Page 16 of Claiming his Cursed Duchess

Though Adam did not look at her—his face was set in harsh lines and focused on his brother—Rosaline could not help but marvel at being defended by the devastatingly handsome duke. Watching the muscle along his sharp, clenched jaw jump as those hard blue eyes glared in her defense made something flutter in Rosaline’s chest, and she gasped slightly, trying to catch her breath.

A moment too late to be polite, Rosaline tore her gaze away from her new husband to find Henry staring at her once again, trepidation on his face.

“He’s right, of course,” Henry sighed heavily, then endeavored a crooked, if fraught smile at Rosaline. “As my brotherunfailinglyis,” he added, and Rosaline felt a smile tug at her own lips again, one of the few real smiles she’d had on her wedding day.

“Please, accept my apology, and my sincere welcome into our family.” Henry extended his hand, and this time there was only a breath of hesitation before he bowed as he gently kissed her gloved knuckles.

He seems misguided, but sweet. Rosaline studied her new brother-in-law as she returned his bow with a curtsey.

“Thank you for your kind welcome, I hope we get to know each other beyond the surface.”

It was as much gratitude as she could give while letting him know that his superficiality had not been unnoticed.

To Rosaline’s surprise, Henry laughed at that, turning to his brother with a wide grin. “You have your work cut out for you with this one; I can tell already.”

Rosaline beamed at Henry, but when she turned to her new husband, his face was still set in that brooding, stoic mask.

A moment later, Adam signaled their departure. As Lord and Lady Claridge approached, their faces twisted into masks of disapproval, Rosaline couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Here we go again,she thought, a wry smile playing on her lips.

“Rosaline,” Lady Claridge hissed, her voice a venomous whisper. “Remember your place. You are to remain invisible. Do not attract attention. Do not speak to anyone unless spoken to first.And for God’s sake, do not embarrass this family with your…eccentricities.”

Lord Claridge, his voice a low growl, added, “one misstep, one indiscretion, and you will regret it. We will not tolerate any behavior that brings shame upon the family name.”

Rosaline, though her smile faded slightly, still met their gaze. She knew their words were meant to intimidate, to crush her spirit. But she would not let them.

“I will do what is best.” Rosaline replied simply, which seemed to placate her aunt and uncle. As the carriage pulled away, a wave of melancholy washed over Rosaline.

My life has changed forever,she mused, her gaze drifting out the window.

She was no longer the spirited Rosaline Arnold, free to pursue her intellectual passions and dream of love.

Now, she was the Duchess of Oldstone, a title that carried with it a weight of expectation and responsibility.

Her husband, the enigmatic duke, remained a cipher, his thoughts and feelings a mystery.

Well,she thought, a defiant glint in her eye,I shall not be a mere ornament. I will carve my own path, regardless of the obstacles.

Chapter Six

“Why, pray tell, did you choosemeto be your duchess, Your Grace?” Rosaline finally broke the silence, her voice low.

The carriage ride to Oldstone had been a tense silence, broken only by the rhythmic clopping of hooves on cobblestone.

Adam’s expression remained impassive, though his piercing eyes flickered away from the window for a moment.

A flicker of annoyance crossed his features, but he quickly schooled his expression.

“Because it suited me,” he replied, his tone nonchalant.

Rosaline narrowed her eyes, a spark of defiance igniting within her. She leaned forward, her posture regal, her chin tilted slightly upward.

“That is not an answer,” she retorted, her voice rising slightly.

The duke turned to face his duchess, his gaze intense.

“It is the only one you are getting,” he said, his voice low and icy.