Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
One year later
“ I really cannot fathom how you can be so calm about this.”
The worry in Selina’s voice was evident and Eleanor felt a pang of guilt echo through her chest at being a source of concern to her dear friend.
“Neither can I,” Thalia, added with a sign. “One would assume that you are completely unaware of the gossip — even though that would be much more ideal — but I know that is not the case. Why won’t you at least consider addressing the matter?”
Eleanor set down her tea cup and cast a glance around her favorite part of the estate: the gardens.
She had put so much effort and time into grooming every plant and had spent countless hours nurturing the grounds. And nothing made her prouder than seeing the expanse of vibrant colors, standing tall and healthy.
“You and I know that wouldn’t solve anything,” she smiled at her friends kindly. “If the issue could be dismissed so easily, it wouldn’t be a problem at all.”
“As concerning as the situation is — and it is, greatly so — I cannot help but find the stories about your marriage rather entertaining. I heard someone say you turned out to be a raving lunatic and after threatening to… ahem. Perhaps it is only humorous in certain places. Still, the responsibility isn’t yours alone. Regardless of his presence — or lack thereof — he is still your husband. And it is quite shameful that he has made no effort to care for you at all.” Benedict Pratt, the Duke of Ravenwood and Thalia’s husband, complained.
After Frederick had left, Eleanor had hoped he would return. Although she understood the sort of man he was, she had prayed and cried that he would have a change of heart and make an effort to find purpose in their union.
She was prepared to do whatever it took, whatever would be necessary to keep their bond from being rendered obsolete.
But then, days turned into weeks, weeks into months and then it dawned on her that while her life had been turned upside down from the moment she had set foot into that orangery, nothing had changed for her husband.
He hadn’t made any sacrifices or encountered any losses in his life, even as he gave her his name and shared his fortune and title with her.
Because she was still insignificant to him.
“Is there something we can do for you? Perhaps if we were to speak against the gossip…” Aaron Bolton, Duke of Crauford and Selina’s husband trailed off with an uncertain expression.
“I wouldn’t want you to bother yourself. You have done so much for me already, I couldn’t possibly ask for more. It will be fine. I shall keep doing what I have always done. I will attend balls and events and I will keep living my life because there is hardly anything they can do to keep me from doing so. It is not as though their thoughts of me have changed much, so their ramblings are hardly new to me. And, regardless of how they feel or what they say, their gossip won’t take away my status as a duchess. Many of them are merely offended that I occupy a higher station than they do,” Eleanor told him gently.
The stories were fairly the same; detailing how Eleanor seemed to repulse Dukes. Before she had gotten married, the gossip had said she must have been greatly flawed for a man as proper and perfect as Aaron to have slipped up publicly with another woman.
After her marriage to Frederick and the ton became aware of their separation — largely because her husband had continued to live his life the way he always had, violently and fearlessly — their tones were altered slightly.
Eleanor had been branded conceited and arrogant, for acting like a Duchess even though her husband had abandoned her. Somehow, her nonchalance towards their opinion meant she believed it was perfectly fine that she had been disregarded by the man she had married. Whenever she was out and about, her presence garnered whispers and pointing.
“Is that she? How improper of her to make an appearance, despite the situation within her home.”
“I wonder what it is — what is so wrong with her that she could be so easily and frequently disregarded.”
“Perhaps she was unable for provide him with an heir. Beast or not, every Duke seeks to preserve his lineage and the Duke of Ironvale wouldn't be any different.”
“It was only a matter of time before she was deserted. With the number of scandals she has been involved in, her propriety — or lack thereof — should be questioned.”
“I suspect her marriage to the Duke came about as the result of a ploy to trap him into a scandal. If I were he, I would abandon her for such an evil act as well.”
Through it all, Eleanor minded her business and focused her efforts on maintaining the household that had been left in her care.
It had taken a while, but she had eventually managed to win the hearts of her staff with her commitment and dedication to her duties.
Selina huffed with an irritated roll of her eyes. “I don't think that's fair. Aaron does propose a good idea. Perhaps if we challenged the nay-sayers?—”
“You are merely searching for a reason to cause mischief, my love. Eleanor says we should leave it be.” Aaron interrupted his wife gently.
Selina let out a scandalized gasp as her husband took her hand and lifted it to his lips.
“That is not true! I am genuinely worried for our dear friend. How dare you think so low of me?”
Benedict snorted, stating pointedly.
