No…there had been a time when he was a boy that he’d been happy. He had memories of sitting on his father’s shoulders as they toured his estates, eating apples and listening to the soft rumble of the man he’d idolized. A man he’d not thought could fade from his life. It was at the age of twelve he tasted second-hand the first sting of death, and he’d entered one of the darkest hours of his life. Edmond belatedly realized it was as if he’d never emerged.
“Why do you think that is?”
“What?”
She sighed. “Why are you so curt?”
A ripple of annoyance stirred his blood. “Adeline.”
“Yes, Edmond?”
“Go to sleep, we have several more hours of traveling tomorrow.”
He smiled in the dark when her breath huffed in what appeared to be irritation.
“You are the most maddening man.”
“You have no notion of my character.” Though he did not think she referred to talk of him being the mad duke.
“No, I don’t,” she mused softly, her voice sweet and sensual. “But I would very much like to. Are you not at all curious about me?”
He scowled. “No.”
A soft hurt gasp sounded and regret stirred. He might be disinterested, and it was quite well for him to say so…except it truly wasn’t. She was his duchess for better or worse. He belatedly realized though they had no prior attachment, she must have had some expectations of him.
Hell…
It seemed he’d not thought through beyond the need to provide a mother for his children. He had nothing to give Adeline, not even the wedding night she seemed to be anticipating with such acute nervousness. He would wait until they were at Rosette Park before he informed her she would not have to dread his attentions, for he would never allow them intimacy.
Chapter Eleven
After traveling for what felt like a lifetime, the elegant and well-sprung carriage pulled into the forecourt of Rosette Park a few minutes after noon the following day. Adel heaved a sigh of relief.
The door was opened by a pair of footmen, who assisted her down. Adel almost stumbled at the splendor of Rosette Park. The estate grounds were glorious. This was not a manor, but a castle with a sweeping arched entrance, and it was situated on one of the most splendid lakes she had ever seen. But it was the rolling lawns which seemed to spread for miles which held her attention. In the far distance she could see a few children running, but they were too far away for her to hear their enjoyment. An avenue of beech trees lined the long driveway, and in the far distance behind the lake the sunlight dappled through the thick leaves.
How glorious…
And she was its mistress.
She moved closer and realized her first impression that it was a castle was incorrect although the mansion boasted several crenellations and a number of decorative towers. The house clearly was built in the last few generations, but felt heroic in the beautiful setting. Formal gardens surrounded a classical fountain in which sea nymphs frolicked around a benevolent Neptune. Behind the house more gardens could be seen and sweep
ing lawns leading down to the picturesque lake. Within the lake were a number of small islands which were bedecked with weeping willows and abundant greenery. Swans and other water birds swam in the waters followed by their offspring.
There was a gentle clearing of a throat, and she faced the line of servants who were dressed smartly and waiting on her. At that moment the sound of thundering hooves alerted her to the fact her husband had caught up with them. Though it had drizzled rain for a few hours, he had elected to ride his massive black stallion, instead of being seated in the carriage with her. It had slightly stung, but she spent the arduous journey reflecting on how to be successful in her new station. It had made no sense lamenting on what could have been, and she so badly wanted to eventually be happy with Edmond. Marriage was so…permanent. It perplexed Adel that many in society were simply content with a lukewarm attachment with their spouses. Not that she was overly romantic, but she wanted—no, needed—warmth and passion in her marriage, much like her mother had experienced with Papa.
Edmond swept inside the forecourt, and without waiting for the horse to fully stop, launched himself from its back. With a gasp she stepped forward. Was he mad? He could have broken his neck.
He tugged off his black hat and thrust fingers roughly through his hair, which was damp from the scattering of raindrops. After a few slaps to his thigh muscles with the hat, he fairly prowled towards her. A very large and powerful dog raced from beside the lake to greet Edmond who sank to his knees to tousle the dog’s head in greeting. Good heavens. The dog seemed like a mix between a wolfhound, a Mastiff…and, well, the very devil himself. She had never see a dog so large, but his presence certainly wrought miracles. The duke was smiling. Edmond absently stroked its ears, and she swore the fearsome creature actually purred.
Edmond stood and came over.
“Adeline,” the duke greeted, his gray eyes hooded.
She dipped into a shallow curtsy. “Edmond.”
“This is Maximus, my companion.”
Adeline was transfixed.