She turned, and found Edward standing a few feet behind her, seemingly content to wait for her to conclude her conversation with her siblings. He shifted his gaze to hers when he noticed she was looking at him and after a moment, he glanced towards her siblings and said,
“Miss Danvers, you are of course welcome in our home whenever you wish to come. As is Lord Hartmoor. Our doors are always open to you.”
Anna's expression brightened instantly. “Oh – truly?”
“You have my word,” he said simply.
Rowland, who had been standing to the side with his arms folded and his expression stiff, stared at Edward for a longmoment. Phoebe recognised the look and knew it meant her brother still had not decided if he would trust the duke.
“Your Grace,” he spoke up eventually with a cool tone. “Take care of my sister.”
Edward regarded him with an expression of mild amusement that Phoebe did not think helped matters. “I intend to do just that, Lord Hartmoor.”
Rowland did not look comforted in the slightest, but to his credit, did not say anything further, simply returned his attention to his sister – and then opened his arms.
She stepped into them and held onto him, and felt him return the embrace, smiling when Anna weaselled her way between them and for a moment, they were simply brother and sisters again, the way they had been in that unfamiliar room twelve years ago, when the world had rearranged itself around them and all they'd had was each other.
“Write to us,” he whispered into her hair.
“Constantly,” she promised and meant to honour it.
And then, it was time to go.
The carriage was quieter than she'd expected.
Phoebe sat across from Edward as the church fell away behind them and the streets of London rolled past the window, and tried to compose herself into something resembling she could recognize.
She had said farewell to her siblings and she was now married. Currently, she was travelling toward a house she had visited once, in the dark, under entirely different circumstances.
She was honestly somewhat at a loss and the unfamiliar silence was beginning to stifle her and she cleared her throat.
Edward’s gaze snapped to her, but he remained silent, as though he was leaving the floor open for her to speak freely.
“What... what will my duties be, Your Grace? I know that I am meant to... cater to your needs, but I might need some direction on the subject. If you do not mind... highlighting what tasks I am meant to carry on, for your behalf, as well as that of our family.
He was quiet for a moment, seemingly considering. Then he spoke,
“You will manage the household. I have a housekeeper who is capable and has been with the estate for a number of years, soyou will not be left entirely to your own devices – but decisions of the household will fall to you. You will accompany me to social engagements when it is necessary or expected. The ton will want to see you, for a time, and it is useful to give them what they want and let the novelty of us fade before they find something else to occupy their attention.”
“And beyond that?”
He looked at her. “Beyond that, as I mentioned before, I need an heir.”
Phoebe had known that already – she had known since the first time they had spoken. And still, hearing it stated so plainly in the contained space of the carriage, made her feel a little unsteady. She had tried so hard not to worry about what was to come tonight during the ceremony, but the thoughts had plagued her incessantly and now, she was at risk of getting lost in her head once more.
“I understand,” she said with a nod.
“Do you?” he questioned with an odd look settled upon his face.
“You made it very clear, Your Grace, when we first met. I had no illusions about the nature of this arrangement.”
“Edward,” he corrected.
She blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“We are married,” he pointed out, amused. “You may call me Edward.”
“Oh,” she blinked. “Yes. Of course.”