The Masked Lady

Ch.3The Contract

Kate thought highly of herself. She used her looks to elevate her position in society. She was identical to her mother with blonde hair and blue eyes. Two things she believed made her the jewel of society.

Dressed like a doll, Kate hoped to speak with the Duke and attract his interest. She begged her father to have a moment alone with the Duke, but Alexis had stolen it away from her.

“I hope she did not offend you, Duke Edward. She was not meant to be out here,” Kate glared at the shadow walking away, warning her to run.

“Hmm,” Edward stopped right beside Kate. “She has not offended me. Not like your father has.”

“Thank goodness. She-”

“It might be due to me being an only child, but shouldn’t you be referring to her as your sister or at least by her name?” Edward quickly picked up that the young girl did not view Alexis as family.

Now that Kate knew she had spoken to the Duke, all hell would break loose tomorrow.

Edward listened quietly to the sound of Alexis running away while Kate tried to think of a good answer for what he had asked her. He wondered what Alexis was so afraid of when it came to Kate.

“You are correct, Duke. It has to do with you not having any siblings. When siblings argue, we tend to do petty things but I love my older sister. As you can see, she is extremely shy and can be awkward. That is why I was concerned she might have offended you,” Kate put on her mask of being a good sister.

She would do anything to make the Duke see she was a good person. There was no one else she saw worthy of being her husband.

“If that makes you sleep better at night,” Edward proceeded to walk away after Alexis had gotten far away. If only he was in her position and not the one stuck with Kate.

“You know Duke, I was hoping for some alone time between the two of us. I wish to show you that I can be an excellent choice for your wife,” Kate followed behind him, gripping his arm to slow him down.

Edward sighed annoyed with Kate who could not take a hint. The Baron and his wife raised her to be like a spoiled princess. “Is there some misconception that I am looking for a wife who can only please me in bed?” He smacked her hand away.

If anyone were to see them like this. rumors would quickly spread. He did not feel the need to add another rumor to the long list already circling.

“I’m sorry,” Kate was caught off guard by him denying her advances. There were plenty of men who would jump at what she was doing for Edward. “You visit the streets.”

Edward shrugged his shoulders not seeing what that had to do with his future wife. “Who is to say I do not go there to read a book?”

“It is awfully loud there.”

“I work better when there is a lot of noise around but please enlighten me, what do you know of how loud it is?” Edward grinned, enjoying the sight of Kate realizing her mistake. “What on earth would the Baron’s daughter be doing there unless you are listening to the gossip of what others do there?”

“N-No. You are misunderstanding,” Kate tried to clear it up right away. She had never visited such a place.

“Understand this Kate. What you are doing will never entice me. Besides, I’ve received a better offer. Excuse me,” Edward stated before leaving Kate behind both utterly confused and embarrassed.