Page 1 of Discovering the Duke

Chapter 1

March 1814

It wasn’t the jostling carriage through the frozen country roads that had Julia Sinclair’s stomach twisting with knots; rather it was the idea of seeing her husband again. It had been nearly two weeks since she’d woken to find William gone after a very awkward wedding night. He’d left a note simply stating his need to depart at once.

On the heels of that note was yet another slip of paper found near the hearth, crumpled as though it had been meant to join the flames. And considering the contents, it was no wonder. William had been called away with the insistence that he come posthaste on account of someone called Maribel.

Maribel. The name seethed inside of Julia.

The idea of a house party in the country with her dearest friend, the Countess of Bursbury, had been a blessing and a curse. A blessing if William did not show, and a curse if he did. Of course, everyone would want to see the new Duke and Duchess of Stedton together.

Blast it.

The carriage made its way down a long drive lined with trees, their stark limbs layered with mounds of glittering snow. Julia pressed her temple to the cool glass window pane to better see the massive structure of Bursbury Manor in the distance. Well, that was a bit of a lie—she was actually scouring the landscape for any sign of her new husband.

Her heart rattled about her chest like a trapped bird. Dread pummeled its way into her stomach and she found herself praying that William not be in attendance. She needed these four days in the country, away from their grand home in London, away from the servants who all probably knew about her husband’s mistress. Every time they gazed at her, she wondered if they were secretly pitying her, or if they were whispering gossip amongst one another.

How could she have been so stupid? This marriage was supposed to have saved her from her father’s house, but now look where she’d landed herself.

Tension squeezed at the back of her throat. No. She would not crumple into tears. Not again. This whole awful mess had been given enough of her sorrow. Continuing to mourn, well, it was pathetic, and it needed to stop. And anyway, she had made her decision.

The carriage pulled to a stop before the manor, and a footman opened the door to help Julia from the small cabin. The wind hit her with a sharpness of the cold March. The chill lasted but a moment before she was swept into the grand entry of Bursbury Manor into Lady Bursbury’s warm greeting.

“Your Grace.” Nancy clapped her hands to her chest. “Don’t you look lovely? Marriage becomes you.”

“I’m still Julia to you.” Julia embraced her dear friend. “Thank you for having us. Has my husband arrived?”

“Not yet, nor have I heard from him.” Nancy rolled her eyes playfully. “You know how men are. I expect he’ll be here any moment and without a bit of notice.”

Julia gave a small laugh to keep from appearing as miserable as she felt.

Nancy waved her hand. “Come on, then. I’ll show you to your chamber, so you can refresh yourself. I know the roads are just terrible. Elias told me it was a bad idea to throw a house party in March, but I thought it would be the perfect time to get out of London while it’s so dismal and gray. Besides, isn’t it lovely how white and sparkling the snow is out here? So much better than the grimy slush sopping the city streets.”

Nancy continued to chatter on with her usual genuine excitement while she led the way, for which Julia was grateful. This felt normal, the way things were before the wedding. Before Julia realized she’d made a monumental mistake.

After having been escorted to her chambers, she took her time recovering from the journey, pausing periodically to glance out the large windows of her room. It was not the view that drew her, although it was lovely. She was on the lookout for her husband’s arrival, to have the conversation she knew would not end well. Yet, it must be done.

She refused to end up like her mother.

An hour later, in a fresh gown and with her mind certain that William would not arrive in the next several minutes, Julia opened the door. There, she met a most unwelcome face. Lady Venerton, the wife of the very old, very rich earl, and a onetime friend of Julia’s.

Lady Venerton did not appear at all surprised at Julia’s presence. Her lips curled in a cool smile. “How wonderful to see you here, Julia.” She dipped in a quick curtsey, more as an afterthought than with respectful intent.

The insult of using her Christian name was not lost on Julia.

“Lady Venerton.” Julia nodded. “You look well.”

And she did, dripping with gems in obscene proportions and practically glowing in a blush silk gown. It was ostentatious for daytime games at a house party, but clearly Lady Venerton had no qualms with being blatant in flashing her wealth.

“Is His Grace in attendance as well?” Lady Venerton peered around Julia, as though seeking out William.

Julia closed her door. “He is detained in the country at present and will join us if his obligations allow.”

“His obligations,” Lady Venerton repeated slowly. “In the country.” Her lips folded in on themselves, the way one does when they have something to say, but do not wish to say it.

“Correct.” Julia lifted her head and began to walk down the hall, forcing Lady Venerton to do so as well. “Is there something amiss?”

“Well, you know I don’t like to gossip.” Lady Venerton lowered her eyes. Most likely to hide the excited gleam there in those ice-crystal depths. For Lady Venerton loved nothing more than to gossip. Certainly, she had delighted in sharing everything she could about Julia’s father.