Page 20 of The Beast’s Duchess (Duchesses of Inconvenience #1)

Chapter Sixteen

“ Y ou seem distracted,” Veronica commented to Rose, setting down the embroidery she’d been working on while Milly played with the puppies.

“There’s a ball in a few days. I wasn’t planning on going but I recently received word someone is going to be there?”

“I thought you said you don't have any suitors at the moment.”

“Then she lied!” Milly chimed in.

“Oh did she? And how do you know that?”

“Because There's a gentleman that has been visiting her almost every day.”

“And is he a nice gentleman?”

“I think so.”

“What’s he like? What’s his name?”

“Slow down,” Rose cut in. “It's hardly the Shakespearian love story she’s making it out to be.”

“No? Then why don’t you tell me what it is like?”

“I- I don’t know what to say.”

Veronica’s eyes lit. It had been so long since she could simply tease her sister! “Well, you could start with his name.”

She smiled. “Henry. He doesn't have much in the way of land or status. He’s a merchant actually.”

“And mother and father accept that?”

She nodded. “They said they aren’t going to interfere with our marriages! Isn’t that lovely?”

“It is.” Veronica couldn’t help but wonder if it had been a stipulation of Christopher investing in their businesses.

If it was she would need to thank him. He had been so kind to her family.

But for the moment, she did her best to push that from her mind. Her sister was in front of her and she wanted to tell her all about the man who was winning her heart.

“Then you must go!” Veronica said when she was done.

“But we came to see you. We only arrived yesterday. We were supposed to stay a week.”

“Yes, and I expect you to come visit me again soon. Those plans were made long before I knew you had a sweet heart waiting for you.”

She flushed. “I- I don’t know that I would say we’re sweet hearts.”

“I would,” Milly chimed in, a grin on her face. “Don’t listen to her. He’s all she talks about at home.”

“Then who am I to stand between you?”

“Then perhaps you could come with us? It might be nice for you to see London again.”

Veronica shook her head. “I belong here.” Besides, she thought to herself. I’d rather not stay in their house.

“But it must have been some time since you last went to a ball.”

“It’s alright. You don’t need to worry. If i’m honest, I don’t miss them.”

Milly gasped. “Why not?”

Rose made a hushing gesture at the little girl. “You’ve never been one for parties, have you, Veronica? It looks like things worked out for the best for you.”

Veronica rolled her eyes. “It isn’t as though I hat them or anything. I just think balls are only as good as the company they offer.”

“I would be there. Are you saying I’m poor company?”

“You are both lovely as you well know, but I can’t be sure how anyone else will be, and you can’t tell me people haven’t been talking since I married.”

Rose looked away. “You have never been one to listen to rumors before.”

“Nor am I now, but that doesn’t mean I want to subject myself to a night spent knowing everyone is talking about me.” Veronica shook her head. “You two go and have fun. I will see both of you again soon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Just make sure to visit me again soon, alright?”

Milly lit up. “Son’t worry we will.”

“Slow down!” Rose chided. “I haven't agreed to anything yet.”

“Haven't you?”

“Obviously not! I have wanted to see you for so long.”

“And now you have, but now there is another matter that needs your attention.”

“But-”

“Go, come back to me when you have settled matters of the heart. I expect an invitation to the wedding.”

Rose’s face softened. “Thank you, my dearest sister.”

After that, everything seemed to rush together. One minute they were packing and planning and then next they were gone, leaving only silence in their wake.

Sighing, Veronica set off to find Daisy and return to her work.

And so, sometime later, the pair found themselves growing closer and closer to the restricted section.

“Are you sure we should be doing this?” Daisy hesitated, looking up from her notes. She chewed her lip. “Perhaps we should wait for Duke Danton to return.”

“I think we can handle it between the two of us, but you can just stand there and jot down what I tell you if it would make you feel better.”

