“Yes, I was. And I enjoyed learning the operations at Willowmere Estate.”
“Has he punished you harshly or unfairly?”
Mari was tempted to mention a spanking he gave her for splashing him during her bathtime, but in truth, she had been naughty and deserved much worse than she got.
“No, he is a fair disciplinarian and he always cuddles me afterward.”
“Was the duke dissatisfied…” Miss Wickersham paused and rethought her words. “You did have a discussion with Nurse Lister before your wedding, did you not?”
“Yes, I did and it was most thorough. If what you are asking is whether my Papa was dissatisfied with me… as a wife… I have no reason to believe so.” Mari thought about the way her husband drove his cock into her multiple times each night until they fell asleep in each other’s arms, spent from their lovemaking.
“Please, Mari. I am at a loss as to why you are here and looking so utterly miserable. From what you have described, your marriage to the Duke of Norwich is going exceptionally well and you cannot name one thing he has done which would merit you coming here unannounced and looking as though you will never smile again.”
“The duke has done nothing wrong. He seems to adore me. Which is part of the problem. His relatives know that I am not capable of being a proper duchess for him and I will only bring shame to him and his family name. Once he finishes with me as a project, he will realize that.”
“A project?” Miss Wickersham’s thin brows rose to points.
“Yes, according to his aunt and cousin, the duke is prone to taking on projects. He is very focused for a period of time but then he loses interest and moves on to something else.”
“What makes you think you are a project?”
“Well, why else would he marry me?”
Chapter Thirteen
“Because you are sweet and funny and kind,” Theo said, rushing toward his little bride.
Mari gasped and her eyes went wide when she saw him stride into Miss Wickersham’s office. “Papa! I asked you not to follow me.”
He knelt before her and took both her hands in his. “And since when have you been the one making the rules, little girl?”
Her hands were cold and trembling and felt especially small and delicate against his palms.
“You can’t want me for your Little girl. Not forever. You’ll see. I’ll embarrass you and bring shame to your name.”
“Where would you ever get that idea? I adore you. Anyone who meets you can see that you are regal and gracious and everything a duchess should be.”
“Your aunt and cousin do not th-think so. They said I was a pet pr-project. And the way your cousin mentioned Lady Patricia. I am sure they believe she would be a much better wife for you.”
Theo swore under his breath. “This is all because of those spiteful relatives of mine,” he said. He cupped her face between his hands. “I had no idea they could or would be so malicious.I am sorry that happened and I am sorry I did not protect you from them. It will never happen again, I assure you.”
“But,” she whispered, “what if it is true? What if they are correct?”
“Marigold,” he said, his voice deadly serious, “they are not correct. They are mean and jealous. I never cared for Charlene’s friend Lady Patricia. It is all a fantasy in Charlene’s mind and probably Lady Patricia’s as well, for me to fall in love with her. But she was not the one for me. You are the one for me. The only one. Ever.”
Mari gaped at him. “But?—”
“No more buts,” he said. “Do you not believe me when I say that I love you with my entire heart and soul?”
“I believe there are some matters which the two of you need to discuss,” Miss Wickersham interjected.
Theo stood and nodded toward her. “My apologies for barging into your office, Miss Wickersham. However, I would like to speak privately to my wife.”
Miss Wickersham pushed back her chair and stood behind her desk. Though she was not as tall as Theo, she certainly carried an air which brooked no opposition.
“With all due respect, Your Grace,” she said in a tone that might have cowed a lesser man, “this is my property and you are here without an invitation. I will not allow you or anyone to mistreat or malign my charges.”
“I believe we have had this discussion before, Miss Wickersham. Additionally,” Theo was growing irritated, “you heard Mari say herself that I had done nothing wrong. My relatives are the ones who have given her the notion that I will grow tired of her and I can assure you there is nothing further from the truth.”
