Chapter 7 #2
“I did ask that Vermont introduce us before the wedding,” the man said in a drawl.
“But he showed little interest.” He scoffed.
“Not that such a thing should be a surprise. The only time I have ever seen the man interested in anything is when…” He frowned and chuckled.
“Actually, I cannot think of a single instance at all.”
Ophelia had no idea what to say.
“Duke Northcliff,” he said as he reached down and took her hand without asking. “But you may call me Rupert as my friends do. Seeing as you and Vermont are wed, we are now friends, yes?”
“I…” She cleared her throat. “Yes, that would be lovely.”
“Wonderful,” he said, still holding her hand. “Now, I know better than most the peculiarities and proclivities of your husband, just as I know how lonely life with him will likely be.” He chuckled as if he had made a joke. “So, if you need anything at all… I may call you Ophelia, yes?”
She blinked. “Please.”
“Ophelia…” He squeezed her hand and held her eyes. “If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to ask it of me.”
“Thank you,” she said slowly. “That is very kind.”
Indeed, the man’s words were kind, but there was something about the way he said them that sounded false to Ophelia. She could not say why exactly, only that he appeared the type who said nice things because he knew that he must, and not because he believed them.
“Rupert…” A dark voice spoke from over Rupert’s shoulder. “What are you doing?”
Rupert’s eyes lit up and he turned and flashed a smile at the Duke. “Ah, Vermont. I was just becoming acquainted with your dear wife. I might have waited for you to do the honors, but I likely would have starved to death first.”
The Duke narrowed his eyes at Rupert and Ophelia watched the interaction with keen interest. While she knew it was a ridiculous notion to have, it was almost as if he was jealous of the way that Rupert spoke to her.
But that would require him to care about me at all…
“Ophelia…” He turned to face her. “There is a carriage outside waiting to return you home.”
“Just me?” She frowned. “Are you not…”
“I will be joining Rupert for a drink,” he said simply. “But I will be home later.”
“How romantic,” Rupert joked, which had the Duke glaring at him.
“Oh…” Ophelia did not bother hiding her disappointment. Not that she wanted to spend the evening with the Duke. Not that it would have made any difference to her night at all! But it might have been nice if he pretended, even once, that he cared. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Adrian,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“We are man and wife. You may call me…” He cleared his throat. “You may call me Adrian.”
It was so subtle that she almost missed it, but the Duke… no, Adrian. He appeared slightly embarrassed as he said those words, unable to look right at her, as if he ought to feel ashamed by it.
Despite how terrible the day had been, Ophelia smiled. Just when she thought that he hardly thought or cared about her, he went and proved that this was not entirely the case.
Once again, she considered the possibility that there was more to her husband than she knew, and all Ophelia needed to do was find a way to bring it out.
“Thank you,” she said, still smiling. “Adrian.”
Her father was who led Ophelia outside. His smile was still broad, and he laughed and shook his head as they went. He knew how little this day meant, but his pride was undeniable. In his mind, his daughter’s reputation had been saved.
“Write to me as soon as you can,” he told her once they reached the carriage. “And if you are ever bored or lonely…”
“You will be the first person I see,” she finished for him as she kissed him on the cheek. “And father…” She made sure to look at him. “Thank you, for everything.”
“What did I do?”
“Nothing,” she said with laughter. “But that is the point. Some might have been disappointed by all of this, or even ashamed. But you…” She sniffed back tears. “I should have known better than to doubt you.”
“I have always been proud of you, Ophelia,” he said. “And do not ever think otherwise.”
There was still love in her life. There was still joy and reasons to smile. She just wished they came from her husband.
Ophelia took the carriage back to her new home, alone, and very much aware of it. When she arrived, she was greeted by her handmaid who led her through the large manor as she spoke wistfully about marriage and happiness and how pleased all the staff were that Ophelia was now a part of their home.
“Harriet?” she asked as she was led into the room. “Is she…”
“Right here, Your Grace.” Mr. Watley appeared with the baby. “She has just finished feeding and I thought she might wish to see you.”
Ophelia’s smile was the biggest it had been all day and she took the baby in her arms and felt its warmth spread across her body. Her marriage might be for nothing but so long as she had Harriet… but for how long will that be? What will happen when – no, Ophelia! Do not go down that road.
For now, it was enough that she had Harriet in her life. That would be her light in the darkness, and that would be what saved her.
“I did not see His Grace arrive with you,” Mr. Watley said as he watched Ophelia nurse the baby. “Did he sneak in somehow?”
“No,” she sighed. “He went for a drink with a friend.
“Oh…” Mr. Watley blinked and then grimaced. “I am sure he will be home soon…”
“It matters not,” she said. “It is not as if it would make a difference. I doubt His Grace even realizes what tonight is.”
“Oh, that is not true,” the handmaid dismissed. “His Grace might be a little cold at times, but he is still human. And I am sure he realizes just how lucky he is to have a beauty like you to call his wife.”
Ophelia might have rolled her eyes at the comment if she was the type. But the handmaid appeared truly honest in her declaration, so Ophelia smiled at her as if she almost believed it.
But she did not believe it. She and Adrian had discussed such things already; she knew where she stood and what was to be expected, so she made her peace and refused to feel upset. That was never Ophelia’s way. When in doubt, look on the bright side of life, and good things would come.
Or so I always believed. I just wish they would hurry up already.
Mr. Watley left Ophelia alone after that. She sat down on a chair by the window. She rocked Harriet to sleep in her arms. And she did her best to look on the bright side of this circumstance, determined to find a reason to smile and be happy.
But as the sun slowly set down the sky, as darkness set in, and as her husband did not return, that bright side failed to materialize. Today had been her wedding day, the beginning of the rest of her life, and it was set to be a life with little to be grateful for.
How had it come to this?