Page 4 of Her Accidental Duke (Regency Mishaps #1)

CHAPTER 4

“ I trust your journey was pleasant? I hope you found the estate without any trouble as well,” The duke’s inquiry was in a smooth tone, yet lacking warmth as he gestured for everyone to take their seats.

Nathaniel, eager to break the ice, leaned forward with a smile. “It was quite lovely, thank you. The countryside is breathtaking this time of year. We took a few detours to enjoy the scenery.”

He laughed as he added, “Though I must say, the roads could use a bit of work. I nearly lost my hat to a particularly large bump on the way!”

Aside from Tristan’s light scoff, an odd silence followed this statement. Cecilia, sat beside the earl, felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The duke merely nodded, his expression unchanged, as if Nathaniel’s lighthearted jest had fallen flat.

Well, that was rude.

A frown etched into her face, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ornate wallpaper, hoping to avoid any further interaction with the ma, who hadn’t glanced her way for a while.

“What he means to say is, the trip went well, Your Grace. You have a lovely estate, we are grateful for your pleasant invite,” Tristan spoke up, his voice steady and firm as he addressed the duke.

Alistair Wexford only nodded in response once again, “Why, thank you. It is important for both families to meet, after all.”

Another silence ensued. Cecilia’s brow lifted slightly as she shifted her gaze to take a glance at the man.

Does he not have any social skills?

Handsome yet lacking social grace, what a sad pair. This must likely be the reason he’s called the Hollow Duke.

Her staring was caught almost immediately and she flinched slightly, shifting her gaze back to the wall as quickly as she could. Her heart pounded in her chest beyond measure as she struggled to calm herself from the feeling that came from the intense eye contact of such a short moment.

She could feel him staring, and she hoped it was not visible how her fingers were beginning to twitch under his gaze.

Why didn’t I continue to keep my eyes to myself?!

Stop staring at me!

“Sister, are you certain you are well?” Tristan’s whisper only managed to unnerve her more. She hoped he was not following the duke’s gaze in her direction.

“Perhaps, a tad bit hungry, but I am fine, brother. Dinner would be soon. Today is for Nathaniel, I can manage.” She surprised herself at how quickly the excuse tumbled out of her mouth.

“Ahem,” Evie, clearly sensing the tension of the quiet room, suddenly piped up, her voice bright and cheerful. “Indeed, it is wonderful we are all finally able to meet at last. You said you took detours, did you sight the mountains in the distance around the forest roads, a lovely sight it is in this season, is it not? I adore traveling through the countryside. There’s something magical about it.”

As conversation broke out again, Cecilia couldn’t help but admire Evie’s ability to lighten the mood. The contrast between her and her brother was stark. While the duke maintained a polished, impenetrable facade, Evie radiated warmth and openness.

“I want to hear more of what you thought of the journey, dear Cece,” Evie encouraged, turning her attention to Cecilia, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.

Despite the pleasantness in the lady’s expression, Cecilia couldn’t help but feel like she’d been put on the spot. Perhaps in different circumstances, she’d have been quicker to respond, but the duke’s presence loomed over her like a shadow.

She forced a smile, aware that her almost instant frown at the question had likely betrayed her reluctance. “It was... fine,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I did enjoy the view, and I’ve always liked the feel of taking a trip in the snowy weather-”

“‘Cece’?” Alistair’s sudden questioning cut her short. “And when did you two end up that close, sister? Do not be so forward.”

Cecilia frowned. His words were almost like a warning, as though he wanted Evangeline to have nothing to do with her. It would not be surprising, Cecilia could imagine what kind of a lady he thought her to be after all.

Still, it was all infuriating. It felt like a repeat of their first encounter— his judgemental attitude and the conclusions he jumped to.

She directed her frown in his direction, but this time, the duke’s gaze only flickered briefly to hers, nevertheless feeling cold and somewhat calculating.

“Today, brother. I believe Lady Cecilia and I would become fast friends,” Evie was almost oblivious to her brother’s undertone.

“Is that so?” he droned.

Ugh.

Cecilia was no longer content staring at the wall. She glared at him, willing him to meet her gaze. Yet, the man acted now as though she did not exist

He returned his focus to Tristan and Nathaniel, who were suddenly engaged in a friendly debate about the merits of various hunting techniques in snowy forests. The duke offered polite nods but did not join in the laughter, leaving an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air.

