They were sitting across from one another in the carriage, the silence the theme of the trip as they slowly made their way toward Westshire Estate. The sun was just now drifting down the skyline, still light outside, but evening would soon be upon them.
And Helena, annoyed at the Duke for so many reasons, was doing everything she could to ignore him.
Easy to do, as he was happy to say nothing.
As has been the case for the past week.
She was staring out the window, fidgeting with her gown, nerves starting to rise as she braced for the evening’s affair. She knew what to expect and how she was expected to behave, but the idea of doing so still felt strange, far too false, and she worried about how the Duke was going to treat her.
That was when he finally spoke, a compliment that she had not expected because it was entirely too soon to give it.
“Excuse me?” She started and turned to find him staring at her.
“I said you look beautiful,” he repeated. “That gown was a wonderful choice. It suits your eyes.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Is it not too early to say such things? Better saved for when there are people around to hear it.”
He shrugged. “The truth does not require an audience.”
Helena frowned at him. The Duke was watching her, his blue eyes glimmering, the smirk still on his lips but not quite as cocky as it often was. There was an earnestness in his gaze, and she very nearly allowed herself to believe that he was being honest.
“What do you want?” she sighed, her shoulders slumping, sick to death of his games. “You still have not told me.”
“What do you mean?”
“This!” She gestured around them. “Us. Why did you insist on marrying me? And do not say it was because you wished to save me. That was an excuse you used, but not the real reason. Why bother with a marriage that you have made painfully clear you have no desire for?”
The smirk faded from the Duke’s lip. The smile in his eyes vanished. He scowled, his body turning rigid, an awkwardness taking over that saw him shift and lean away before turning and gazing out the window.
“It is not important.”
“It is,” she insisted. “I deserve to know.”
“It matters not,” he said, refusing to look at her. “My reasons are my own, and in a few months, they will have nothing to do with you.”
She thought to press the point. There was still so much that she did not know, that which she felt she had the right to. For all his arrogance and his charm, there was more to her husband than he was letting on. Another side to him that he seemed desperate to hide.
Before she got the chance, however, she felt the carriage slow. Finally, they arrived.
“Here we go,” she sighed as the carriage came to a stop.
There was already a row of them before the large manor, most with their doors open as various guests climbed out. She reached for the handle to join them.
“Not so fast.” The Duke sat forward.
“What?”
His smile had returned, and he held out a hand for her to take. She eyed his hand as if she did not know what to do with it. He raised an eyebrow at her. Having no choice, she sighed and placed her hand in his.
“Now, we may exit.” As he spoke, the door swung open. “Oh, and I was speaking honestly earlier. You really do look beautiful.”
His smile was caring and honest, and the way he held her hand was gentle and protective. If Helena did not know any better…
But I do know better, and that is the entire point
They exited the carriage together, hands intertwined, smiles on their faces. And once their feet hit the pavement, his hand slipped around her waist and pulled her close as he waved to some of the guests he knew.
“Your Grace!” An elderly lord waved back, also with his wife. “Good to see you!”
