Here, she was alone. But she clung to the feeling she'd had in the secret garden with the duke, for that was worth holding onto.
Chapter 15
Alex was prepared for whatever it was his uncle might have to say in his office. It would not be the first time he had seen that dark look in his eye, that look of disapproval and disgust, though it was the first time it had been aimed in his direction and not at some gentleman at The Devil's Lair or some other such person.
“Is all well, uncle?” Alex asked once they were seated in his office, and he had poured them both a brandy.
It was something he did automatically now, a custom his father had instilled in him that business must always be done over fine brandy. He half-loathed it but it was as ingrained into him as the devil himself.
“What is this foolishness, Alex?” his uncle demanded immediately. Alex was taken aback. He had at least anticipated his uncle beating around the bush a little first.
“Miss Emmaline Moreau? Really?” his uncle demanded. “Why? When you could have had your pick of the wealthiest women in London?”
Alex's stomach twisted. Both he and his uncle knew that wasn't entirely true. His status as duke might have made it so but his appearance as half a duke made it far less likely, and then there was the devil. That part of himself he might have had to keep secret from anyone else but not Emmaline, somehow, he felt he could show her the very worst part of himself, and she would ensureit was milder than before.
“You and I both know, uncle, that there are very few wealthy and beautiful young ladies in London who would take one such as me to wed.”
Alex stated, clearing his throat, he adjusted the front of his jacket and said, “Besides, it is done now. Won't you simply be happy for me?”
Frederick scoffed and raised his glass to his lips, drinking deep. “I suppose I shall have to be.”
Alex gritted his teeth. His uncle ought to be happy for him. He thought, perhaps, he was happier than he had been in a long time. He might be even happier still if Sean had not interrupted him in the secret garden.
“Yes, you shall. Now, why have you really come? We both know you did not come simply to question my marriage.”
This time, Alex took a deep drink, looking at his uncle over the rim of his glass.
“Have you gotten your duties already?” his uncle scoffed. “I have a mind to question my brother’s having you married off so young. It’s clouded your mind for business!”
Alex rolled his eyes. “My mind is not clouded, uncle.”
“Then you will remember that we are due a visit with Lord Wells?” Frederick pointed out, a dark and dangerous smile spreading across his face. “I have my man waiting in the carriage outside. All we need is the devil.”
Alex cringed. He knew all too well what his uncle was saying.
He pictured Tiny, a mountain of a man with a pox-marked face even more hideous than his own, awaiting them in the carriage. A bare-knuckle brawler with a horrendous reputation for dirty fighting, one that had made his uncle a fair coin or two in the underground boxing rings over the years.
What his true name was, Alex didn't know. He wasn't sure even the man himself knew for he had always been called Tiny for as long as Alex had known him, and he had known him his entire life.
The man's appearance had always frightened him. Perhaps that was why, when he looked in the mirror, he frightened himself.
“Is that really necessary?” Alex asked, draining the last of his drink. “Do you not think the devil shall frighten the poor man enough?”
“Lord Wells has been threatened three times over,” Frederick pointed out. He drained his own drink and slammed the glass on the table between them. “It's Tiny’s turn.”
Alex bit back the urge to ask,then what do you need me for?
He knew very well why they needed him. Lord Wells needed to look upon the devil and know the seriousness of his trouble. He needed to be urged to give what he owed.
And if Alex did not attend, he knew that Lord Wells would immediately be set upon. At least, with his attendance, he might see the man come to no harm.
“Very well,” Alex said, sighing deeply. He stood and adjusted his jacket once more. “I shall meet you in the carriage once I have bid my wife farewell.”
His uncle stood, eyebrow raised. Buttoning up his own jacket, he asked, “She has you well trained already.”
Alex shook his head, his throat constricting at his uncle's derogatory tone.
“I merely wish to show her the respect she is due as my wife,” he stated, gesturing for his uncle to make his way from the office.
