“Pardon?” Esther narrowed her eyes at her husband. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that she is right.”
The group shared a laugh, and then it was time for the couple to depart.
Tearful goodbyes were exchanged with her sisters. Before she knew it, Frances found herself in the carriage, returning to her new home, the reality of her title as Duchess beginning to sink in.
Christopher was quiet for most of the ride. He seemed to have something on his mind, and Frances considered whether or not she should pick his brain.
After all, they were husband and wife now—bound together for eternity. The thought alone sent a shiver down her spine, and she decided to keep to herself, waiting for him to strike up a conversation.
It wasn’t until they arrived at Huntington Estate that Christopher finally broke the silence.
“Frances,” he started, cracking a smile when he saw her struggling with her rather large veil.
She folded the fabric into half, stuffing it between her arms. “Just a moment… I am not used to wearing clothes this elaborate.”
“And yet you manage to pull it off like a natural.” He smiled and then offered a much-needed hand.
Frances froze as he came closer to her. She had no experience being this close to any man, and even his lightly moving her veil to the side made heat rush to her cheeks.
When he was done, he stepped back, clearing his throat. “Now, I believe that any union requires some things to be clarified at the outset.” His tone turned serious.
Frances nodded, feeling anticipation at what he was about to say next build up inside her.
“We must be on the same page regarding what is expected of this marriage.” He sighed. “It happened too fast, but are we both clear on the fact that it is only a marriage in name and a partnership for the sake of the twins?”
“Of course. I am well aware, and do not expect anything different,” she replied.
Though a part of her yearned for the traditional closeness that marriage entailed. The romance, the companionship. She pushed down those thoughts are far as she could manage and composed herself.
“I am glad.” The relief in the Duke’s voice was evident. “I am not one for romance, though my past with women might give you that impression.”
Frances looked up at him, surprised. She did not know much about his past, and now she felt naive that she had never asked.
Christopher caught the change in her expression immediately. “By past, I mean that. I have no desire to pursue other women while I am married, if you were unsure about that.”
“Oh…” Relief washed over her.
“I suppose it is a story for another day.” He smiled. “But we could get to it another time. There is much we do not know about one another.”
“The priority should be the children,” she stated. “I only wish for them to be settled in a family that gives them the love they need.”
Christopher nodded. “That will be your primary duty. But there’s more that you will attend to, as you are now the Duchess.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean by that?”
Christopher shrugged his shoulders with an ease that seemed to come naturally to him. “Oh, just the usual responsibilities—managing the household, attending functions together. I do not doubt that you will perform your duties well.”
Frances felt a pang of uncertainty. “Your Grace…”
“Christopher,” he corrected.
“I… I have one final thing to ask.” She bit her lip. “As your wife, will I be expected to provide an heir as well?”
The question had been niggling at her for some time now, and it took her all the courage she could muster to articulate it.
Christopher paused, surprised by her bluntness. “We needn’t concern ourselves with that. The twins are our heirs—they are enough.”
