Chapter 5: The Reason for Marriage (5)

The Myers carriage arrived at the front of the Reynolds estate precisely at 11:30.

It was not because the duke was particularly eager for the meeting that he arrived early, but rather because he suspected he might first have to endure this kind of formal courtesy.

“Oh my, our son-in-law!!”

With a broad smile plastered across his face, Marquis Reynolds approached, laughing heartily.

As he naturally reached out to take his arm, Grayson stepped subtly aside to avoid him, answering with a pleasant smile.

“We haven’t even had the wedding yet. Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself, Marquis?”

Even at Grayson’s pointed remark, Marquis Reynolds laughed cheerfully, showing not the slightest trace of embarrassment.

‘Well, no wonder he’s in such a good mood. The salt tax was cut in half.’

Grayson had learned during their last meeting that there had been a bargain struck between the king and the marquis.

At first, he had assumed it was the marquis who had initiated the marriage talk, but it turned out the king had been the one to raise it first.

The memory of that revelation had made him laugh to himself.

The marquis had made such a show of cherishing his daughter Edith that the king had agreed to drastically reduce the tax on his most lucrative business, salt.

The marquis’s rivals in the trade were many, but with this, they would soon be powerless and forced out.

‘To go so far as this, just to marry me with Lady Edith…’

Grayson could not help but marvel at his father’s fervent affection.

“As one grows older, things become so clear to the eye. You and our Edith suit each other perfectly, Duke. I’m sure you’ll find Edith very much to your liking.”

‘That I suit a woman said to be mad.’

The words were not flattering, but Grayson kept the smile on his lips.

“I would very much like to see Lady Edith now.”

“Yes, of course you must. Ah, I have matters of business that call me away, but what say you to dining with us this evening?”

“I’m afraid I already have a prior engagement.”

“Hahaha, of course, our duke is a busy man. Then I shall entrust my daughter to you.”

With a genial smile, Marquis Reynolds finally released him.

Grayson followed a servant’s lead into the mansion.

Thanks to the marquis letting him go more easily than expected, there was still plenty of time left before the appointed hour.

On the drawing-room table lay an elegant cigar case.

Grayson reached as if to take one, then thought better of it, instead slowly surveying the room—when the door opened without a knock.

“Grayson.”

“Frederic.”

Grayson calmly met the sharp glare of the marquis’s second son.

Frederic strode forward and sat across from him.

“Why are you going through with this marriage?”

Well, now.

Grayson laughed inwardly.

He hadn’t expected anyone to oppose or even question a marriage arranged between the king and the marquis, yet here was a surprising figure doing just that.

As though he were watching an amusing twist in a play, Grayson answered.

“You’ll likely find the answer to that with His Majesty the King or the marquis.”

“I’m not talking about politics. I’m asking your true intentions.”

“What intentions could I possibly have? In my position, I have no choice but to follow where I’m commanded.”

“You would never!”

Frederic’s voice rose in frustration, but after a deep breath, he leaned forward.

“You would never do something you absolutely hated, no matter if it were the king’s command.”

“Then it seems you’ve misunderstood me. I accept the duties that are given to me.”

“Duties.”

For some reason, that word struck Frederic the wrong way.

He frowned and repeated it again.

“Duties?”

“Yes, duties.”

“How can you call marriage a duty!”

His guileless outburst made Grayson smile.

Crossing his legs leisurely, he studied Frederic’s expression.

Frederic was not usually so naïve.

So where had this innocent outcry come from?

The answer revealed itself as the butler announced Lady Edith’s arrival and the parlor door opened.

Grayson instinctively checked the time, satisfied to see that Edith had arrived with perfect punctuality, and turned his gaze—just in time to catch the powerful emotions flashing across Frederic’s face.

A desire left unhidden.

A burning passion.

A longing so intense it was almost indecent to witness.

Grayson slowly raised his hand to conceal his smile.

The marquis’s second son loved the marquis’s youngest daughter.

