The Duke's Masked Wife



"You can't tell since I have never invited you over here, but I've completely changed my home since Edmund moved out. I've painted the walls and replaced all the furniture that Edmund touched while he was here. It feels like a new home, but I am not certain if I intend on living here much longer. I should sell it and move elsewhere," Priscilla said, looking around at the changes she made.

No matter how much she changed, she could not erase the memories she had here with Edmund. A new house would be a much better new beginning.

Alessandra followed behind Priscilla as she was being given a tour of Priscilla's home. "Since it is only you, a smaller house-"

"Ha," Priscilla snorted. "That was a good one."

"It wasn't meant to be funny. Sometimes I feel like the home Edgar and I have is too big for us. Most days I do not make it to the other side of it. Honestly, I have no clue what is in some of the rooms," Alessandra said.

"All you need to do is fill it up with children. Edgar has so many guards on his property so there is a need for a large home. When your children are here and you want to be alone, you'll appreciate a big home with rooms where they cannot find you in. I will think more about selling this home. There is one I have been eyeing which would suit me. A couple just moved out of it to go to the countryside. Perhaps I should keep this one and buy the other. Move between them when I feel bored," Priscilla decided.

"It seems like you are bored now which is why you want to carelessly spend money. If this home reminds you too much about Edmund, you should move. There is no reason to hold onto it if you are not happy. I think we should take a break from walking around. My shoes are starting to hurt," Alessandra said as she walked around for quite a bit to tour Priscilla's home.

"We can sit on the balcony and enjoy a bit of the cold air. You have to enjoy the last of winter before the town becomes so hot. There's no need for you to follow us so closely. Especially you," Priscilla pointed at Reed. She had not forgotten about him waltzing into her home behind Edgar to take her away. That memory was another reason she wanted to get away from this home.

"All of you seem to think that I've gone through all of this effort to be nice just to hurt you in my home. I have no time for playing around with you or Edgar anymore. I have my life to focus on. I've heard from a Collins member that Rose is coming back to Lockwood for Edmund's birthday. I don't see why when she likes to hold all the celebrations in her home. That witch is up to something," Priscilla said, sitting down on a chair outside.

"We always had to travel to her home for birthdays and family dinners, but now she is suddenly interested in Lockwood? Have you told her you are pregnant?" Priscilla asked, thinking that was the reason Rose was suddenly coming back. She wasn't keeping up with if Alesandra and Rose had made amends. "The one time she was sort of nice to me was when I was pregnant with Edgar. There were constant visits that I honestly hated. She had weird brews she wanted me to drink to make sure Edgar was strong."

"I have not spoken to Rose since the last time she was here to tell her the good news. I do agree that there seems to be something in play here. Edgar and Alfred were invited to Edmud's birthday dinner, but I was not."

Priscilla wasn't surprised by this. Rose liked to make you feel excluded and with Alessandra's quiet nature, Rose might think she could have Alessandra begging to be included in the dinner. Alessandra didn't appear to be so bothered about Rose not inviting her. 

Priscilla thought the young woman in front of her was easy to break, but she was a lot stronger than others realized. 

"Edgar doesn't plan on intending and wants to hold a dinner the same night. I am not against it and you are invited," Alessandra innocently smiled.

Priscilla's surprise was evident from her wide eyes and slightly opened mouth. She fell into a fit of laughter soon after. "My oh my that is petty of the two of you. To not attend Edmund's dinner, throw on the same night, and invite his ex-wife. It is a dinner that I simply could not miss. I will be at any occasion to mess with Rose. Please let it slip somehow that I will be attending the dinner."

"Well,  Rose is being petty trying to leave me out. I will not apologize for what she started between us. She's yet to also find out about the mines that I own. My grandmother has placed plenty in my name. I believe they have struck gold recently. It is not as much as they would like, but it is good news that they might stumble upon more," Alessandra said.

"Gold sells for a good price these days. A few of them could feed and house you for more than a month. Tell me, do you truly intend to stop attending parties now that you are pregnant? I know you must be careful around this time, but there is a lot of talk about you now which means it is the best time for you to make appearances. You are a Duchess. You should solidify your position amongst these women and be respected. Everyone should respect you as Alessandra Collins, not fear you as Edgar's wife."

"I don't want to take any risks in the early months. I don't want something to happen to the child when we are all so excited," Alessandra touched her stomach. "I was being social before. Making a name for myself amongst the ladies. There were a few young ladies who will debut next season who asked me to take them under my wing. It was surprising."

"That's what happens when you are a hot topic and marry an influential man. Right now, young ladies are deciding who they want to follow. What circle will make them better off? You are the Duchess, you are great friends with the Queen, and you have a few friends in the right places. They will wish to follow you. Socialize and continue to establish yourself. I will aid you," Priscilla decided. 

"What?" Alessandra replied in disbelief. 

"Why is that so surprising? I've offered you my help with other things up to this point. I will offer my advice to help you become what the young ladies call a social Queen. I have been one for many years. I controlled circles so that even now when I am divorced, many know not to toy with me as my influence can ruin them. You have potential that I didn't see in the past. I am not going to let you ruin it simply because you are with child," Priscilla said.

"Rose offering to help me is what has the two of us at odds. I don't want to ruin the relationship you and I are starting-"

"Are you a mad woman? Never compare me to Rose! I have no need to pester you about furniture and other things. I simply want you to run the social world as I have done for years. Just know, I would not be offering you my help if I didn't think you were the right fit. I've known and liked Heather for years, but never thought of teaching her. Do you want my help?" Priscilla asked, for what would be the last time.

"Yes," Alessandra accepted it.