quite answer my question.”

Ava noted how the older woman did not bother with pleasantries.

“I find the decorations to be different from what I am used to. But they are stylish, nevertheless.”

The Dowager Duchess chuckled. “You must take me for a fool. I could see the disapproval in your eyes when you touched the cushion. Now, tell me the truth.”

“Indeed, I do not find the decorations impressive,” Ava admitted.

The older woman frowned as she finally stopped in front of her.

“The drapes are far too dark for a drawing room, and the furniture is quite gaudy. It seems gloomy—dreary, even.”

The Dowager Duchess’s lips were set in a grim line as she sat opposite her.

Ava could tell that the woman did not quite appreciate her honesty, even though she had asked for it.

“Then I suppose you do not quite enjoy the dreary furniture in the drawing room at the estate? You are Edwin’s wife, aren’t you?” the Dowager Duchess asked.

Ava nodded her head. “Indeed, I am. And I recently renovated the drawing room.”

The Dowager Duchess smiled. “Aside from coming into my home to insult my furniture, what are you truly here for?”

Ava was taken aback by the woman’s bluntness and hostility.

“I did not insult your furniture, Duchess,” she said.

“Is that so?” The older woman raised an eyebrow at her.

“You simply asked a question and I answered honestly, just as you requested.”

“It does not matter. Now, tell me why you are here,” the Dowager Duchess pressed.

Ava let out a long sigh. “I saw you slap Edwin on that fateful day.”

The Dowager Duchess gave her a blank look. “Is that what you have come to tell me? If you must know, that was not the first time I hit him. He was quite an annoying boy growing up.”

Ava grimaced as she listened to her mother-in-law casually express her hatred for her husband.

“I do not like Edwin, and for good reason. I fled the estate when he returned from the war. If—” She broke off when a maid entered bearing a tea tray.

There was a moment of silence as the maid poured tea for them.

It was not until the maid had left that the Dowager Duchess spoke again.

“If I do not like someone, I simply steer clear of them. Just as I have steered clear of Edwin until he sought me out recently. I can sense that you do not quite like me. Why, then, have you sought me out?”

Instead of answering the question, Ava decided to ask one of her own.

“If you hated having a child so much, then why have one at all?”

The Dowager Duchess laughed. “You are quite the jester, aren’t you!” She lifted her teacup and took a sip. “Did you truly think I had an option? I married Edwin’s father as soon as I debuted, and before I knew it, I was heavily pregnant by a cold and cruel man.”

Ava could not help but feel sorry for her.

“I am sorry that you experienced that at such a young age. I have a sister who has only just debuted. I cannot possibly ima?—”

“Ava. That is your name, isn’t it?” The Dowager Duchess cut her off. “You need the pity more than I do. I would advise that you reserve it for yourself.”

Ava was taken aback. The older woman’s rudeness was rather jarring.

“I do not quite understand. There is nothing to pity me for.”

“Oh, isn’t there?” the Dowager Duchess asked. “You are married to my son, who is just as unkind and unfeeling as his father, and you think you do not need pity?”

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. I raised 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.

“He was my 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 attack me in 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.

“You did not touch your tea,” the Dowager Duchess remarked.

“I was here for a discussion, not refreshment,” Ava replied.

The Dowager Duchess also rose to her feet.

“I know you do not like me,” she started as she inched closer to Ava. “And I won’t pretend that I like you either. After all, you are my son’s wife. However, I will not have peace until I tell you again that Edwin is a monster and you must leave him while you still can.”

Ava heaved an exasperated sigh. She decided to take a leaf from her mother-in-law’s book.

“Duchess, I know you do not like me or your son. However, I must warn you—steer clear of me and Edwin. I do not need your warnings, as I am with my husband of my own free will. You will not cross our paths ever again, and if you attempt to cause us any harm, I will ensure that you pay severely for your actions.”

The Dowager Duchess gaped at her in shock.

Ava gave a sweet smile. “Now, I really must leave. Thank you for your hospitality, Duchess. I truly appreciate it.”

With that, she left with her head held high.