“Last week, you heard Lady Greene had been whispering about Thalia and you arranged for her to be booed and jeered at publicly. You made us all witness the entire thing, while you snickered mischievously. We do not think low of you, dear. We have merely grown familiar to your antics.”
“That is not to say we do not appreciate your kind, loving heart. No matter how untamed it might be.” Thalia told her sister placating when the younger woman faced her with a pout.
“I dislike you all,” Selina stated bluntly, before facing Eleanor. “Except for you. You are always welcome in my home and my garden anytime. The rest of these traitors are no longer of any significance to me.”
Thalia shook her head fondly at her sister's dramatics, poking her husband when he started to mumble something about how it was truly a travesty to be denied such an honor. Meanwhile, Aaron held onto Selina's hand, pressing gentle kisses along the back of it, smiling when she made no move to pull away, despite her frown.
“I am grateful to be bestowed your mercy, oh gracious duchess.” Eleanor beamed teasingly at her friend.
“As you should be, duchess,” Selina winked at her, then attempted to raise a fuss once more as though she recalled that they had been discussing more pressing matters before this. “Still?—”
She faltered suddenly at the sight of Mr. Bradley rushing towards the group where they were seated enjoying their afternoon brunch.
Eleanor immediately settled her attention on the butler, noticing right away how nervous he seemed.
"Pardon me, Your Grace, but… it seems the Duke has returned."
Eleanor felt her heart come to a stop.
“My husband? Are you sure?” She questioned in disbelief.
Her friends exchanged worried, shocked glances between themselves wordlessly.
“So suddenly?” Selina gasped.
“It was not proper of him to return without sending word to you first. That derives you time of giving him a suitable welcome and getting your affairs in order to receive him. Then again, this is his house,” Aaron frowned in disapproval.
“To blazes with propriety. Regardless of whether or not this is his house, it is disrespectful of him to return casually, after disregarding Eleanor for a year. I should have a word with him.” Benedict fumed, rising to his feet.
“No!” Eleanor said, surprising even herself at her sudden outburst. “N-No. I appreciate your concern, truly, but I should speak to him first.”
She could not have her precious friends who were so protective of her meet her terrifying husband. There was no telling what he would do to any of them, if they crossed him.
The others exchanged uncertain glances, then Thalia cleared her throat.
“Perhaps we should take our leave. There is likely much you wish to talk to him about. Let us not get in your way.” She said softly.
Eleanor wished she could ask them to stay. Their company and friendship had supported her through all the hardships she had endured in the past year.
But… she had grown a lot in that time. Regardless of what awaited her inside, she could face it head-on.
“Thank you, for your company and kindness,” Eleanor told them earnestly.
“Oh, hush,” Selina scolded without any heat, putting her arms around Eleanor and hugging her close. “What are friends for? If anything goes wrong, you come straight to us.”
It wasn’t a request. Eleanor knew Selina enough to know that.
“Thank you,” she said regardless, strengthened by the care of her friends.
She saw them off quickly and then Mr. Bradley led her to the drawing room in which her husband was waiting for her.
The housekeeper, Miss Martins was also present in the hallway, her eyes carrying so much concern that it surprised Eleanor for a moment and reminded her of just how much things had changed.
Miss Martins had not liked her very much when Eleanor arrived at Ironvale Manor. She distrusted the new duchess and likely believed she was nothing but a spoiled girl used to having her every whim granted.
But with time, Eleanor proved she was not a mere child with dreams of playing house and she was able to earn the housekeeper’s respect.
“Your Grace,” Miss Martins sighed in worry, clearly bothered by the situation.
“Do not worry, Miss Martins. This is his home, after all. It would be stranger for him not to return,” Eleanor said, although it felt as though the words were chosen more for her benefit than her housekeeper’s.
She took a moment to inhale deeply, then she opened the door and walked into the room.
Immediately, she was reminded of the terrifying presence her husband had.
All she could see was the back of his domineering frame and she nearly flinched.
No , she told herself, clenching a hand into a fist and she moved further into the room. I will not cower before him .
She was a duchess and this was her home. She would not be made to feel small within the walls that had blessed her with comfort and peace.
But when Frederick turned around and rested his icy gaze upon her, she immediately went still where she stood.
Eleanor found herself still rooted in place as he approached her steadily, her mind fixated somewhat on taking in every detail of him.
He still made her feel like a miniature ornament with how easily he towered over her. His usually cold gaze seemed to carry an intense heat as it bore down on her.
As he got closer, she noticed he had grown a short beard — a physical change that she never would've imagined on him. He had always looked impeccably clean shaven during the times she had seen him in the past.
