Instead, warm arms wrapped around her and brought her close to a sturdy chest, holding her securely in place as the carriage regained some of its stability, moving on smoother ground. Her hand had instinctively rested on her husband’s shoulder; her grip tight as his musky scent filled her nostrils and left her feeling dizzy.
His grip on her hips filled her body with immense heat, burning away whatever thoughts remained in her mind until all that was left was the view of him before her.
This close, she could clearly see the tiny birthmark that rested on his cheekbone, underneath his left eye, and could note how his brown eyes gleamed like fresh honey.
The Duke seemed much more overwhelming than he had moments ago, and now, there was an itch she wasn’t sure how to scratch.
Her breath hitched as his gaze flicked to her lips, the flames within her burning even brighter when he lifted his gaze back to hers, unrelenting and deliberate.
Just as she had begun to feel that the moment between them had dragged on for far too long, his gaze dropped to her bosom.
Disgust quickly replaced the heat spreading through her, and she wriggled out of his grip and settled back in her seat. Between his brief display of charity and their argument, she had nearly forgotten his reputation, and it was evident that he had no intention of doing away with his bad habits.
She despised how vulnerable he made her feel, just like he had at the altar.
“Your behavior seems to confirm your reputation, Your Grace,” she huffed.
The Duke raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
“For a man who claims to have no interest in siring an heir, you are far too promiscuous,” she explained.
If he has no need for children, what was the point of giving attention to my body?
The man seemed keen on not making any sense to her continually.
He merely shrugged, stating with a blank expression, “Consummation isn’t merely for the purpose of conceiving children.”
Nancy frowned, her lips parting to ask what he meant, but before she could, the carriage came to a stop.
They had arrived at Wexford Castle.
ChapterThree
“Your castle… It is quite easily the grandest house I have ever seen in the countryside,” Nancy remarked with awe as she stared out the window.
Wexford Castle stood proudly atop a vast expanse of greenery.
Just by looking at that pale brown structure and the surrounding well-groomed grounds, she could tell how much effort had gone into maintaining such a magnificent property.
Her husband gave her an odd look and followed her gaze but did not respond.
He disembarked from the carriage first, holding out a hand to assist her. Reluctantly, she slipped her hand into his and carefully stepped out of the carriage, glancing nervously at the man and the woman waiting by the front doors to greet them.
“Welcome back, Your Grace,” the woman said to the Duke, before turning to greet Nancy with a bright, warm smile. “And to you, Your Grace, welcome to Wexford Castle. It is truly an honor to have you here. I hope you had a pleasant journey?”
Nancy thought back to the argument and the accident that followed and nodded stiffly. “Somewhat. Thank you.”
The man beside the older woman sighed in relief. “You are likely exhausted after a day like today. Whatever it is you might need, or whatever might make you more comfortable, please do not hesitate to let us know. I am Ernest, the butler.” He gestured towards the woman, who curtsied politely. “This is Mrs. Silverstone, the housekeeper.”
Nancy nodded back politely, thankful for their warm welcome. “It is a pleasure. Thank you for receiving me so well.”
The housekeeper turned to the Duke. “She is quite beautiful, Your Grace. We are thankful that you were blessed to have found such a pretty bride,” she remarked with delight.
The Duke simply sighed and walked away, leaving Nancy with the staff.
She watched him until he was out of sight, a little embarrassed and annoyed by the disregard he had displayed. The least he could have done was make the introductions himself or tell the staff that she was in their care.
Barely hours into this marriage, she already felt incredibly stifled and drained.
