CHAPTER TWELVE
Jane lay in her bed, unable to sleep as thousands of thoughts tugged at her brain.
Restless, she tossed and turned, the memory of her husband’s harsh words ever burning brightly in her mind like a flickering flame in the darkness.
He was all things frustrating.
He is so incredibly handsome.
The memory of their intimate moment, his gentle touch against her cheek, lingered in her mind as well, like a haunting melody, refusing to be silenced.
Determined to quiet her restless mind, she opted for a cup of tea.
Rising from her bed, she made her way through the quiet halls, each step a conscious effort to push thoughts of her new husband aside.
The house lay still, enveloped in the hush of the night. Then suddenly, as she neared the library, she heard faint grunts and grumbles from within. Her brows creased in confusion and she quietly turned into the entrance.
Entering the library, Jane's eyes widened in surprise as she caught sight of a figure laid out on the sofa in the dimness.
A gasp escaped her before she recognized her husband, his form illuminated by the soft glow of a solitary candle. He was… tossing and turning…
“Your Grace?”
Jane's voice held a note of surprise as she regarded him, her brow arching in question.
Colin's appearance, somewhat disheveled and wearied, tugged at something within her, causing her heart to flutter uncertainly.
As his tossing continued, he let out strained whimpers that made her rush to him, waking him worriedly.
“What in God’s name happened to you?” She sought to understand the turmoil etched upon his face.
As their eyes met, a fleeting moment of vulnerability passed over him. Yet, just as quickly, a veil of reluctance descended, walling away his true emotions.
"I am free to be wherever I please in my own home, duchess."
Jane remained silent, her own gaze unwavering.
His voice cut through the silence again, "And what areyoudoing here? Can you not tell the hour is late?" His sharp tone was laced with accusation.
Jane lifted a brow as she countered, "And I just inquired of you the same, Your Grace. What brings you to the shadows at this hour?” She eyed him suspiciously as she continued, “If you have no reason, then I do not as well. After all, this is my home too.”
It was Colin’s turn to remain silent. He was avoiding her gaze.
"Why have you been avoiding me these past days?"
Colin's reaction was immediate. He cleared his throat and mustered a response, "I have not been avoiding you."
The air between them crackled like a storm on the verge of breaking. Jane’s eyes flashed with annoyance as she confronted him directly.
" Do you really think me mannerless?" Her voice, though controlled, carried the weight of her indignation.
Colin's retort was sharp , "You did act quite manner-less, did you not?” He scoffed, “You pushed me to the ground, tarnishing my clothes on purpose in front of the girls."
With words laced with accusation, he stood his ground, refusing to yield, “And you were so bold to announce that had been your intention. If you didn’t know, that is not the proper behavior of a lady.”
Jane's temper flared at this, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Excuse me? I was merely trying to inject some levity into the situation. I am not to blame if you cannot appreciate a bit of fun without labeling it as improper."
Colin's scoff was laden with disdain as he countered, "A woman like none other, indeed, with that sharp tongue of yours. You’re nothing of what is expected from a lady."