Evie, ever perceptive, jumped in again, “I think it’s wonderful that you all share such interests! Perhaps we can organize a hunt during your stay. I’d love to see everyone in action!” Her smile was infectious, but Cecilia noticed the duke’s lips barely twitched at the suggestion . If either of her brothers had ignored her that way, they’d be lucky to escape without having the soup tureen flung their way.

“Wouldn’t that be something?” Tristan chuckled, seeming to actually consider the thought. He turned his gaze to Alistair, “What say you, Your Grace?”

The duke paused. “It might prove a good opportunity to learn more about each other .” He seemed to contemplate it a bit more before nodding, “Perhaps, we could have one soon , next we meet.”

“Excellent.” Tristan nodded.

“Since you adore the countryside so much, Miss Wexford, I can only imagine how your happiness will blossom after the wedding,” Tristan remarked with a teasing grin, his eyes twinkling as he glanced between Evie and Nathaniel. “After all, Nathaniel’s estate is nestled right in the heart of it.”

Evie’s cheeks flushed a delightful shade of pink as she nodded, her voice soft yet filled with excitement. “I am well aware. I can’t wait to be surrounded by so much beauty every day.” She glanced at her soon-to-be husband, her expression brightening further, and he smiled back, the warmth in his gaze unmistakable.

Tristan’s grin widened, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment. “Well, it seems you two are a match made in the heavens! Brother, you must be the envy of every man in the kingdom, having a bride so akin to your own interests.”

Cecilia couldn’t suppress a giggle at the sight of Nathaniel’s reaction. His eyes widened in surprise, and a hint of color crept into his cheeks. “All in all, with a bride like her, who wouldn’t boast?”

Cecilia and her grandmother exchanged amused glances, both unable to stop themselves from cooing at the sight.

“Oh, young love! The beauty of it!” the dowager countess exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Evie, now a deep shade of crimson, could hardly meet anyone’s gazes, clearly flustered by the attention.

Tristan leaned forward, clearly reveling in the atmosphere he had created. “True, it is! You both are so perfectly suited for each other. I can only imagine the lovely evenings you’ll spend together under the stars, with the countryside as your backdrop. I’m almost envious.”

Grinning at his bashful brother, he carried on, “The wedding couldn’t come any faster, could it?”

“I'm glad such a topic has been brought up at last,” the duke announced suddenly, his voice cutting through the lighthearted chatter like a knife. The room fell silent, all eyes drawn to him as he continued in a lifeless monotone, “Before we delve into details, I want to make one thing clear.”

Cecilia jolted slightly as his heavy gaze suddenly locked unto hers, and she felt a tension rising, discomfort wrapping around her like a thick fog.

What is he doing?

“I’m sure we can all agree that marriage is a sacred thing,” he declared, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if daring her to respond. “My sister is pure and unsullied, a woman of good repute .”

Cecilia's heart raced as she registered the implications behind his words. The room seemed to hold its breath, and the air around her clogged with his unspoken accusations.

Evangeline, sitting beside him, blushed a deep crimson, her eyes wide with surprise. “Brother, why are you mentioning all of this all of a sudden?” she interjected, her voice trembling slightly.

But the duke paid her no mind, his focus unwavering as he pressed on. “I must stress the fact that I expect Nathaniel and Evangeline to keep their distance until the wedding.”

The emphasis he placed on the word “distance” was undoubtedly a direct jab at Cecilia, a reminder of the intensity she’d held unto him with.

“My sister is no fortune hunter, no lovelorn maiden to toss herself at a man,” he cleared his throat in a manner that made her blood boil, “I would expect more caution from the groom. I hope I am making myself clear.”

Cecilia’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to defend herself, to shout that his words were unjust, but the fear of escalating the situation held her back. Instead, she clenched her fists in her lap, feeling the heat of embarrassment wash over her; enduring the way he flickered his gaze towards her, condescending and sharp, made her skin crawl.

“Brother, is all this really necessary? Will you put a halt to this please?” Evie’s voice came out in a small, embarrassed whisper.

“You need not worry, Your Grace,” Nathaniel finally spoke up, his brows furrowing in concern. “Evie and I are perfectly capable of maintaining decorum, even more than before, from this moment on.” His voice was steady, but Cecilia could hear the underlying offense, a protective note that was commendable even.

“It's not just about decorum,” Alistair replied, his tone unyielding. “It’s about respect for the institution of marriage. I want to ensure that my sister is treated with the dignity she deserves.”

