The Wounded Duke by Grace Archer

Author:Grace Archer [Archer, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-01T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

The quiet study transformed into an intimate dance floor as Sebastian and Lady Amelia began their unconventional waltz. The strains of an imaginary melody filled the room, and the soft glow of candlelight cast a warm hue on their figures, creating an atmosphere of shared vulnerability.

Despite leaning on the lady for support, pain shot through his injured leg. The dance, though awkward and physically challenging, became a symbol of trust and acceptance, a shared endeavor that transcended the limitations of their individual struggles.

"Lady Amelia, I must apologize for the discomfort,” he said through gritted teeth. “My recent injury proves more troublesome than I anticipated."

Graceful despite shouldering some of his weight, Amelia continued to support him, their steps slow and only moderately sure.

"Your Grace, there is no need for apologies. This dance may be imperfect, but so are we."

As they continued their dance in the quiet study, the unspoken understanding between them deepened. However, beneath the surface, Sebastian wrestled with a growing realization. The shadows that concealed Lady Amelia's secrets also cast a veil over their potential future. With the door being ajar, any might pass by and see them in each other’s arms, and then, Sebastian would be trapped. Yes, he was leaning toward marrying the lady, but if he came to realize he did not love her, then he would merely give her money and part ways, off to find his true love.

There had been a lady or two before her that he thought he might one day grow to love, but alas, that had never been the case. How could he, a rake, know love? And especially so quickly. No, he should not be rash.

"Lady Amelia, I cherish the connection we're forging, but I cannot ignore the potential implications of your secrets on my standing in society. The ton can be unforgiving, and I fear our dance, beautiful as it may be, could cast shadows on both our futures."

“Your standing? You are a duke, and any mama would willingly thrust her daughters at you. They would love to try to trap you into marriage. They do not care about love.”

“Do you?” he asked bluntly.

Her eyes widened. “If I did not, would I have stopped you earlier? I might not be as naïve as you believe me to be. My mother died years ago, and that caused my father to spiral into despair and accounts for some of our… financial ruin.” She lifted her chin, a fire burning in her hazel eyes. “My father told me precisely what I could do to entrap a man such as yourself, and yet I did not. Nor did I have to tell you the details of my… situation… but I did not linger in the shadows to hide from the truth. I merely wished…”

The lady covered her mouth with her hand but kept her other hand on the duke. Even upset as she was, she still aimed to assist him.

He reached over for his cane and backed away from her, allowing her hand to fall back to her side and increasing the distance between them.

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