The Duke's Masked Wife

"Give me a rundown of everything that happened today. Don't miss out on who approached her and who you caught acting suspicious around her," Edgar said. He sat down at his desk in his study while Reed and Caleb sat on the other side.

"She did run into her stepsister but it was nothing serious. Reed did something you might like," Caleb nudged his brother.

"I caught the Baroness sneaking around in town and followed her to an inn where she went to collect something. The owner gave her a key to one of the rooms. There is no doubt in my mind she has a secret room she is hiding something in. I would have checked it out but I sliced her face for you," Reed grinned.

"Did you? Well done. She's been hiding far too long so it's about time she received her punishment. Get someone to find out how long she had that room and go inside to find what else she is keeping there right as soon as this conversation is over. Chances are she might return to clear out that room to cover what she is hiding," Edgar said with great certainty Katrina knew they were aware of that inn now.

"You should be prepared for her to retaliate against you for ruining her face. Since she can't easily target you, she'll target the Duchess instead or someone else you least expect. Luckily the Duchess rarely leaves home so there isn't much of an opportunity for the Baroness to strike. Should the Duchess be aware you cut the Baron-"

"No," Edgar shook his head. He didn't need Alessandra knowing about this especially now when she was enjoying walking around without her mask. Alessandra didn't need to be bothered by news concerning her family. "Do not mention the cut to Alessandra. I will mention it to her on my own terms. Alessandra told me she met Nadine Powell. What was said that Alessandra did not like?"

"I don't see why it is a jab women take at each other but the Duchess being pregnant was brought up. I spoke with Sally and it seems this concerns a rumor about your wife and a cook. Then it was found odd the Duchess is not already pregnant by you," Caleb relayed the events.

Caleb truly wished to know why Alessandra not being pregnant yet was such a concern. He did not want a child so early in his marriage. He also found it stupid how an unmarried woman was questioning Alessandra about a baby.

"Women are weird creatures," Caleb concluded.

"The women in this town are a special breed. In the future, do not let the woman who spoke of pregnancy near my wife. I am going to check on my mother so you can start collecting information about the inn Reed," Edgar ordered Reed since he was aware of Caleb going to speak with Sally's parents soon. They both requested time off after Alessandra would be safe and sound at home.

Edgar wanted to see the change in his mother after spending an entire day in the dungeon. Only when he noticed change would she be freed. He hoped the rats he left behind were a good motivation and with this visit, he could start hearing some apologies that sounded genuine.

When Edgar reached the dungeon, the door was opened for him by the guard keeping an eye on his mother to make sure none of the rats escaped to feast on her and she was fed in a timely manner.

Edgar spotted his mother finally sitting on the cold dirty floor. Most likely she was too tired to resist sitting on the floor. A tray of food remained at the door of her cell with a rat nibbling at what was left behind.

"Feeding your pet?" Edgar asked, alerting her of his presence.

Priscilla refused to respond to Edgar and give him the satisfaction of hearing the fear in her voice. She grew tired from screaming she wanted to be released and screaming each time a rat came to her plate in the cell of the ones outside her door shook the box.

"Not speaking to me today? Do you know how many times I would have preferred you to be silent in the past? Now that I want you to speak you are silent. Are you learning your lesson? Can you admit the faults that led you to be placed here?" Edgar asked but there was no response once again. "I'm surprised your husband has not come to me yet."

Priscilla gripped her stained dress. She thought by now Edmund was working on getting her released even if he had to go to the town guards. As her husband, he should be doing everything he could to save her. No! He should have never let her be taken away.

Edmund was failing her in more ways than one and rather than thinking about what happened to Alfred, Priscilla was contemplating leaving Edmund. What was the point in having him around to save face when things like this happened? If anyone were to find out about this, it would stain her reputation more than her divorce. Edmund was utterly useless when it came to their family.

"I'm a bit disappointed that you are not ready to admit your fault in all of this and apologize. Do you not want to be free? Apologizing from the bottom of your heart is the first step," said Edgar.

"I did nothing wrong," Priscilla replied softly because of her sore throat. "It was Federick. He did this without my command."

Edgar wasn't surprised she was still pointing her fingers at Federick. "It is not time for you to leave yet. You are still the same as when I brought you here aside from the fact you cower in the corner. I will visit you around this time tomorrow and hopefully, I shall get a better response."

"When I get out of here, I will forget you are my son and repay you for this embarrassment and torture you are putting me through," Priscilla threatened him. She finally looked up at Edgar standing outside her cell.

"With that attitude, you will never leave this place for me to be concerned about your threat," Edgar replied.