Page 59 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“And you care for him.”

“Again, please give me a piece of information I am not aware of. I know I care for him. I know my heart pounds in the refrain of his name. Charles Barrington. There it is, emblazoned into my skin, etched onto my very bones. But what can be done? I am set to marry another. He cannot find fault with the man. This is my life now, and I might as well make the best of it.”

Teresa continues to rock Thomas as he snoozes in her arms, filling the air with soft snores. “I do so wish you were not so miserable.”

“Not everyone can find a true love match. I thought I did. I thought I had one with Norhaven. Seems as if I was incorrect.”

“But surely you had an understanding. We all thought you did.”

“As did I. But he never said the words. He never once made it official. Every moment together, every glance, every brush of our bodies as we danced… It was there for all to see, very much implied, but never officially spoken.”

The footman comes in again. “A missive for Miss Campbell.”

I glance at the elegant scrawl of Charles’s pen and wave it away. “Please send it back.”

“Cynthia,” Teresa chides. “What if he’s writing to tell you he’s found a way for you both to be together?”

“If that were true, Henhaven is honorable enough to come to me and say it directly. My father would have written me. Some other sign would be present. No. I am sure this is yet one more of his attempts to sway me into seeing him. As much as I want to give in, my heart cannot bear the thought.”

“I suppose it’s for the best,” she sighs. “Let the man stew. He’s created this mess. It’s now to him to lie in it.” Her face changes a bit as a bright smile crosses her lips. “Are you excited about the ball this evening?”

“I would like to be, but it’s hard knowing you will still be here with Thomas and unable to go.”

“Oh, pish posh. I am just thrilled that I might have a bit of gossip afterward! You will be sure to tell me everything. Yes? Who’s wearing what, who’s talking to whom, and if there is any scandal about.”

My spirits lift as Teresa’s contagious joy winds around my heart. “Of course. I will be sure to make a mental note of everything.”

“That’s my girl. Now then, about your hair.”

She lists all the different styles she’d like to see me in when the poor footman comes in once more. “The Viscount of Henhaven and the Duke of Norhaven are here to see Miss Campbell.”

I look at Teresa, my heart plummeting into my stomach. “What am I to do? I cannot be home for one and not the other.”

Her brow furrows a bit. “I suppose there’s no harm in seeing both at once. It’s not as if Norhaven can wax poetic of his affections while your betrothed is in the room.”

“No. I suppose not. Very well. Show them both in.”

Henhaven strides in, his face fixed into a firm frown. No doubt he’s not at all pleased to have my attentions shared with another. Charles, however, looks absolutely miserable. His face is nearly gray and thin, as if he’s not been eating or sleeping. I give a proper curtsy to them both and sit as Henhaven takes the chair closest to me and Charles is resigned to sit closer to Teresa.

“Forgive me, Miss Campbell,” Charles growls. “I was informed you were out. What a fortuitous boon that I’ve arrived in time with Henhaven to see you here and well.”

Henhaven shifts a bit, angling his body between Charles and me. Honestly, the posturing between the two is absolutely infantile. Henhaven won. Why can’t Charles just accept defeat gracefully?

Clearing my throat, I lower my gaze to the floor. “Forgive me, Your Grace. I was not feeling well earlier this morning. I find that I am much more recovered.”

“I see. And has this affliction been plaguing you since you left my mother’s roof?”

Henhaven laughs. “Your Grace, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were interrogating the girl. Be glad that she is well. I certainly am.”

“I am very glad to see that she is well. I was quite concerned when I dined with my family for breakfast and found my mother’s home missing an occupant. Especially when no explanation was given.”

I certainly had given them an explanation; however, I know it’s not the one he wanted to hear. He wanted to know why I fled, leaving him after such an intimate night between us. For that, I cannot answer. Not in front of Henhaven.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. I informed your household of my reasons. My apologies that it was not conveyed to you.” Check, Charles.

“And have you found your time with the Duchess of Foxford enlightening?” Henhaven cuts in. “I do so love seeing you holding Thomas. You take to maternal instincts like a fish to water.”

I resist the urge to groan. Why must everything come back to fish? “I do hope I take to motherhood swimmingly.”