Page 22 of Ruby in the Rough (Heiress #4)

Chapter

Twenty-Two

T he house party continued over the next several days and now as the Duchess of Walpole, Cordelia took up the reins of hostess and attempted to step into the important slippers she had married into.

She ought to be pleased by her new situation. Certainly, she desired Christian and no matter their conversation on their wedding day, she hoped things may be different between them.

And yet…

The duke, in the days since their hasty vows, had grown distant. Cordial. Dutiful. But not warm. Not affectionate. Certainly not passionate.

She had been at a loss as to what to do or how to capture the passion that only days before sizzled between them. His aloofness made little sense, and she did not know how to draw him back to her side.

Did he truly loathe their marriage so much that he would push her away so quickly? She had not been the only one in the library that day. Not everything that led up to their nuptials was her fault alone.

Her gaze swept the grounds where their guests were picnicking until she spied Rosalind, who stood in conversation with several guests. Rosalind appeared so content, proud and confident. Not to mention happy.

Cordelia needed that steadiness. Wanted the same future.

She approached, and Rosalind caught sight of her and quickly excused herself from the group. They linked arms before strolling farther into the gardens, away from the hum of conversation and clinking glasses.

"Let me start, dearest, to say that you have picked up the role of duchess marvelously," Rosalind stated with a bright smile. "I’m so proud of you, Cordelia. And so happy.”

Cordelia did not answer, merely smiled, not feeling at all the same enthusiasm that her sibling did. At her continued silence, Cordelia could feel her sister’s gaze boring into the side of her face.

“Are you well? Is there something wrong?" Rosalind asked.

Cordelia led Rosalind to a small bench surrounded by climbing roses and sat.

"I fear I do have concerns," she admitted, smoothing her skirts as Rosalind joined her at her side.

"The duke said something on our wedding day that I haven’t been able to disregard.

" She hesitated, then continued. Surely if there were anyone who could advise her, it would be her sister the duchess.

"He told me that, although we are married, he cannot guarantee love… And at present, he does not love me, nor can he promise fidelity. I don’t know how to change his mind.

" Her voice faltered at the horribleness of it all.

"I want what you and Evangeline have. A marriage built on love. Not duty."

Rosalind’s expression softened before she clasped Cordelia’s hand tightly. "The duke, no matter what he says now, may not even understand his own feelings. This has all happened quickly. And he has done the right thing, marrying you after what occurred…”

Cordelia flushed but could not deny the point.

“He warned me that he’s had a mistress in the past and may take one up again.

” Saying the words aloud made her stomach roll into a ball of dread.

The idea of Christian being passionate with another woman was not an image she wanted floating about in her mind or breaking her heart.

"There are things you can do," Rosalind continued.

"Men—though it pains me to say it—are simple creatures.

Animals of habit. You must carry on as you were before.

Bold, poised, respected in society. You are now a duchess, and with that comes influence.

Use it, Cordelia." Rosalind leaned in closer.

"And in the privacy of your rooms, remind him of what he already knows—that you are a passionate woman.

That you desire him. That you can satisfy him better than any mistress ever could. "

Cordelia’s raised her brows at her sister’s scandalous words but understood.

Of course Rosalind knew about the duke’s past mistress.

It would have been foolish to pretend otherwise.

"I fear he regrets his choice and will continue to distance himself no matter what I do," Cordelia stated quietly.

"That the marriage was not of his choosing, but out of obligation. Not the best start for any union.”

Rosalind gave a small, knowing nod. "He may warn you of such a thing, but that doesn’t mean it will come to pass. I do not believe he’ll be unfaithful."

Cordelia threw her sister a skeptical look.

"I’ve seen how he watches you,” Rosalind continued.

“At your wedding breakfast there was longing in his gaze. Whether or not he admits it to himself, he wants you. He cares for you. And he wouldn’t have offered for your hand if he did not.

He’s a duke. He could have ruined you and walked away, but he did not.

That must mean something at the very least."

Those words sank deep, a balm to Cordelia’s wounded hope.

"You have more power than you think," Rosalind said.

"And I believe if you continue to seduce the duke—not just physically, but emotionally—he will come to love you.

I don't know why he's so guarded, but I know he is capable of feeling.

He adores his sister. And in time, I believe he will adore you too. "

Cordelia exhaled slowly. Her heart steadied. "I shall do as you say," she murmured, voice firming. "I shall start this very evening. And if, in the coming days when we return to town, he attempts to keep his detachment from me, I’ll ensure those efforts fail."

She sat taller, resolve blooming in her chest. "And when we are back in London, I will be the best Duchess of Walpole this family has ever seen. I will make him proud to have married me—even if he did not plan to."

Rosalind beamed. "You will be grand, Cordelia. I have no doubt. And you’ll get your love match. You deserve nothing less."

Cordelia smiled back, determination firing her blood.

She would make him love her.

One way or another.