The Price of Deception Read Free Page A

seemed comfortable with on a daily basis happened to be
his mother, Mary, who pampered her like the daughter she never had.
As the years continued to pass with no sign of pregnancy, the
frequency of his wife’s misery increased exponentially.
    Robert soon discovered, in his role as husband, his
unpreparedness to handle the emotions of a woman—especially one
such as Jacquelyn. There were moments in the depths of her despair
that he believed she needed the help of a physician. However, when
he suggested that medical counsel be sought in the course of her
depressed phases, she adamantly refused to comply. As a result,
Robert bore it silently, accepting it as his lot. To compensate, he
avoided her as much as possible.
    On the other hand, Jacquelyn portrayed a beautiful
and gracious woman in spite of her negative traits. Her gorgeous
blond hair and fair features were pleasant to look at, and her
curvaceous body would appeal to any man.
    She had been raised in an aristocratic family of
wealth and privilege and bore the title of Duchess, which she
assumed upon their marriage, extremely well. Intrigued with her
when they first met, Robert swiftly courted her due to his father’s
ill health.
    Locked into a union of convenience in all respects,
Robert possessed no endearment toward Jacquelyn, as hard as he
tried. When feeling well, Jacquelyn portrayed an extremely poised
and well-mannered woman. In contrast, though, when her spirits fell
low, Robert noted a distinct change in her behavior. She would turn
into an argumentative shrew and badger him verbally, until he would
give into her demands. If anyone deserved the title of expert in
the art of manipulation, it would be Jacquelyn Spencer.
    The trip would hopefully bring Jacquelyn a sense of
happiness. Fashion and new frocks seemed to be her single fountain
of joy. He’d give her a generous allowance and let her shop to her
heart’s content.
    In the meantime, he would visit his old friends for
drinks and card games, and other acquaintances that he never failed
to see when in Paris. Robert determined to have a good time of it,
no matter what. While away, he would put aside troublesome thoughts
of his poor decisions of the past and find some comfort elsewhere.
Paris, known as the city of love, had its pleasures. Robert
intended to enjoy them all.
    Chapter Two
    Robert pulled off his black leather gloves and handed
them to his butler, along with his cane. The maid attended to his
wife. She unpinned her hat and then placed it inside a box in the
hall closet. The trunks were unloaded from the carriage and footmen
busily carried them up the grand staircase to their private
chambers.
    They had arrived in Paris for their holiday. The
journey across the channel had been blessed with pleasant weather,
and the train ride from Calais to Paris uneventful. Jacquelyn,
however, remained quiet through the course of the trip, and Robert
hesitated to ask her why.
    As he stood in the foyer and made a quick glance
about the stately rooms, everything seemed to be in order. The
staff had readied the residence for their arrival. The interior
smelled clean, the furniture dusted, and the tiled black floors
gleamed from fresh polish.
    “I’ve taken the liberty, Duke, of ordering a tray of
hot tea and cakes for you in the parlor. Is there anything else I
can do for you?”
    “No, that will be all, Gerard. Needless to say, the
Duchess and I are a bit tired after the long journey. Thank you for
the kind gesture of tea upon our arrival.”
    “Of course.” He bowed at the waist. “If you need me,
please do not hesitate to ring.”
    Robert offered his arm to Jacquelyn who remained
unresponsive. For some reason, he anticipated a more jovial
response over their arrival in Paris. Instead, a miserable
countenance captured her face.
    He surmised she felt exhausted from travel and gently
helped her to the nearby settee. The maid poured them both a cup of
tea from the pot, giving Robert his cup with a usual dash of