My Duke's Desire (Wicked Lords of London 4)

No. “Well, I am marrying her. It makes sense my feelings would be different. And she’s innocent and in need. I want to protect her.”

Both Ryker’s eyebrows went up. “And how will you do that half a world away?”

“My title, my…” He stopped talking. He saw their point.

Luke rolled toward him. “It’s time for you to grow up, Teddy. You’re four and twenty. You can’t continue to put only half of yourself into this life. A man takes on all his responsibility. And that includes his wife. I don’t want to leave Tabbie even for a day. What if something happens to

her or the baby? They are mine to care for. If you marry Violette, you are making a promise to do the same.”

Theo winced. He hoped Rex arrived soon. Because Luke and Ryker made a lot of sense. No he didn’t want to lose money, or his sense of self-worth, his chance to prove to his family he hadn’t been wasting time. Right now, however, those reasons paled in comparison to visions of Violette. Rex needed a reminder of why returning to Barbados was so bloody important.

Chapter Eleven

Violette had stopped counting how many cuts she’d tended or how many burns. These poor men.

At least the work kept her from thinking overly much. Because every time she considered Theo, her heart began to race.

She was marrying a man who was nearly perfect. So why did she want to cry?

Because he didn’t feel the way she did.

There was no choice, however. An offer from a duke was the best her family could hope for. And that was why she’d set off on this journey in the first place. She’d been willing to sacrifice her future happiness. Still was. She just hadn’t expected her impending marriage to break her heart.

There was no doubt that was what would happen. She could already see it. Theo would leave her over and over, to go off on his grand adventures. Never mind that she’d want to join him. The fact was, she’d stay home and say goodbye to her husband. She likely wouldn’t know where he was or what he was doing while she kept the family in order. Tended their flock. It would slowly tear her heart into thousands of tiny pieces.

Shaking her head, she wondered how she would survive. It was better and worse than she had ever imagined, but it was the path she would take.

Tricia stopped next to her. “How do you fare?”

“Fine.” She pulled up the corners of her mouth in an attempt to look happy and hide her inner turmoil. By all accounts, she should be thrilled to be engaged and it was wonderful to help people. There was no reason for her to appear upset. “It’s nice to be of service.”

Tricia dipped her chin in agreement. “It is. At one time, I thought to forgo marriage and devote myself to charity.” Tricia shrugged. “Ryker presented me with a unique opportunity to both marry and continue to help people.

“Opportunity?” Violette perked up at that. “Did you make an arrangement of sorts that would be beneficial to both of you?”

Tricia’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose that we did. Why do you ask?”

“It’s nice to see that sort of arrangement can work out, is all. His Grace is so obviously smitten with you. Did that develop over time?” Violette held her breath hoping that Tricia would say that is was possible. That maybe Theo would grow to care for her in time.

“Not all that long. Even before we’d wed, he’d realized our relationship was more than an arrangement.”

Violette swallowed and hunched her shoulders. For a moment she’d had hope that it might work out.

“Are you all right?” Tricia asked. “Do you need someone to escort you to the inn?”

“Oh no, I’m fine.” She pasted a smile on her face. “I’m glad to help.”

“Are you sure? You’ve been very quiet. And my last comments…” Tricia tipped her head to one side. “I know this is a somber occasion but you’ve just gotten engaged. I heard marriage contracts were being drawn up while we’re here.”

She tried to keep her face impassive but she must have winced because Tricia’s eyes widened. “Are you not happy about the engagement?”

“I am.” She placed a hand on Tricia’s arm, trying her best to be sincere. “I couldn’t ask for better than Theo.” It was mostly true. In many ways she was very lucky to have made a match with him.

“What then?” Tricia asked.

She couldn’t confide in Theo’s sister. It was ridiculous. But then whom could she speak with? She could at least share part of the truth. “Your brother is so handsome and kind. I am truly fortunate. But Theo plans to start travelling again once we’re married. It frightens me to think of a holding up his interests while he’s gone. He wants me to—”

Tricia’s gasp interrupted. “By the saints.” Then she snapped her jaw closed. “I know what his plan is now. I should have known all along. His turn around was after you told him you’d been investing for your brother.” Her foot stomped. “This is the last straw. He can not take his responsibilities from Luke and Ryker and place them on you. It’s absolutely absurd.”