Even if Edith was merely the marquis’s daughter in name, this alone was enough to become a scandal.

‘And the girl herself?’

Turning his eyes like a spectator at a play, Grayson looked toward Edith.

Clad in her outdoor coat, she frowned as though displeased to see Frederic there.

Her unfiltered annoyance revealed her feelings plainly.

‘What is he doing here?’

As entertaining as the drama was, time was pressing.

Grayson rose from his seat and approached Edith.

“Lady Reynolds.”

“Duke Myers.”

Edith lifted her head, meeting his gaze.

Grayson studied her perfect, doll-like face while, out of the corner of his eye, watching Frederic.

Though Frederic glared at them, at least he had enough sense not to interfere.

He remained frozen where he sat.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Even as they left the parlor and the door closed behind them, Grayson could feel Frederic’s stare.

But the moment the door shut, cutting off that gaze, Frederic was forgotten.

***

‘Was he speaking ill of me?’

It had been a bit surprising to see Frederic in the parlor, but Grayson showed no hint of disturbance.

Not a word passed between them until they stepped into the carriage waiting at the front of the estate.

The Myers coachman, already knowing the itinerary, set the carriage in motion without needing instructions.

Seated across from Edith, Grayson gazed out the small window, silently taking in the passing scenery.

‘What was first again? Ah, the river walk.’

The thought of enduring a riverside stroll under such a stifling mood already made Edith feel suffocated.

She, too, kept her eyes on the window, trying to discern Grayson’s purpose in arranging this date.

She had spent all of last night pondering it, yet no matter how much she considered, she could not uncover his true intent.

Edith stole a glance at Grayson’s face.

‘He really is handsome.’

It was no wonder Lillian had thrown herself at him, no wonder women could speak of nothing else when gathered together.

Grayson’s appearance was flawless.

Soft blond hair, skin so pale it bordered on porcelain, a smooth brow leading to finely shaped brows, sharp eyes set deep beneath them, and within—striking, sapphire-blue irises.

‘Thank goodness. At least his eyes are blue.’

If they had been green, like the Reynolds family’s, it would have been unbearable.

Just meeting his gaze would have suffocated her with memories of them.

Lost in such thoughts, Edith didn’t notice when those blue eyes shifted from the carriage window to her.

“Lady Reynolds.”

Only when her name was spoken did she realize he was looking at her.

She quickly lowered her eyes, but it was already too late.

“Do you have something you wish to say to me?”

Edith shook her head vigorously, then hesitated before speaking.

“Forgive me, but… why did you ask me out on this date?”

“We’ll discuss that during the walk.”

‘Would it kill you to tell me now?’

she thought, but she dared not press further.

If she displeased him and this marriage were called off, it would be disastrous.

So she nodded obediently.

The carriage soon stopped at the riverside.

When the coachman opened the door, Grayson stepped down first and extended his hand.

Edith looked at the white-gloved hand for a moment before cautiously placing her own atop it.

As she stepped out, the scenery of the Tevan River spread wide before her.

Though the air was a little crisp, the clear weather had drawn out quite a number of strollers along the riverbank.

“I’m glad the weather turned out so fine,”

She murmured without thinking.

Grayson released her hand and answered simply,

“Indeed.”

Edith opened the parasol Lenny had prepared for her, then turned and tilted it higher.

“Please, Your Grace, you should use this too. The sun is rather harsh.”

Grayson glanced at the parasol shielding his head, then fixed his gaze on her.

With his thumb and forefinger, he pinched the parasol’s frame and slowly lowered it.

“I’ll be fine, Lady Reynolds.”

“Well… if you insist.”

Edith pursed her lips briefly, then released them, and followed after him as he began walking ahead.

His pace was brisk, and despite her effort, she kept falling behind.

Worse, she was wearing high heels she rarely touched.

Before long, the distance between them stretched uncomfortably wide.

At this rate, he would move on to the next destination alone.

Edith drew in a sharp breath, then hurriedly broke into a run to catch up with him.