The Duke narrowed his eyes at Rupert and Ophelia watched the interaction with keen interest. While she knew it was a ridiculous notion to have, it was almost as if he was jealous of the way that Rupert spoke to her.
But that would require him to care about me at all…
“Ophelia…” He turned to face her. “There is a carriage outside waiting to return you home.”
“Just me?” She frowned. “Are you not…”
“I will be joining Rupert for a drink,” he said simply. “But I will be home later.”
“How romantic,” Rupert joked, which had the Duke glaring at him.
“Oh…” Ophelia did not bother hiding her disappointment. Not that she wanted to spend the evening with the Duke. Not that it would have made any difference to her night at all! But it might have been nice if he pretended, even once, that he cared. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Adrian,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“We are man and wife. You may call me…” He cleared his throat. “You may call me Adrian.”
It was so subtle that she almost missed it, but the Duke…no, Adrian. He appeared slightly embarrassed as he said those words, unable to look right at her, as if he ought to feel ashamed by it.
Despite how terrible the day had been, Ophelia smiled. Just when she thought that he hardly thought or cared about her, he went and proved that this was not entirely the case.
Once again, she considered the possibility that there was more to her husband than she knew, and all Ophelia needed to do was find a way to bring it out.
“Thank you,” she said, still smiling. “Adrian.”
Her father was who led Ophelia outside. His smile was still broad, and he laughed and shook his head as they went. He knew how little this day meant, but his pride was undeniable. In his mind, his daughter’s reputation had been saved.
“Write to me as soon as you can,” he told her once they reached the carriage. “And if you are ever bored or lonely…”
“You will be the first person I see,” she finished for him as she kissed him on the cheek. “And father…” She made sure to look at him. “Thank you, for everything.”
“What did I do?”
“Nothing,” she said with laughter. “But that is the point. Some might have been disappointed by all of this, or even ashamed. But you…” She sniffed back tears. “I should have known better than to doubt you.”
“I have always been proud of you, Ophelia,” he said. “And do not ever think otherwise.”
There was still love in her life. There was still joy and reasons to smile. She just wished they came from her husband.
Ophelia took the carriage back to her new home, alone, and very much aware of it. When she arrived, she was greeted by her handmaid who led her through the large manor as she spoke wistfully about marriage and happiness and how pleased all the staff were that Ophelia was now a part of their home.
“Harriet?” she asked as she was led into the room. “Is she…”
“Right here, Your Grace.” Mr. Watley appeared with the baby. “She has just finished feeding and I thought she might wish to see you.”
Ophelia’s smile was the biggest it had been all day and she took the baby in her arms and felt its warmth spread across her body. Her marriage might be for nothing but so long as she had Harriet…but for how long will that be? What will happen when – no, Ophelia! Do not go down that road.
For now, it was enough that she had Harriet in her life. That would be her light in the darkness, and that would be what saved her.
“I did not see His Grace arrive with you,” Mr. Watley said as he watched Ophelia nurse the baby. “Did he sneak in somehow?”
“No,” she sighed. “He went for a drink with a friend.
“Oh…” Mr. Watley blinked and then grimaced. “I am sure he will be home soon…”
“It matters not,” she said. “It is not as if it would make a difference. I doubt His Grace even realizes what tonight is.”
