The Arrogant Duke

CHAPTER TEN

Edward hated long journeys. It was very stressful and tiring, but this one journey, however, he would not miss for the world. This journey to London could change his life for good.

He waited ever so patiently inside the carriage, while his coachmen entered each and every hotels and inns in London.

"Your Grace," one of his coach approached Edward. "They would not disclose any information regarding their guests."

"Tell them that it is urgent that we find Grace Sullivan and her child." Edward replied calmly.

"We have tried everything," The coachman said in fear. "But, if I may suggest that you use your dukedom, Your Grace, then maybe our search might be more of ease?"

Edward hesitated for a bit, but he would do almost anything to find Grace. "Very well," he jumped off of the carriage and entered the grand reception.

It was very uncommon for Edward to show up in hotels in his casual wear. He was only wearing a crisp, white shirt, a pair of black trousers and boots. He almost seemed like a laborer, not a Duke clothed in fine garments and accessories.

"May I help you?" The receptionist, an old man, presumably in his late forty's approached Edward quickly upon seeing him step through the wide door. He looked at Edward with utter disgust, as if he thought of himself higher.

"Yes," Edward nodded. "I am hoping to check if a Grace Sullivan is currently residing in one of your rooms. She is with a young boy named James."

"I apologize, but like I said to your company over there." He pointed at the array of coachmen waiting for Edward. "I cannot simply disclose information regarding our guests to just anyone. You see, we here, Sir have an outstanding record of ensuring our beloved guests' privacy and security."

"But, good sir, you would not want to be held responsible for the closure of your fine hotel either?" Edward threatened.

The receptionist looked frightened. "What do you mean?"

"You've been so rude to me and my men that I'd suggest my friends to stay in a different hotel when in London. Or perhaps I should simply tell the head of this establishment that the employees working here are rude and have no respect whatsoever for a Duke looking for his betroth."

The receptionist immediately dropped to his knees. "I'm sorry, Your Grace, I did not know," he reasoned. "I did not know that a duke was coming for a visit today ... and it seems that you are a tad bit dishevelled."

"Well, the distance we've travelled gave no time for pampering as we are in a rush." Edward scoffed. "Now, Grace Sullivan?"

"Yes," the receptionist nodded. "The Lady and the boy are here."

"Good," Edward breathed a sigh of relief. "What room are they in right now?"

"The first room on the first floor, Your Grace."

The first room on the first floor, Edward noticed, was the smallest amongst others. He guessed that the room had a single bed and a wash basin just to accommodate rest and hygiene.

Yes, Grace had always been the aristocrat who fancied the simpler things in life. Once, a long time ago he'd thought that she was a common maid for she was working, talking and laughing with the maids who cleaned the Hamilton's mansion. She was unlike any other young ladies that he'd seen before her.

Grace was not one for his wealth and title either. She'd told him once that if she could write her own life, then she would marry a labourer, a farmer perhaps. She'd live happily with him and start a family on a little house that kept them safe and warm.

Edward loved the idea. He thought that one day, when he himself was a very old man, then he would give up the title and fortune to his heir and live the life that he had always been curious about. Commoners often looked happier even though they did not have much.

But Edward thought, to fulfil the dream, then Grace would have to be with him.

To grow old with her and share memories was such a romantic idea.

Edward knocked thrice. "Grace?" he called out.

"Who is it?" her sweet voice echoed.

"It is me." He replied. "Edward."

It was foolish to think, but the door held his faith and future on the other side of it.

Grace opened the door slowly, looking to see correctly for herself. "What are you doing here?"

Edward tensed. "I came to apologize, personally."

"You needn't do so," Grace said. "I've written you a letter, I trust that you've received it that is why you're here?"

"Exactly that." Edward replied. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Depends," Grace crossed her arms. "James is asleep, and I do not want to disturb him for we have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow. I'm afraid that it'll be long before he'll have a rest and comfort such as this."

"Your departure is tomorrow?" Edward asked naively.

"What are you doing here, Edward?" Grace asked, quite annoyed. "If you're feeling guilty for what you've done, then do not. It was my fault as well. You may leave if that's what you're waiting to hear from me." She turned around and closed the door. "Goodbye."

"I still love you." Edward blocked the door with his body. "I never stopped loving you."

Grace was quiet for a long time. "You're being absurd."

"I agree with you, completely." Edward said. "I've been a wreck ever since you left."

"Do not let your guilt eat you up." Grace scoffed. "You will get over it."

"Hear me out." Edward begged. "Please."

"I'm sorry, Edward." Grace pushed him away from the door. "But don't you think that it will be for the best if you and I never ever met again? It'll surely take the pain away."

"But what if you leaving again is the thing that is hurting me the most?" Edward retorted.

"You don't know what you're saying."

"I love you, Grace." Edward breathed. "I know that now because I can no longer bear being away from you. You are the death of me, and I know that we will end up hurting each other every now and then, but I'd rather be it the way it is than to live a life where you no longer exist in."

"What are you trying to say?" Grace asked in tears.

"I'm saying that I want you to come back to Suffolk." Edward confessed. "I'm saying that I love you, and I don't want you to go back to Boston because you belong with me, and in Suffolk where your family is."

"Why?" Grace asked again. "I've hurt you ... no ... I've betrayed you before. Why do you think I can't do it again? That I might disappear again in the middle of the night and hurt you once again. You should loathe me."

"I've asked myself the same question." Edward said. "But after thinking about it, I thought that there is no reason that I cannot say that I do not love you. I love you simply because you are you."

"You deserve so much better."

"And I would thank the Lord everyday if he gave you to me."