Daisy let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Veronica chuckled and set to work. She made her way up a rickety wooden staircase, making notes on where the wall paper had rotted away and other things of note before she felt the ground shaking beneath her feet.

She grimaced, tightening her hands on the railing. “The whole staircase should be looked at my a carpenter.”

“What do you mean? Are you safe up there?”

But before Veronica could answer, the door flew open and Christopher flew inside.

“What do you think you’re doing up there?” he bellowed, deep voice thundering off the crumbling walls.

“I was just trying to see what work this part of the house needed,” done,” she said, her voice rising defensively.

“In the restricted section!”

“Yes, that’s the place that needs the most work!”

That’s exactly why you shouldn’t be there! Did you ever stop to wonder why it was restricted?”

She hesitated, and before she could think of a response, he continued on his tirade.

“Its because it isn’t safe. I am the only one who knows that part of the house well enough to avoid getting hurt! I’ve already lost too much and I won’t lose anything else. Now get out of there.”

Guilt washed over her. “I- I’m sorry.” Her thoughts went to his scars. His isolation. Everything she had took from him in the fire. “I’ll be right down.”

She started making her way down the stairs, eyes locked on the ground.

How had she bene so thoughtless? How had she let herself start to forget everything she had done? How-

A sickening crack sounded through the air.

The very floor beneath her feet fell out from under Veronica. She screamed as the ground below raced up to meet her.

“Veronica!” Christopher’s cry cut through the air. His feet pounded over the floor, carefully making his way along the safe part of the floor until he was kneeling by her side. “Someone go get a physician!” he bellowed, sending Daisy scurrying.

He turned his focus back to the woman in front of him. “Veronica, can you hear me?”

She let out a small moan of pain. “Christopher, I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Just stay still now. Don’t try to get up. Daisy is going to go get a physician. How do you feel?”

“I think I’m alright. It looks worse than it is. Here, just let me get up and-”

“Please,” he put a hand to her chest, pushing her back down. “I don’t want you to move and make any injuries worse.”

“I can’t just stay on the floor here until the physician arrived,” she said, with a dismayingly weak smile.

“If you are that sdet on moving, I can carry you somewhere more comfortable. Come to think of it, that would probably be better for you.”

“You don’t need to-” but before she could finish her thought, he lifted her in his arms, causing her to let out another small squeak.

“Sorry, was I too rough with you?” he asked, face suddenly far too close to her own.

“N- no it was nothing like that.”

“Then what is it?”

“I- I was just surprised is all. I wasn’t expecting you to lift me. It seems a little much don’t you think?”

He shook his head. “I already told you, I won’t lose anything else.”

After that, she fell silent. She knew she had already done enough damage. The best thing she could do now was to keep her mouth shut so she didn’t cause any more pain.

Christopher carried her into her sitting room, laying her out gently on the sofa.

“I thought about taking you to bed, but thought you might prefer to see the physician out here.”

“I think I would. Thank you for thinking of me.”

He huffed, looking away. “Just promise me you will be more careful in the future. I shutter to consider what could have occurred if I had not returned home when I did.”

“Yes, I will,” she said, and in a way, she meant it.

She knew what she would have to do to avoid causing him any more pain. She wouldn’t let something like this happen again.

“Your Grace!” Daisy’s voice cut through the air as she knocked on the door of Veronica’s bedroom. “I brought the physician. ”

Things were a flurry of activity after that. Just as she said, she was declared to be a little banged up but overall, fine. Christopher went to walk him to the door, then Veronica turned to Daisy.

“I’m rather tired after all of that. Could you give me some time alone?”

“Of course, your grace. Would you like me to help you change for bed?”

“That won’t be necessary, but thank you for everything.”

She smiled then Veronica was alone. Letting out a sigh, she pushed to her feet and got to work.

She didn’t take much, not wanting to over encumber herself, packing only an extra gown and a few sentimental possessions before making her way outside to the stables.

Horse saddled, bags packed, and mind set, she slipped off into the woods.