Evie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing between her brother and Nathaniel’s frown, her expression a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. “But we’re all friends here, Alistair,” she laughed lightly, “Family, even. Surely, we can trust each other’s word. Let us settle this with his assurance.”

“Trust is earned, not given,” the duke shot back, his eyes still boring into Cecilia, as if she were the very embodiment of his disdain.

Is anyone else catching this terrible look of contempt?

As the conversation continued, Cecilia’s mind raced. Despite her rage, her eyes shifted to the floor. She kept silent, feeling increasingly isolated.

Tristan made attempts to speak up for his brother, and the duke's stiff politeness contrasted sharply with Evie's infectious warmth of support and understanding. The duke sat like an immovable statue, his presence both oppressive and uninviting.

From the corner of her eye, Cecilia watched her grandmother shift uncomfortably at the scene and she realized how terribly the evening was turning out. She could only hope that as the evening progressed, the warmth of Evie’s spirit would shine again , dispelling the shadows that seemed to cling to the duke and his lofty airs.

“Your Grace, I also must make this clear,” Nathaniel began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for Evangeline. I would never?—”

“I do not need mere feelings. If anything, what I have witnessed between you two now shows your feelings might turn out stronger than reason. I might have agreed to this marriage, but let me make one thing clear, I could change my mind in a heartbeat if you prove unworthy.” His eyes narrowed, the threat hanging in the air like a storm cloud.

Tristan shifted uneasily, casting a glance at their grandmother Louisa, who sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “Your Grace, surely we could agree that the romance they share is not a sin,” he said, his voice attempting to bridge the tension with a chuckle. “Let’s not make it out to be one. I assure you, Nathaniel is nothing but a man of loyalty and honor. His love only escalates this.”

But Alistair remained unmoved, his expression cold and unyielding. “I don’t care for his past accolades. I am stating clearly I will not allow my sister to be tied to someone who cannot uphold her dignity, I will not accept mistakes.”

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. “I assure you, I will not fail her. You have my word.”

The duke however, seemed unimpressed still. The tension in the room crackled, and Cecilia felt her heart race as she absorbed the confrontation.

What exactly is his problem?

Silence filled the room for what felt like the twentieth time. Only Tristan’s clearing of his throat sounded after the seconds passed.

“I’m aware I’m being protective. It is my duty ,” the duke’s tone was as sharp as the tailored lines of his suit, every inch of him radiating authority as he spoke again.

Beside Cecilia, Tristan shifted uncomfortably, glancing from Nathaniel to Evangeline, who sat frozen.

“You’re the head of a household yourself, my lord. Surely you understand where I’m coming from,” Alistair continued, locking eyes with him, his expression unyielding.

“Yes, but…” Tristan hesitated, searching for the right words.

“Respect isn’t enough in this world,” the duke said, his voice firm. “It’s about protection. No brother would wish to bind his own to a fortune hunter. Wouldn’t you do the same for your sister?”

The room was quiet once more, the gravity of his words hanging heavily in the air as everyone absorbed the intensity of his presence.

Cecilia felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck. How could someone so handsome, with that chiseled jawline and piercing eyes, be so infuriating? The thought made her heart ache.

What a waste of good looks.

“I expect a respectful courtship and nothing else, this is how it shall be,” Alistair rose from his seat suddenly, his tall figure drawing all eyes like a magnet as he stared everyone down.

“We shall adjourn to dinner in about an hour. In the meantime, you are welcome to explore the grounds. Welcome to the Holloway Estate,” he said, his gaze lingering on Cecilia for the last bit a moment before he turned.

As though drawn to a magnet , Cecilia’s gaze followed the man as he walked away, taking in the strong lines of his back and the way his dark hair fell effortlessly over his forehead.

How could such a handsome face truly be so intolerable?

Her thoughts drifted back to her brother, and her gaze shifted to find him sat uncomfortably as he was, lines etched into his forehead. The idea of his happiness resting on the shoulders of another man filled her with anxiety. She couldn’t help but wonder if Nathaniel had the strength to stand up to the duke’s formidable presence.

Cecilia sighed, her heart heavy with the burden of uncertainty accompanied by a rush of guilt washing over her. Had she unknowingly jeopardized his marriage? The thought gnawed at her, twisting in her stomach like a serpent.

Is there any way I can fix what I have done?