Chapter 20
“I understand your concern, Gilles, but one can hardly blame His Grace for being preoccupied,” Chloe said, trying to appear unconcerned.
Initially, she, too, had been taken aback by the fact that she had not heard a word from the Duke since his abrupt departure. However, as time passed, her feelings had changed. After all, they had not married for love, and perhaps it was preferable that he leave her in Verdier. As for the whispers, she was confident they would fade away with time.
“To be honest, I have been so terribly busy since the wedding myself that I’ve hardly had the time to fret about such trivial matters.”
“Trivial?” said Gilles, frowning.
Once again, she had spoken more sharply than she had intended. Recognizing her mistake, she waved her hand dismissively. Though Gilles was someone she felt at ease with, she should not have caused the boy unnecessary concern by speaking so disparagingly about her marriage.
