Man and wife, wedded together for eternity.
For better…or for worse.
And before she knew it, Harriet found herself on the completely silent carriage ride to Simon’s estate with her new husband. Harriet stared out of the window, her thoughts a tangled mess. Simon made no effort to strike up a conversation with her either.
Was this how things were going to be between them? Co-existing, like two perfect strangers? The thought sent her stomach into a tangle of knots, and she had to steady herself by holding onto the side of the carriage.
When they reached the estate, Simon got out of the carriage before her.
He extended his hand towards her, his palm open and inviting. The gesture caught Harriet by surprise — it was unexpectedly considerate. Her breath hitched in her throat, and for a moment, she simply stared at his outstretched hand
Tentatively, she placed her hand in his but all she could manage to say was a breathy, “Th-thank you.”
He seemed to have a much better hold on his emotions, as he merely nodded in acknowledgement.
They proceeded towards the estate — the walk itself was quite long, which was another new thing for her. Her own walkway in Ramsbury Manor had been fairly short, and this was nearly three times longer.
But soon, they reached the front door where a whole cohort of house staff awaited them — maids, butlers, and gardeners. They greeted the new couple with polite bows and curtsies.
“I would like to introduce everyone to Harriet, the new duchess,” Simon spoke up. “Everyone here must ensure that each one of her needs is met carefully, to her liking.”
Harriet wondered if this was his way of expressing affection, but then realized that it was all too convenient that he was leaving her in the care of his staff.
So when she followed him inside the estate, away from the listening ears of the staff, she decided to confront him finally.
“I believe that the staff can take over from here,” he said, turning on his heel to leave.
A flush of panic rose inside her at the action.
“Where are you going?” she demanded, her voice shaking slightly.
Simon paused, his back still to her. “This is where we part ways, Harriet,” he said, his tone cold and detached. “I married you to save your reputation and fulfil my duty. But I will not stay with a stranger.”
Harriet’s heart pounded as she stepped forward. “What do you mean? What will happen to me?”
Simon turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “You will be free to live your life however you wish. As long as you do not ruin my reputation or interfere with my affairs, you are free to do as you please. Spend as much money as you want. You will have your freedom.”
Harriet was stunned. This was part of what she had wanted — freedom. Yet the cold, detached manner in which Simon spoke made it feel like a hollow victory. “So that’s it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re just going to leave?”
“Yes,” Simon replied, stepping closer to her. Harriet instinctively backed away until she felt the wall against her back. He stoppedinches from her, his gaze intense. “I will be gone by dawn. Do not try to contact me unless it is a matter of life or death.”
“A matter of life or death?” she repeated.
“Yes, I hope that you take that seriously. I shall not be returning for anything less than that.”
Funny.Harriet thought to herself. Was she going to have to get herself gravely injured just to get a speck of attention from her husband?
He moved closer to her, his intense gaze piercing through hers. “Have I made myself clear? Or are you in need for further explanation?”
Up close, she could see the little specks of orange in his otherwise emerald eyes. For a couple that had just been married a few hours ago, a moment like this could pass as romantic to the unsuspecting passerby.
Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. The tension between them was palpable, and for a brief moment, she felt something shift inside her — fear, anger, confusion, and something else she couldn’t quite identify.
Simon’s voice softened slightly, but the edge remained. “I am allowing you a unique opportunity. You are free from the judgmental gaze of society, as you are from the expectationsfrom your family. Here, you may live life as you wish. Free. Do not squander it.”
It was something that Harriet had wanted her whole life, but not like this. How long had she dreamt about having her freedom? She had never been one to want marriage, so this arrangement should have been perfect for her.
So why was it that she did not want this at all? She glanced down at the ring on her finger, reminding herself that she was now married.
