Page 56 of My Beastly Duke

“That was hard to watch,” Adam said softly after poking his head from the carriage.

“You were not supposed to be watching,” Aaron grumbled and made his way over, climbing into the carriage when a footman opened a door.

“You can’t expect me not to listen when you have gotten me so involved. I helped you build an entire menagerie for goodness' sake!” Adam teased.

Tapping the ceiling in the carriage, Aaron signaled for the footman to start. “It was just a small one, it does not have glass walls as it should.”

“Glass, netting, either way, you owe me. That was fine craftsmanship if ever there was.”

Chapter 23

Marina’s breath caught in her chest as she stopped and looked up, making her sister and mother halt at her side.

“What is the matter, dearest? Are you feeling unwell?” Her mother looked at her with a frown.

“No, it is nothing.” She shook her head quickly and looked at her feet, trying her best not to cry.

What does all of this mean?

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself as feelings of confusion overtook her mind. Was he trying to win her back? She could not understand why he had not come to see her, but suddenly seemed to be eager to have her back home.

“What is that building?” Prudence asked with a frown.

“I am not certain, dear, it looks like a greenhouse of sorts. Or possibly even a tea garden?” Lady Prudence turned to Marina with the question.

The large structure that seemed big enough to house a few horses, loomed in the distance. A strong wooden frame had been covered by netting that seemed to have been taken from a shipyard.

Lifting her head high, Marina began to walk toward the structure where the duke and Adam were waiting. “I do not know, but I would like to get this afternoon over and done with.”

Making their way toward the men, the three women reached the structure as Aaron and Adam bowed.

“Welcome, ladies.” Adam greeted them in afriendly tone while Aaron kept his eyes fixed on Marina.

Now that they were closer, Marina could tell that the structure, while still being unfinished, had been crafted with the finest wood. Thick logs made up the corner supports, while thinner logs and planks finished the frame.

“It is not finished yet, but I hope that you will like it,” Aaron spoke directly to Marina, stepping aside as he opened the flap that sealed the entrance.

“Isn’t this exciting, Mama?” Prudence squealed in excitement and rushed in, pulling their mother along with her.

Adam smiled triumphantly and followed suit, as Marina lifted the hem of her black dress and stepped inside. Her breath was once again stilled as she marveled at the interior of the building.

Small bushes had been planted along the perimeter, boasting various berries and even roses. In the left corner, stood a potted Olive tree with branches that reached the high ceiling that presumably was meant to be finished with glass. She could not believe how beautiful it all looked even though it was far from done.

“Like I said, it is not finished, but I hope that you like it,” Aaron whispered behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Heat filtered from his fingers, reaching her skin despite the thick fabric of her dress. Her eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted when he leaned a little closer, breathing on the scent of her hair as his breath tickled her ear.

“Marina, come and see the table!” Prudence interrupted the moment, squealing once again with delight.

Opening her eyes in shock, Marina realized that she had forgotten herself. Hastening forward, she moved away from Aaron without looking back.

“Isn’t it just beautiful?” Her mother asked with a bright smile when Marina made her way to the back of the structure beyond the entryway that had previously hidden things from view.

Marina’s chest began to rise and fall with labored breaths when she spotted the white, wicker table and chairs that were big enough to host them all. A smaller table to the side boasted stands of cakes and small sandwiches along with a pot of tea and cups. She almost felt as if she were going to faint as she made her way over and sat, slumping into her seat with effort.

“Please have a seat everyone.” Aaron gestured for them all to gather around the table before taking a seat opposite Marina.

Adam sat beside Prudence, stiffening slightly when Isolde came in to serve them all tea. She refused to look at Aaron as she greeted Marina with a curtsy before pouring the tea and serving it.