The Duke's Masked Wife



"Hold on," Caleb pulled Eleanor's hand to make her sit down. "Why would you go looking for him? You are not the sad pathetic one here."

"You're aware this is your twin brother you speak of?" Alessandra asked.

"Hence all the insults," Caleb replied. "It is Reed's job to come to you. I will get his attention and bring him to you. All you have to do is make him work for your attention. Have you ever courted anyone before."

Eleanor shook her head. "I never had any reason to. I always wanted to stay single."

"Caleb clapped his hands. "The two of you are perfect for each other. Reed is quite the flirt so you will need some help to be better than him. Luckily, you're halfway there since he is making up lies to be make you feel bad for him. To mess with Reed, you should try to touch him as much as possible," Caleb said, touching Eleanor's hand. "Made you feel something didn't it?"

"It made be awkward to be doing this with someone who looks exactly like Reed, but I understand where we're going with this," Eleanor replied.

"Good. If I were in your shoes, I would comment on his muscles and make an attempt to touch one. Smile sweetly like this," Caleb smiled to show her how. 

Alessandra felt like this lesson for Eleanor was pointless when Reed already seemed affected by Eleanor and all she needed to do was speak with him. If Eleanor started to act differently, wouldn't Reed be suspicious of her sudden interest and think she was toying with him?

"You," Reed said as he entered the room watching Caleb touch and smile at Eleanor. "What are you doing? Don't you have a woman already?"

"Relax brother. I was only helping the women with something," Caleb removed his hand from touching Eleanor. "Why are you here? I thought you were going to sleep-"

"We're supposed to be helping Edgar with the inspection, but you're here fooling around with his wife and her guest," said Reed.

"Oh, don't act like you don't want to fool around with her guest. By the way, what happened to your wound. Has it magically healed already?" Caleb mused.

Reed looked at Eleanor who was waiting for his answer. "What happened to your fake marriage? Has it ended already?" He retorted.

"Why do you have to tell the world that it is fake? Excuse me us, Duchess. Come here you big mouth bastard," Caleb muttered, standing up from his seat to go to Reed who deserved a slap in the form of a punch.

"I see why the Duke asked if I truly wanted to get involved with that family. I pray that you do not have twins, Alessandra. It is too much for one person to handle. I see why their mother is strict. I will have another chance to speak to Reed," Eleanor said, watching Reed leave with Caleb who was trying to put him in a headlock. "It must be fun to have so many people around to keep your life entertaining. It is only me and my aunt at home. I am starting to wish I had a sibling now."

"I told you, having a sibling is not as fun as you might think it is. I am only now starting to have a relationship with normal sisters. I hope they are normal now," Alessandra said since she wasn't one hundred percent sure about Claire yet.

"Then I should consider myself lucky. Honestly, I come visit your home when I start to feel lonely. Ugh, I can't believe my aunt is starting to be right about me wanting to have someone by my side. What is becoming of me?" Eleanor covered her face. "Next thing you know, I will picking out a room for a child. I don't even have a house of my own."

Alessandra reached out to pat Eleanor's back. "It will be fine."

"I hope. Do you want to go for a walk with me? See what inspection they were talking about?" Eleanor suggested.

"I am curious about what was damaged during winter. Sally, Ivy," Alessandra looked behind her at the two. "I'm going to take a walk outside. You can stay inside and rest if you want to. Edgar will be outside."

"I think its best the Duke doesn't see me not by your side once more or I might end up losing my job. I will join you," said Sally.

"I am not to leave your side," Ivy reminded Alessandra. "Do you need a coat to go outside?"

"No," Alessandra looked out the window as she stood up from her seat. "I've been feeling a litle bit hot so I wouldn't mind enjoying the cold air without a coat. If it gets too cold I will come back inside."

"Allow me," Eleanor hooked her arm with Alessandra's to be her escort and make sure Alessandra would not fall when they got outide to the slippery ground.

Eleanor and Alessandra walked hand in hand while Ivy and Sally followed behind. It was easy to spot Edgar and Alfred who were looking at a tree that had fallen in the garden.

Alfred was the first to notice Alessandra. "Duchess, you should have a coat."

"It's not too cold out, but be careful with the ground. There is ice to make you fall," Edgar said eyeing the ground where she stood. He was tempted to lift her instead of having her walk around. 

"I'm surprise you have not scolded me for coming outside without a coat," Alessandra said, releasing Eleanor's hand to carefully go to Edgar's side.

"You know your body better than I do. I like to believe you are not going to force yourself to be in the cold without a coat and you were the one to say you don't want everyone treating you like you are fragile. Are you changing your mind now?" Edgar asked, holding her hand as an extra precaution.

"No."

"I was told about my father's birthday and how you don't seem to be invited. I won't be attending," Edgar said so she wouldn't be worrying about it. He trusted Alessandra knew him so well that she didn't have to question if he was going without her.  "Grandmother wants to be petty and I can play on her level for a little bit. We can have our own dinner and invite you know who."

"Your mother? Wouldn't it be odd for us to throw a dinner on your father's birthday so you can upset Rose? I'm sure Priscilla would love to be a part of it, but I don't find it to be necessary. He is still your father and will be expecting your arrival. I am fine with staying at home," Alessandra said.

"I am not going where my wife is not wanted and it is not like my father is used to me visiting him on his birthday. I have not for the last two years. You don't-"

"Okay, we should have a dinner of our own. You are giving me the rare chance of inviting your mother over for dinner and I would be a fool to miss out on this. I don't know what is coming over me, but I would like to show that I can also join these petty games and upset Rose," Alessandra smiled.