The Duke's Masked Wife

"The only reason you have your finger intact is because of the no fighting at the table rule but touch me again and I will break it," Edgar's voice was heard as soon as they entered the dining room.

"Children, please be civil," Rose sighed. She knew it would be trouble having others here at the same time she was meeting Edgar's wife but she enjoyed having breakfast with as many family members present as she could get. "We have a new addition to the family. I've already shared the good news of Edgar getting married. This is Alessandra Collins."

"It's nice to meet everyone," Alessandra greeted the two men who shared similar looks and a woman.

"What is with the mask?" One of the men asked. "Is she not a looker?"

"Daniel, you idiot," Dominic, the oldest of the two brothers, shook his head. After Edgar had warned Daniel not to say anything stupid to his wife, this was the first time his brother had to say? "Excuse my younger brother. I am still trying to get my parents to admit they found him on the side of the road. My name is Dominic Carson. Welcome to the family," he stood up to greet her.

"Thank you," Alessandra replied and shook his hand. After shaking his hand, she looked at Daniel and said, "I had an accident when I was younger so I keep my face covered."

"What kind of accident?" Daniel questioned further. It wasn't every day he saw someone walking around without a mask when there was no ball or party.

Seeing Edgar look more annoyed than normal, Dominic knew he would lose his only sibling if Daniel would not keep his mouth shut. He didn't know if that would be such a bad thing but he would hate to see his mother crying over the loss of a son.

"Daniel," Rose called to the young man who begged to stay with her, and now she was regretting saying yes. "Shut up. Take a seat beside Edgar, dear," she switched her tone when speaking with Alessandra. She wanted to see the couple side by side with each other once again.

"Should I help you sit down first?" Alessandra asked.

"Thank you but the day I need someone to help me sit would be the day I give up and simply remain in bed. I like to think I am not that old yet. Go on and have a seat," Rose sat down on her own to show that she was fine.

As Rose requested, Alessandra went to where Edgar sat to the right of his grandmother.

"Why do your cheeks look red?" Edgar touched her exposed cheek right as she sat down. This action only caused her cheek to become redder.

Rose played with the necklace around her neck that was given to her by her late husband as she watched Edgar and Alessandra. "Your wife made a promise with me, Edgar. Therefore you cannot deny something that you promised me long ago."

Edgar critically watched how Alessandra played with her fingers after his grandmother's words. "Tell me what it is and I might entertain it," he said while playing with a strand of Alessandra's hair. He wasn't bothered by what anyone at the table would think of his actions.

"I should look forward to having a great-grandchild soon," Rose informed Edgar. If needed, she would live in Lockwood once again to help with raising the child.

Edgar's hand paused for a moment before going back to twirling Alessandra's hair around his finger. "Is that so?" The corners of his lips curled. "If she has promised you one soon then I aid her in fulfilling this promise quickly. I won't stop until the promise is said and done," he slowly ran his finger against the back of her neck and enjoyed the sight of her shuddering. "How many do you think we should have, grandmother?"

Rose pinched the back of her hand in case this was a dream and she needed to wake up. To think she would be talking about her future great-grandchildren with Edgar and he would be asking how much. Was her time nearing? Was that why the day was going perfectly? "As many as your wife can have without any complications," she answered.

"I agree with that. What do you think, Alessandra?" Edgar asked whilst ignoring the fact she wanted this conversation to be over with. "I think six would do."

'Six?!' Alessandra looked at Edgar like he had grown another head. Their deal was only for her to give him an heir. Now he was talking about six. Was he saying this to please his grandmother or was he being honest? There was no way she would ever have six children. Before her marriage, she did not even think she would have one though she loved children.

"Too many?" Edgar smiled, enjoying the look of horror she wore. "I will settle for four."

"That is wonderful," Rose agreed with the amount. "The more the merrier. If you would need a big house for so many children, you can one day have this one."

Daniel and his wife shared a look.

"Grandmother! My wife and I also have a child. Should we bring her by more often? We've been trying to get some time to ourselves to try for a  baby," Daniel spoke up, attempting to bring the limelight on himself. "How about giving us this house to have more children? Edgar does not require more room. Have you not seen his estate?"

Daniel was married for two years now and already had one child. He was certain he got his wife pregnant during their honeymoon. It seemed he was more capable than Edgar when it came to making heirs.

"You are not my grandson," Rose stated the one thing that hindered Daniel from ever getting her house. "Your grandmother is my sister. Go ask her for a home. The Carsons don't seem to be short of money."

Daniel slumped back in his chair, annoyed he was born a Carson instead of a Collins. The Carsons had money but the Collins had the wealth to last many generations.

"Dominic, now that Edgar is married it is only you that is left. Find yourself a good girl or whoever and settle down," Rose encouraged him. She did not want anyone to be alone while others started their families.

Daniel snorted and covered his mouth. "She said that like she would accept you being with a man."

Using this moment while everyone was distracted by the sibling's conversation, Alessandra patted Edgar's leg to get his attention. "Please leave my hair alone before you ruin it," she whispered.

"No thank you," Edgar turned down her request. He was enjoying himself too much right now. "My mind can be changed by a kiss on the cheek if you want me to stop."