Adeline’s hands tightened on his.
“I can still smell the blood and feel the heat of the chambers as she struggled to give birth. I had never seen so much blood, or felt such despair. She knew the risk, yet she willingly lay with me, because I had not been able to stop blathering about my desire for an heir. I watched the life drain from her eyes, and I saw the deep regret she felt in loving me.”
Adel flinched. “The burden is not yours to carry, Edmond, I would never besmirch—”
“Don’t! Do not try and excuse my burden. It is mine to bear. I should have probed deeper. I should have known something was wrong.”
“You are wrong, Your Grace.” Her voice was soft, but filled with steel. “It is not only your burden to bear, but mine as well. You made it so when you think to deny me the chance of a child.”
The chilled silence was broken only by their breathing.
“I am not foolish enough to believe you will be content with never having a child. But I ask of you to be generous and grant me more time. You are twenty-one. A few more years is all I require.” Then maybe the guilt and torment would be a mere phantom caress, and he would be able to look to the future.
She kissed his knuckles. “I agree, Edmond.”
Relief scythed through him, and he dropped his chin on her head. They stayed like that for the longest time, until he realized she had fallen asleep in his arms. His duchess was generous indeed, and he would endeavour to make himself worthy of her regard. One day he would be ready.
Chapter Twenty-One
It seemed like every set of eyes in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane was upon Wolverton’s box.
“It’s the Duke and Duchess of Wolverton.”
Adel was mightily exhausted of hearing their titles bandied about. But Edmond had been correct in his assessment. They were fawned over and gossiped about in equal measure. They had been in town for almost a week, and she had attended several balls and a number of musicales with her husband. Young ladies and gentlemen who had previously ignored her presence flocked to her. She had even been startled to realize that several of the young ladies and misses had started to copy the styles she wore her hair in, and there were whispers that dresses and ball gowns were being ordered in the daring bright colors she wore. The little season had been rather exciting as she was fast making acquaintances, some of which she could see were genuine and she would come to treasure.
“Upon my word, Wolverton has arrived,” Lady Deerwood said, raising her quizzing glasses to the foyer.
Adel’s heart leaped. She had arrived alone because he’d had some political meeting to attend. She had not been sure if he would arrive before the opening of the second act. Several ladies had dropped by her box to catch her up on the latest gossip. Adel was more interested in discussing the play they were watching, a rousing tale of unrequited love and revenge. Very similar to another play she had watched with Edmond earlier in the week, but just as entertaining.
“The ton is very much atwitter with how many events your duke intends to attend with you,” the marchioness said with a sly wink.
Adel gave her a serene smile and sipped the glass of champagne that a footman had delivered to their box.
“Some say it was enterprising of you to trap him. Too many young ladies are admiring your boldness in securing a top match suitor. There have been at least four incidents this week after the ton has witnessed how much your duke attends you, my dear.”
Before Adel could respond the curtain parted and Edmond entered. He inclined his head to Lady Deerwood, and she rose, dropped into a curtsy, and departed.
Adel grinned. “Your presence always sees my friends scuttling away.”
He sat, then leaned over and brushed a kiss against her lips.
“I see you are determined to keep being scandalous.”
“Quite so,” he drawled. “How are you faring?”
Her skin prickled with awareness. Edmond seemed a bit reserved, and it recalled to mind, his aloofness that morning before he departed for his meetings.
“Never fear, Your Grace, since my arrival I have not spent a minute alone. I have caught up on the latest gossip, and the most remarkable occurrence took place right before the play started.”
He lifted a brow.
“The Earl of Vale stopped by our box.”
Her duke remained unruffled, and her suspicions were proved correct.
“At first his presence startled me, and I was well prepared to kick him in the shin and cause an even bigger scandal of the year, but he apologized most profusely for his un-gentlemanly and frightful behavior, and even begged my forgiveness.”
“As he should.”