"I am scared to death," Alice said, swallowing hard. "He terrifies me, and I’m not just talking about the scars. His presence... his height, the way he looks at me. It’s as if he sees right through me. I don’t know how I’m going to live like this."
"I would be scared too," Lavinia said. "I’ve been watching him since the ceremony. He has not broken a smile once. Not oncehas his demeanor shifted. He has the same terrifying look on his face every single time."
"Why did he even choose to marry you?" Emma asked, still stroking Alice’s arm. "Did you ask your papa?"
"I don’t know. But I think my papa’s desperation might have something to do with it," Alice said quietly, her eyes darting across the room, looking anywhere but at the Duke. "He was so eager to make the match."
"People have been talking," Emma said. "Some are saying that you’re only getting married because your reputation is completely ruined after the Earl’s stunt."
"I don’t want to think about what thetonis saying Emma," Alice said and sighed. "I hate that he scares me so much. Where did he get those scars? Did you hear anything about how he got them?"
Lavinia exhaled loudly. "I mean, given his reputation, we can imagine the worst and it might not nearly be as terrifying as the truth."
"Don’t think about that," Emma added. "Just...concentrate on other things. He might be scary looking but he is rather handsome if you give him a close look."
"Do you think I am capable of focusing on his looks right now?" Alice snapped, her voice barely a whisper but laced with frustration. "Do you really think it’s easy to look past the factthat his neck and arms are covered in scars? What if I am set to leave a similar mark on him when he tries to strangle me to death in a fit of rage?"
"All right, calm down," Lavinia said to her. "He couldn’t possibly try to hurt you, Alice. I mean, you’re his wife. He has a duty to protect you."
"Lavinia, I know you’re trying to make me feel better but it’s really not helping. Let’s just talk about something else," Alice said.
"Sorry," Lavinia whispered. "I cannot even imagine how your wedding night is going to unfold."
"Unfold?" Alice asked.
Lavinia turned to her. "I mean, you know...the wedding night activities?"
Alice arched her eyebrows, confused.
"Didn’t your mama have the talk with you?" Lavinia asked.
"What talk?"
Lavinia and Emma exchanged wide-eyed glances, both at a loss for words. Alice watched them, beyond confused. It seemed as though she had missed something.
Something extremely important.
