Page 33 of My Beastly Duke

Looking back at her mother, Marina noted the exasperation on her face.

“I am afraid that your sister had developed something of a fancy for Mr. Marner. He is all she can talk about. Mr. Marner this, Mr. Marner that, I have to remind her that he jilted you at the altar!” Johanna explained in exasperation.

“Mr. Marner? Why on earth would she fancy him?” Marina raked her brain for any kind of redeeming qualities that her sister could have possibly seen in the man.

“He bumped into us after your wedding when we were out for tea. He insisted upon paying for us, even though I did tell him that the duke provides us with more than enough. And after humiliating us like that! Can you imagine the nerve of the man?” She pursed her lips in disapproval.

There is that competition again.

Marina saw right through Adam’s kindness and his plan for paying for the tea. His hope was more than likely that the news would reach Aaron and a competition would ensue.

Her mother continued with an exasperated expression. “He made quite a fuss of her, you know, saying how pretty she is and that he knew she would grow up to be just as charming as her older sister. She has been taken with him ever since.”

“Let’s hope she grows out of it then. Mr. Marner is not only too old for her, but he is the last person that I wish to have as a husband for Prudence one day.” She looped her arm into her mother’s and led the way to the garden where tea was to be served.

Johanna chuckled, seeming more alive than she had in years.

He has done so much for us.

Marina could not help but feel a strong sense of urgency to have the man she had married connect with others.

“Lady Wallace.” Aaron suddenly appeared around the corner, almost colliding with them.

“There you are, Your Grace. I was just about to come looking for you.” Marina offered him a warm smile. “My mother and sister have come for tea.

Aaron eyed her wearily. “I hope you enjoy your tea then.” He was about to step away when Marina let go of her mother’s arm and gripped his arm firmly, looking him in the eyes.

“I thought you might like to join us for tea, Your Grace. I know that it would mean a great deal to all of us if you did.” She stood her ground, unwavering beneath his untrusting glare.

“Of course, we would. I cannot think of many ways that I can repay you for your kindness; perhaps our company would suffice.” Her mother joined in when an awkward silence ensued.

Hesitant at first, Aaron allowed himself to be led to the gardens, never joining in on the chatter.

All he needs is a little more time.

Marina could not help but glance at him whenever she could. She was not certain what had changed, yet her life’s goal had suddenly changed, she wanted nothing more than to see her husband smile.

They had just about reached the section of the garden where they would enjoy their tea when Prudence suddenly appeared from behind a bush. The guilty look on her face suddenly made Marina cringe.

“Where have you been?” She looked at the slight muddy stains on her sister’s dress and the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I was waiting for His Grace to make an appearance, of course.” She curtsied in an uncommonly polite manner that set Marina’s nerves on edge.

Exchanging a worried glance with her mother, Marina decided to sit her sister as far away from the duke as possible. There had been one incident with the baron where his tea had turned out to be ink. That was one mistake that Marina was not willing to make again.

“Shall we?” Marina smiled and gestured for the group to head to the table while shooting her sister a warning glance over her shoulder.

Everything on the table beneath the giant oak tree seemed to be in place. The cakes seemed untouched while the cups all seemed clean. Marina did a double check of everything before taking a seat opposite Prudence where she could keep as close an eye on the girl as possible.

“Your Grace, may I pour your tea?” Prudence piped up quickly, eliciting warning bells from the older woman.

It was Johanna who jumped in quickly and put a stop to the idea. “I think Marina should be the one to pour his tea but thank you for offering.” She forced a fake giggle that only succeeded in deepening Aaron’s discomfort.

Taking the pot cautiously, Marina made sure to check the spout before pouring the tea.

Their mother seemed to lean forward as she craned her neck to see the color. “It is just tea, just normal tea.” She laughed again, reaching for her youngest daughter’s hand beneath the table and giving it a warning squeeze.

Aaron furrowed his brows, looking from Marina to her mother.