This beard that lent a more dangerous aura to what he already had suggested he had not been able to shave in a while and she couldn't help but wonder why.
He looks handsome still, her mind whispered secretively.
Eleanor expected that when he had gotten close enough, he would address her. Her skin tingled as his gaze drew nearer, her breath leaving her lungs as the distance between them became smaller and smaller.
“Your Grace —” she attempted to address him, barely able to hear herself over the thunderous beating of her heart.
It was for naught as she lost both the words and her thoughts as he cupped her face and drew her into a kiss.
The warmth of his body pressed against hers kept her mind from conjuring an ounce of reasoning as his lips moved against hers passionately. The hands that had felt so cold when they had held hers a year ago seemed to set her ablaze now.
He smelled like the rain and his kisses filled her veins with lightning. As her husband pulled her closer, she gasped and he seized the opportunity to slip his tongue past her lips. The taste of him made taught her to yearn in an instant and she found herself clinging to the lapels of his coat.
Her knees felt weak and she leaned even more into his touch, nearly whining as his fingers curled into her hair at the nape of her neck. He tugged slightly, tilting her head back and kissing her even deeper.
She heard a quiet moan and the realization that the sound had come from her shocked her to her senses.
Quickly, she pulled back, pressing her finger to her lips in horror.
“W-What are you doing?” she cried, confused by his actions.
His features darkened with confusion and he licked his lips, gaze heavy and hot as it raked over her frame.
Her mind felt like it housed a storm within it, her thoughts clouded by the lingering sensations that had stemmed from the kiss.
She had never been kissed before.
Did it always feel so good ?—
“Are you not my wife?”
It was ironic that he would ask such a question when one of the last things he said to her was how he did not need a wife.
She scoffed. “I am. But?—”
“Then there is no reason for a simple kiss to leave you looking so…” he regarded her silently for a moment. “Scandalized.”
Something was… odd about his behavior. His eyes were as cold as they always were, but somehow, they lacked the usual detachment. It was almost as though he was not merely looking at her, but she also held his entire focus.
As though he could hear her thoughts, he spoke up again, voice laced with a bitter edge.
“It seems as though you are not happy to see me, wife. Did my sudden arrival interrupt your business? Were you, perhaps, entangled with a lover, somewhere under my roof?”
Anger quickly flared within her at the accusation.
“How dare you? I do not care who you believe yourself to be, husband or not. This is my house as well, and you have no right to insult me here, or anywhere else.” She snapped, seething.
Frederick shrugged. “I merely asked a question. If I was wrong, all you had to do was deny it. You have been acting unusual upon my arrival. I thought you would be pleased to see me.”
“ I'm acting strange? With all due respect, the only one acting unusual here is you. You leave me here for a year and you expect me to welcome you with open arms?” Eleanor questioned bluntly, having regained some air of calm.
An odd expression crossed his face as he studied her for a moment, then he said.
“Regardless of what I was like then, if the time you say is what lay between us, then I certainly would have expected to receive a warmer welcome in my home.”
“Well, forgive me for being taken aback when the husband I hadn't seen in several months appears before me without warning.”
“I do not care for your tone, Duchess,” he warned, eyes narrowing. “It would be wise for you to address me respectfully.”
A shiver ran down Eleanor’s spine and she felt instincts demand that she leave. But she had sworn to herself that she would no longer cower before this man.
He had no right to treat her like a simple underling.
“Perhaps if you acted respectfully, I would feel inclined to treat you more in that regard.” Eleanor said quietly, her heart nearly beating out of her heart.
Frederick stared at her for a moment and just as she began to fear that she had made her final mistake in her life, he grinned wolfishly.
“Your tongue is sharper than I recall. When I was told that I had taken a wife, I found it odd, as it sounded like the last thing I would be expected to do. But looking at you know, perhaps I can see what motivated me to make such a decision.” He leaned towards her and lowered his voice with a smirk. “It doesn’t take much effort to imagine you beneath me, screaming my name.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks and Eleanor put some more distance between them as she began angrily “How dare you —”
A knock at the door cut her off and Frederick stood straighter, seemingly shifting to his usual cold, intolerant self.
“Yes?”
Mr. Bradley stepped into the room, sparring a glance at Eleanor before he announced.
“The physician has arrived, Your Grace.”
Frederick nodded and the butler ushered in two men.
“Good day, Your Grace,” one of them said with a bow to the duchess. “I am Christopher, the Duke’s valet. And this is his physician, Mr. Mathew Smithers.”
