Page 19 of My Beastly Duke

Adam placed his arm across the doorway when Aaron made a move to leave. “One challenge to prove who is better, that is all I am asking for.” He narrowed his eyes with a malicious smile that somewhat distorted his features.

“I do not wish to play games with you. We are no longer children.” Aaron placed his hand on his brother’s arm and moved it aside. He began to walk away when Adam called out to him.

“Shall I see you back at the house then? Usual time, usual place?”

“Give it up, Adam, I refuse to play these games with you.” He called over his shoulder and waved his brother away before heading onto the main building of the stables where he intended to collect his belongings and return to his wife.

Chapter 9

“Ican’t believe that it has been three days, and he still has not let me know where he is or when he is coming back.” Marina gingerly sipped her tea, having little to no appetite at all.

Cordelia seemed distracted as she stared off into the distance past the many beds of roses.

Realizing that she had been agonizing about her own situation instead of offering her friend some much-needed support, Marina placed her cup back on the tray. “How have things been with your mama? I know I can’t be easy with your father’s passing.”

“Hmm?” Cordelia blinked a few times as if she were seeing Marina for the very first time.

“I was asking how things are with your mama now?” She tilted her head to the side in sympathy and pursed her lips.

“Oh, it has been quite a struggle navigating these new waters. I will say that.” Her friend drew her lower lip between her teeth and applied pressure until the skin turned white.

It had only been a few months since Cordelia’s father had passed. Her mother had since regressed into drinking as a way of coping with the loss. The recent spectacles she had caused at social events had become fodder for the gossip mill, creating even more uncomfortable situations for Cordelia to deal with.

“Have you tried speaking to her? Perhaps it is something that the two of you need to navigate together?” She tried making a helpful suggestion but quickly realized by the sadness in her friend's eyes that her suggestions were futile.

“That, and just about everything else I can think of. Whenever anyone mentions my father’s death, she runs to her chambers and locks the door. If we are in public, she immediately seeks out something to numb the pain. Being a wallflower had the advantage of nobody ever paying me much attention, now it feels as if all eyes are on me.”

Leaning over the table, Marina placed her hand over her friend’s hand in a comforting gesture. “I know things are not easy for you. Unfortunately, the ton is not a forgiving entity, nor do they forget very easily.”

“Of course, here I am complaining about my mother’s behavior when you know what I am going through as much as anyone else. You lost your father as well; the rumor mill has not been kind to your family. Not to mention your uncle.” Cordelia seemed to snap out of her daze as she forced a smile.

“There is no need to apologize, at least we can lament to one another. There is nothing more comforting than a listening ear and an understanding heart.” She felt the weight of the world lifting from her shoulders as she and her friend exchanged an understanding smile.

Taking her hand away, Cordelia sat back in her chair. “Now that I have stopped being the most selfish person known to man, how are you holding up with the situation here? Has the duke still not sent word as to where he is or when he shall return?”

Biting the inside of her cheek, Marina looked at her friend with a guilty expression. “No, I wish he would send me a note, but half of me is relieved that he i’s away for now.”

“Why is that?” Cordelia asked with a frown.

“I am afraid that he might be very mad when he realizes that I have gone against his wishes.” Her pulse raced slightly when she pictured his reaction to something she had arranged to be done.

Cordelia seemed at a loss as she tilted her head to the side, but Marina decided to keep things to herself for now.

Marina shook her head before reaching for her half-finished cup of tea. “Any indication of where he is would be appreciated……” Her words came to an abrupt stop as a feathery object suddenly landed in her tea, causing drops to splatter all over her face and dress.

Tea dripped from her hair and face, soaking her white dress with large, wet blotches.

“Was that a bird?” Cordelia leaned forward and craned her neck in an attempt to get a better look at the cup.

Marina felt too stunned to respond at first before wiping the tea from her face. “A bird?” She frowned and lifted one of the feathers between her fingers and thumb, holding it up in front of her face.

Dirtied tea dripped back into the cup as both women stared at it in shock. The small brown ball with a cone of feathers dangled helplessly in the air.

“Is that… a shuttle cock?” Cordelia asked almost incredulously.

“I think it is. That or a very, very unfortunate-looking bird.” Marina held it away from her face just in case the object suddenly sprang to life.

“Where did it go?” A deep male voice suddenly made the woman look up with a frown.