A shadow seemed to cross his face, and dark eyes watched her. “Get some rest and in the morning I will inform you of the state of our marriage.”
The state of their marriage? “I would have you inform me now.”
“No.”
“I will not be able to sleep a wink after such dire words. I will not hesitate to follow you to your chambers for answers.”
An imperious brow arched, no doubt at her audacity.
“Our marriage will not be consummated.”
Adel truly appreciated his restrain but it was not needed. “Thank you for thinking of giving me a reprieve.” She winced. “I expressed that poorly. It is not necessary for us to wait until tomorrow, I am ready to—”
“I do not only speak of tonight.”
Bewilderment filled Adel. She searched his face, seeking understanding. His mien was cool and distant. “I do not understand,” she said softly.
He crossed his forearms across his chest and leaned against the door. Something akin to regret gleamed in his eyes. “I had thought since you were in love with another man, you would welcome such news.”
She flinched. “I am not in love with Mr. Atwood! If this is the reason you—”
“Nevertheless it is best we delay. We had no knowledge of each other a few days ago. It would not be remiss if we wait until we are better acquainted to pursue the more intimate aspects of marriage. My home, my wealth, and titles are yours, let that be enough for now.”
She considered him. Was this the normal way of ton marriages? Suddenly she felt the burning need for her mother’s guidance. Oh, Mamma, how I wish you were here. “I do believe waiting will create more distance between us,” she said softly.
Adel should have been happy he was willing to wait, for she hardly knew this severe man standing before her. But instinctively she felt if she agreed to such a separation, the fight for his heart would be much greater, and the divide would be impossible to close. She jolted. The fight for his heart? When had she even thought it likely she wanted this cold infuriating man to hold affections for her? Certainly a happy marriage could be achieved without any attachments?
No…it cannot. Even with her limited understanding of what a marriage should entail, without love they would be like the many lords and ladies she had observed throughout the seasons. Most attachments were cold and impersonal, with both man and woman seeking other lovers to soothe the heartache of loneliness. She couldn’t endure such a union .
“I do not desire anything deeper from this union ,” he said flatly, piercing the disquieting silence that had formed.
Pained awareness dawned. “You are not granting me time to acclimatize myself to you…are you?”
“No.”
“Are you saying there is a possibility we may never consummate our vows, even if years pass?”
“Yes.”
A startled laugh burst from her. “Surely that is the most ludicrous notion I’ve ever heard. Why?”
He became even more guarded.
“I may be ignorant of the acts of the marriage bed, but even I know that without consummation you cannot gain an heir.” And according to her stepmother and the ton, every titled man was in need of an heir.
“I have an heir.”
Her eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”
“I did not misspoke, Duchess.”
“An heir?”
“Yes, my mother thoughtfully provided my father with a spare before he died. My brother Jackson is currently away in the diplomatic corps, but he is the heir presumptive, and I am quite content for it to remain so.”
She froze, and the shock gave way under the tide of rage that filled her. “And did you hold this knowledge before wedding me?”
A shadow shifted over his face. “Yes.”
“And it never occurred to you I would desire children of my own?” she said, her throat tightening with anger.
“I did not single you out for my attention, you climbed into my bed. You would have been ruined and disgraced if I’d walked away.”
“The truth of that situation does not make your assertions now any less despicable. Has it not occurred to you I would have preferred a life disgraced in the country with Mr. Atwood or someone else, rather than be a duchess who will be denied the chance of…of…motherhood?” she growled, her heart pounding. She could not believe they were having a raging argument in such little time. This did not bode well for their marriage, and she hated the tears thickening her throat.
“No man would have had you, once society was through,” he said coldly. “I daresay the turn I did you by marrying you is unmatched.”
She gasped. “You are a heartless brute.”