CHAPTER 24
Marcus sat in the morning room in a state of contemplative bliss.
He was supposed to be reading, a way to busy himself while his wife finished breaking her fast. He had joined her, of course, and it was a perfect little morning as they spoke about…what did we speak about again?
He supposed it did not matter what was said, just that they had been able to spend the morning together in a way that was comfortable and peaceful, and most importantly, that it did not end in an argument or Marcus saying the wrong thing.
One thing they did not speak of, however, was their kiss…
There were several moments where Marcus thought of mentioning it, if for no other reason than to see his wife’s reaction. The coloring of her cheeks. The shy way she might have turned her head as if embarrassed, while knowing that shewould be anything but that. The topic was right there, hovering between them, wanting to be brought back up and relished upon.
Even now, a full day later, Marcus still felt her lips on his own. They tingled at the thought, his heart soared, and a smile found his face that seemed to make the sun glow even brighter than it was already doing.
What was I worried about? The fool that I am. The way I denied my feelings and fought against them. How determined I was to see nothing come from this marriage, despite how much I wanted it.
He had been a fool. He knew that now. But with that kiss, Marcus had declared his intentions with his wife. No more hiding. No more denying his feelings. This marriage had grown beyond his wildest expectations and for the first time in his life, Marcus was excited to see where that might lead him.
Speaking of which…
He perked up when he heard approaching footsteps. Surely, it would be Lucy, having just finished her breakfast, having a few hours until she needed to be with James.
Perhaps we will spend the day together? Yes… I rather like the sound of that. James is my son, it is time I admit as such, and it is time that I prove the type of father that I know I can be.
Marcus’ heart sank when he saw that it was not Lucy who had come to see him. Rather, it was a valet.
“Your Grace.” The footman bowed at the door. “A letter has arrived for you just now.”
“Leave it in my office,” he dismissed. “I will deal with it later.”
“It is a personal message, Your Grace,” the valet countered. “And its rider urged that it be read at once.”
“Sent by whom?” Marcus sat up.
“He did not say, Your Grace…” The valet hovered, the letter in his hand. “But he was most insistent that its reading is not delayed.”
Marcus sighed and held out his hand. “Fine, bring it here.”
The valet hurried across the room and handed him the letter. Then, a quick bow, and he fled the room just as quickly.
Marcus eyed the letter with curiosity. He did not recognize the seal, which meant that this correspondence was likely unrelated to any of his businesses. Even if it had been, he refused to allow it to distract him. He had made a promise to Lucy, one that demanded he give her his attention, and he would not break it.
Nonetheless, he opened the letter and read…
Your Grace
It brings me no pleasure to write this letter, but I feel honor bound to write it, nonetheless. I know the type of man that you are, as I know how you prize your reputation above all else. Just as I know that you would wish to be informed if this reputation has been threatened.
It is your lady wife, Your Grace, whom I speak of. The circumstances that necessitated your marriage (the truthful ones, not the lies you were forced to sow), are not what they seem. It was no coincidence that she was at that patronage, and no coincidence that you two were forced together under such scandalous circumstances.
I suggest that you ask her about her past. Why she has not married until now. Why she accepted your proposal without complaint. And most importantly, why her stepmother was so eager to be rid of her.
I do not write this letter to provoke, but to rescue. You have been had, you are being used, and you deserve to know the truth.
Marcus read the letter three times.
He then searched for a sender, any indication for who might have written such a provocative letter. There was nothing. Whoever sent this wished to remain anonymous…
His first instinct was to ignore the letter. Whatever this was, it offered no proof, no details, gossip and rumor mongering only. If anything, it should have enraged Marcus, that someone might try and smear his wife this way.
