BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 13
An Encounter in the Bedroom
Chloe's return to her bedroom marked the end of an exhausting day. After completing her evening routines and donning her nightgown, she was on the verge of surrendering to the call of her bed when a soft voice sounded from beyond the door.
"My lady?" the voice called.
It was the maid who had been assisting her earlier. Had she left something behind? Wearily, Chloe forced herself upright and asked, "What is it?"
The maid stepped into the room, her apprehension evident as she spoke in polite tones. "His Grace wishes to see you in his chambers."
Chloe furrowed her brow and glanced at the cream-colored door that connected their bedrooms. It appeared that the occupant of the adjacent room had no intention of allowing her any rest.
Suppressing a sigh, she infused her voice with a calm she did not feel. "Please inform him that I shall be there as soon as I am ready."
"As soon as you are ready?" came a voice from the doorway.
The door swung open, causing both the maid and Chloe to spin around. The sight of the Duke clad in only a loose shirt and a robe prompted the maid to quickly lower her gaze. Chloe, clutching the duvet, rose from the bed.
"There is no need for decorum or proper dress at this hour of night," Damien remarked.
A flush crept up Chloes neck, visible above her cream-colored lace nightgown.
"I-I shall take my leave," stammered the maid, who appeared even younger than Chloe. She made a hasty exit, her face turning bright red, clearly under the mistaken impression that this was an intimate moment. Chloe found herself unable to clarify the situation.
"Aren't you coming, Chloe?" Damien asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Chloe bit the inside of her cheek. "I am coming, Your Grace." As she reached for her cane, his soft voice stopped her. "As I said, there is no need for decorum. Just come."
Chloe swiftly turned to look at him, her eyes wide in silent protest.
"Are you unable to get off the bed without the support of your cane?"
"It is not easy. I could easily find myself on the floor." Her leg, weakened below the knee, could not support her weight. It seemed the Duke was determined to hear her admit this. "Is that what you wish to see?"
"That would be rather endearing," he replied, a smirk playing on his lips.
Ignoring his remark, Chloe quickly retrieved her cane and shuffled toward his room. Damien's gaze followed her every move, and as soon as Chloe crossed the threshold, he closed the door with a resounding thud.
With the heavy door now shut, Chloe finally had the opportunity to survey Damien's bedroom. The walls were a rich blue, adorned with golden curtains that lent the room an air of opulence. While her own room was far from modest, the antique furniture here was clearly the work of master craftsmen.
"Sit," Damien instructed.
He gestured for her to join him, the hearth crackling behind him. Chloe hesitated briefly before taking a seat on a chaise longue positioned opposite the armchair where he sat. The chaise, shaped like a pear, showed little signs of use. As the soft velvet brushed against her bare legs beneath her night-gown, Chloe braced herself to speak.
"It is rather late. Was there some urgent matter you needed my help with?"
"What business do you suppose there could be between husband and wife at such an hour?"
Chloe blinked rapidly, swallowing hard. Anxiety coursed through her, making her neck tense and her heart race. Was the moment she had been dreading finally upon her?
