The Duke's Masked Wife

"Why am I getting wrapped in your argument with your aunt and having to go to the red light district? People have started to assume I am a regular customer there," Bryce said, trying to avoid all eyes on them as they walked to Eleanor's father's establishment.

"No, they won't.  You're the most innocent person I know and the only time you come here is when you're with me. You can't sneak around and come here behind my back because the ladies will tell me. If anything, people might assume we are sleeping with each other," said Eleanor, not bothered if that were to be said.

"I hope they don't. No offense but you are not my type. It is funny that Hayden of all people might be the person you settle down with," Bryce chuckled.

"As if. He could be the last person in this world and I would not spend a second with him. There has to be something he wants from me now or some game he is playing but my aunt is so hellbent on getting me married that she does not see it. What is so good about marriage anyway? There are only a few couples that make me see what it is to be loved. I have witnessed many husbands sneakily coming here or openly paying a visit not caring what will be said about their marriage," said Eleanor.

"That's why I suggest we pack our bags and get out of here. Lockwood has nothing for either of us. Just people with broken promises," Bryce muttered as his own predicament weighed his mind.

Eleanor looked beside her at Byrce wondering when he would come clean about what he was going through. It wasn't long ago that it appeared like he was in love with someone and now he was depressed. "I hope you remember you can tell me a secret and I won't ever share it with anyone," she said.

"I know but this is a little complicated and I am worried about what people will think of me. We're here. What are the chances of me getting lunch from your mother?" Bryce asked, walking ahead of Eleanor to open the door for her.

"How could anyone ever assume you are here for women when you only ask about food?" Eleanor shook her head, entering the large house ahead of Bryce. "Mother!" She called.

"Why not your father?" Bryce asked as he closed the door behind them. A bell jingled to alert anyone on the inside of guests.

"We're closed- Oh, Eleanor! Your parents didn't mention you stopping by or are you running away from your aunt again?" A scantily clad woman asked from the stairs. "Hello Bryce," she winked at the handsome young man behind Eleanor.

"Hello Lucy," Bryce awkwardly waved at the woman who eyed him from head to toe.

"Do not toy with him, Lucy. You know he is shy around women and yes I am hiding from my aunt. You will not believe who she wants me to meet to consider marrying. It is Hayden," Eleanor revealed, earning a surprised look from Lucy who knew her well.

"Perhaps your aunt has been smoking secretly. Those refined ladies always have their secret addictions. At least, that is what I got a doctor to reveal to me. Your mother and father are not here if that is why you have come. Your mother should be back shortly so come stay with me and the other girls. We are chatting a bit before the work hours start," Lucy said, walking up the stairs and fixing her robe on her shoulder. "Girls! Eleanor is here."

Eleanor followed Lucy up the stairs, excited to talk with the other women. It was a little while since she came to visit.

Though others expected the women would dislike her because they were kept here by her father to make him money and pay off their debts, the women here had always taken care of her from a young age. They were sort of like her sisters. They were the only ones who knew of her business selling books and even sold a few copies here.

"Hello everyone," Eleanor greeted all the women when she reached the second floor.

It was an open floor with tables and chairs to serve drinks to their customers. Sometimes there would be shows with the girls dancing to gain money without sleeping with all the customers.

"Eleanor! We were just talking about you. I have some juicy details that would make for an interesting story in your book. It involves a certain baker and the girl who sells the flowers on the corner. Quite an interesting affair," Kylie said, covering her mouth as the news was all too much to keep to herself. "He came here running his mouth like flood waters because his wife caught him and kicked him out. I should have told him that another man once spoke of the girl he is having an affair with."

"Trying to start more fights, Kylie?" Eleanor asked as she gave the young woman a hug. "Do not be so shy, Bryce. Say hello to everyone," Eleanor said as she sat down on one of the chairs.

"Hello," Bryce greeted the group but he did not look at anyone. The floor was surprisingly intriguing like always.

"Hmm," Lucy watched Bryce with great interest. "It is always nice to see an innocent one like you. Whenever you get curious remember that I can help you. Or maybe, you have already figured out what you like?"

Bryce looked at Lucy and saw how amused she was as she stared at him.

"I know men well," she placed a finger on her lips.

"I swear I will never take that bastard as a customer again. He is never gentle," Thea, another one of the workers, angrily marched into the room with a cup in her hands. "Only now did I get him to leave. The only bright side is how much he pays me. Oh, hi Eleanor and the little cutie."

"Did you boil some for me?" Lucy asked, looking at the steam coming from Thea's cup.

"You were out here for so long, why didn't you brew your own? There is still a bit left in the pot. Someone needs to remind the madame we are in need of more before it runs out. So Eleanor, what trouble have you found yourself in-"

"Thea," Eleanor covered her nose with one hand and used the other to fan the smell away. "You know I hate that smell."

"Oh right," Thea turned her body to block the scent from going to Eleanor. "I will drink it quickly. What time did the doctor say he was coming?"

"I do not know how all of you put up with that smell. It makes me want to throw up," Eleanor covered her mouth and fought back the urge to vomit.

Thea smelled her drink. "There is not a strong smell. Well, if there is, it does not bother me. The taste on the other hand is quite bitter. I should mix it with a strong tea to help. Lucy, can you-"

"What!" Eleanor exclaimed as something started to dawn on her. "What did you just say?"

"What is the matter, Eleanor?" Lucy asked, confused by Eleanor's behavior. She hated their way of ensuring they never became pregnant but Eleanor was starting to act odd.

Eleanor touched her head as there was something troubling her but she didn't know what. "What is it about tea?" She muttered, trying to solve what was making her itch. "Tea, tea, tea. Oh no," her eyes widened. "I knew that scent was familiar. Why the hell am I so stupid to know it then!" She abruptly stood up, startling everyone else who did not know what was happening. "I need to get to the palace!"