The physician bowed as well and Eleanor felt confused at the sight of him.
“A physician? Why? What?—”
“I was in an accident a few weeks ago.”
Eleanor stared at him, rendered speechless by the shock of the news.
He had gotten into an accident? When? Was he really all right?
Before she could fully understand what that meant, he added, strangely casual.
“I do not remember you. I do not remember our meeting or our wedding. In fact, I am missing a large quantity of my memories. I was the victim of an accident and it would seem that while I was fortunate to escape with my life, it seems that I couldn’t go unscathed.”
Something in her clenched at the thought of him being injured. Suddenly his earlier actions made more sense. If he didn't remember her and he had been told he had a wife, he would naturally expect their marriage to be a normal one.
When I was told that I had taken a wife, I found it odd, as it sounded like the last thing I would be expected to do.
Although it seems he had enough of his wits to recall that the marriage was an idea he wasn't fond of.
"The Duke suffered a serious head injury a few weeks ago and although he is physically sound, the injury seems to have affected his memories. Truthfully, neither I nor the colleagues I asked have ever seen anything of this sort. Problems like these generally result in the confinement of the patient, but —”
“I am above such passive remedies.” Frederick cut in, sounding bored.
The physician gave the Duchess a look, and she understood that he was letting her know that anyone who tried to lock the Duke up in an asylum would likely lose their life trying.
His title and power had delivered him from such a cruel fate.
“A-And we are not sure what to do in the meantime, but it is for the best that he remains in his family home, for his own safety,” Mr. Smithers continued with a nervous stammer. “We also hope that good rest in his home will speed up his healing. As His Grace has complained of a few headaches, I will prescribe some medicine to help ease the pain.”
“Is there no guarantee that his memories will return?” Eleanor asked, aghast.
“As I said, Your Grace, I have not treated any patients with these sorts of symptoms. It would be difficult to give a diagnosis based on speculation, but I believe that since the Duke is healthy in all other aspects, perhaps his mind should eventually begin to repair itself, restoring the gaps. Hopefully” The physician said, looking more uncertain by the minute.
"This information must not leave this estate. No one else can know about this." Frederick warned, his tone bearing a dangerous edge to it.
Eleanor swallowed, her mind spinning at what she had just learned.
Especially when Frederick turned to her and said in a lighter tone.
“That goes for you well, my dear wife.”
“I wish you would’ve sent word ahead of your return. We would’ve prepared to receive you adequately.”
Eleanor heard Frederick hum, his eyes roaming around the hallways as they walked in the direction of his room.
She sighed at how distracted he was but found relief in the fact that he had not questioned the fact that they did not sleep in the same bed.
She was in no frame of mind to enlighten him on the state of their marriage. And thankfully, he did not seem interested in asking any questions.
Although, Eleanor would prefer he did not ask any questions at all, he seemed to find it hard to keep his attention off her otherwise.
He had requested that she take him to his room, rather than a maid show him there and Eleanor had done as he requested because she did not want to incur his wrath.
Memories or none, he was still the Duke of Ironvale, with a reputation that preceded him.
“It is my house. I should be able to go back and forth as I see fit.” He pointed out after moments of silence.
Eleanor’s shoulders stiffened at his words, then relaxed as she said,
“Yes. You are right. Still, I would’ve liked more time to make sure your reception was much better than what it had been. Anyway, this is your room. Please don’t hesitate to send for any of the staff if you need anything at all.”
His eyes seemed to twinkle as though he wanted to tease her more and she nearly goaded him into it, strangely drawn to this part of him that wanted to keep his attention on her.
“Am I allowed to call on you too?” he asked, stepping closer to her.
Her cheeks turned red, she couldn’t help but lower her gaze to his lips, recalling their kiss.
"I am your wife, not your servant. However, if you have any questions you would like me to answer, you can send them for me." She heard herself tell him.
“But as my wife, one would assume you do would know what your husband would want.” He stated, his eyes weighing on her heavily.
“I really do not –”
“Shall I expect you in my room tonight then?”
The rush of heat to Eleanor’s cheek rendered her immensely dizzy and it took everything she had to civilly state,
“No. You need to rest and it is imperative that you get used to being here as quickly as possible for your own benefit.”
It was apparently a satisfactory response, because Frederick leaned back and nodded in acceptance.
“All right then. Thank you.”
She started at him for a moment, bewildered. Then she nodded slowly.
“You are welcome. Get some rest.”
She felt him watch her leave, confused by this vast difference in his character from what she knew.
She couldn't help but wonder what that meant for their marriage.