“No.”
“Are you saying there is a possibility we may never consummate our vows, even if years pass?”
“Yes.”
A startled laugh burst from her. “Surely that is the most ludicrous notion I’ve ever heard. Why?”
He became even more guarded.
“I may be ignorant of the acts of the marriage bed, but even I know that without consummation you cannot gain an heir.” And according to her stepmother and the ton, every titled man was in need of an heir.
“I have an heir.”
Her eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”
“I did not misspoke, Duchess.”
“An heir?”
“Yes, my mother thoughtfully provided my father with a spare before he died. My brother Jackson is currently away in the diplomatic corps, but he is the heir presumptive, and I am quite content for it to remain so.”
She froze, and the shock gave way under the tide of rage that filled her. “And did you hold this knowledge before wedding me?”
A shadow shifted over his face. “Yes.”
“And it never occurred to you I would desire children of my own?” she said, her throat tightening with anger.
“I did not single you out for my attention, you climbed into my bed. You would have been ruined and disgraced if I’d walked away.”
“The truth of that situation does not make your assertions now any less despicable. Has it not occurred to you I would have preferred a life disgraced in the country with Mr. Atwood or someone else, rather than be a duchess who will be denied the chance of…of…motherhood?” she growled, her heart pounding. She could not believe they were having a raging argument in such little time. This did not bode well for their marriage, and she hated the tears thickening her throat.
“No man would have had you, once society was through,” he said coldly. “I daresay the turn I did you by marrying you is unmatched.”
She gasped. “You are a heartless brute.”
“It is better that I am heartless, than that I am held responsible for your death,” he snapped, finally showing some passion.
Her death?
Edmond pushed from the door and raked fingers through his hair with force. He grabbed the doorknob.
“Don’t you dare walk away from me!”
“We will finish this discussion in the morning when we are calmer,” he said and opened the door.
“I beg your pardon; do you believe I will be able sleep after what you just said?”
“I assure you I will be thoroughly rested.” As if to say he was not concerned about her state of rest.
Then the wretched, infuriating man walked away.
She growled under her breath and rushed after him, the voluminous nightgown swirling around her ankles. “You have been nothing to me but boorish and…and uncivil. You seem quite content that I not speak to you, and now we are not to form any intimate attachment. Surely such a state of matrimony cannot be agreeable to anyone.”
His long strides took him to his chamber in short order, and she hurried to keep up.
He wrenched opened his door and seemly hesitated. “Oomph,” slipped from her as she collided into his back.
> They tumbled and he twisted so his back slammed into the jamb of the door, protecting her. Acting on instinct she slipped her hands around his neck and gripped him tightly. Adel could feel the thud of his heart against her body.