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Duke'S Master Bride
Transcript
00:00He is a dangerous man, feared by all for his immense power.
00:04But what happens when a cursed woman offers him marriage?
00:08Is there more to this proposal than meets the eye?
00:14Talks swirled around the dreaded Duke Collins.
00:17His business dealings are so hush-hush, I heard he even worked with criminals in the
00:22cover of the night.
00:23Thanks to a friendly rivalry between the Duke and the King, and several rumors spread by
00:27His Royal Highness, everyone believed the Duke was looking for a wife.
00:34He felt like he was trapped in a viper's nest with all these mothers looking to bag a son-in-law.
00:40He was said to be a cunning and dangerous man, feared by many and respected by all.
00:45And yet...
00:46Duke Collins!
00:47It's going to be a miserable evening.
00:51His title made him quite enticing.
00:53He owned nearly as much land as the King himself.
00:56So kind of you to attend this evening.
00:58Save it, Baron.
00:59You know I'm here.
01:00Unlike the King, I'm not convinced you're going to prove yourself useful to our cause.
01:05Duke Edgar was currently investigating the disappearance of several young women in town,
01:09and was desperate for a lead.
01:11How about a drink?
01:12It's a party!
01:13I'm not here for a drink.
01:21The missing women, where are they?
01:23I don't know.
01:24Yes, but I have information.
01:27Upstairs.
01:28You wouldn't want all these people to get the wrong idea about you, would you?
01:33It wouldn't take too long to break the neck of such a slender and gold man.
01:38Would that be entertaining enough for your guest?
01:41Please pick it up, and I'll go fetch it.
01:48I'll need a moment to smoke.
01:50Alone.
01:51Why not use the garden?
01:54It's off limits to the other guests, but you're welcome.
01:58My daughter would like to have a moment with you.
02:12A bit dark and a bit late for a lady without a chaperone, isn't it?
02:16The mysterious woman was Alessandra, the Baron's eldest daughter.
02:21She had been told to wait outside for her dinner, as she was not allowed to be seen by the guests.
02:27The party is inside.
02:29She wanted to flee, but the Duke had other plans.
02:32Of that I'm very aware, Alessandra.
02:36Don't act so surprised.
02:37We've all heard the stories of the cursed daughter of Baron Desmond Barrett.
02:42You're not scared of me?
02:44It's not a very frightening mask.
02:46Alessandra was intrigued.
02:48No one had ever been this nice to her upon first meeting.
02:51Especially no man.
02:53I don't believe I know who you are.
02:55Colvin's.
02:56Edgar.
02:57The Duke?
02:59Are you here to marry my sister?
03:01Something about this girl intrigued the Duke.
03:04I'd rather die.
03:05No offense.
03:07The women inside are all like matching dolls.
03:09Too similar, too perfect.
03:11A thought came to her.
03:13She couldn't resist its temptation.
03:16And what say you of me, then?
03:18If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say?
03:22You'd be setting yourself up for a loveless marriage.
03:25I have no interest.
03:27Is it untrue?
03:29Do you not long for a wife?
03:33The King has played quite the joke.
03:35The King loved to play his little games with Edgar.
03:38Well, I've no need for love.
03:40I've hardly ever known it.
03:42All women yearn to be loved.
03:44You cannot guarantee me that you will not grow wanting.
03:47A contract, then?
03:49Legally binding.
03:51If I fall in love, we divorce.
03:56Did your father put you up to this?
03:58This offer has nothing to do with helping my father.
04:01I leave that up to you to believe me.
04:03I'm not interested in marrying anyone for love.
04:06I only wish to leave this place and never look back.
04:09Edgar was surprised by her honesty.
04:11There was opportunity here.
04:13Oh, would you marry me despite him?
04:15I am dying within these walls,
04:18day by day, piece by piece.
04:21I am neglected and unloved by my own father.
04:27I do not care for your looks, Duke Edgar.
04:29Nor your money.
04:31Frankly, I see you as an escape.
04:33You know, it would be nothing for one
04:36to hire an actress or a prostitute to play that role.
04:39If you wanted, you would have done so already.
04:44If the king has played this joke to toy with you,
04:48then surely marrying the cursed daughter of Baron Desmond Barrett
04:52would fill him with remorse.
04:56Cursed!
05:00You're much quicker on your feet than I expected.
05:03Rumors about your timidity and reclusive nature are clearly false.
05:09Join me in my residence tomorrow on the edge of town.
05:12I'll have to discuss this further.
05:14But father would never allow it.
05:16You must be mistaken then.
05:18I thought you wanted to leave.
05:20She wanted to, but couldn't think fast enough to stop him.
05:23Duke Collins!
05:25But it would have to wait.
05:27Alessandra's sister had arrived.
05:29Father told me to find you.
05:31Are you out here all alone?
05:33Kate Barrett, I presume.
05:35I was just about to.
05:37Kate's blood boiled at the sight of Alessandra.
05:41Oh, I'm terribly sorry that thing has bothered you.
05:45It wasn't meant to be out here.
05:48She is your sister.
05:51And I'm sure she doesn't appreciate being referred to as...
05:54The duke was disappointed at seeing Alessandra was no longer around.
05:58Disappointed?
05:59Oh, sweetie, siblings often have little pet names for each other, do they not?
06:03You were an only child, so I can forgive you for that.
06:07I'm sure that excuse allows you to sleep quite soundly at night.
06:10Kate would do anything to make the duke see she'd make a good wife.
06:14Her family had a problem.
06:16And he was their best solution.
06:21The stories do not do you any justice, Duke Collins.
06:25I must admit, I was hoping to get you here alone.
06:30A man of your position and a woman of my position
06:34A man of your position and a woman of my beauty would make a powerful union, don't you agree?
06:43As hard as it may be to believe, not all men are so susceptible to the fluttering of your eyelashes.
06:48Besides, I received another, more promising offer.
06:52Now if you'll excuse me.
06:55The duke didn't give Alessandra away.
06:58Maybe he really was the solution to her problems.
07:01Kate, on the other hand, was both surprised and embarrassed to hear someone had already caught the duke's eye.
07:08Alessandra, I'd like a word.
07:10Did the duke say anything about another woman?
07:17Don't think you'll get away with disobeying father's orders.
07:25Alessandra listened to the sounds of the party.
07:28And she imagined she was among them.
07:30Drinking.
07:31Laughing.
07:32Gossiping.
07:33Dancing among the music and the food and the friends.
07:38She wanted it.
07:40All of it.
07:41She had it in her mind.
07:43She was there.
07:46Then, she opened her eyes.
08:00Yoo-hoo, mommy, I'm in need of some refreshment.
08:06Alright, I'll see you back at the kitchen.
08:13You should be more careful with vulgarity.
08:15Stepmother might see you.
08:17Alessandra, please.
08:18Please don't hurt me.
08:20What?
08:21Hurt you?
08:22Alessandra knew there were many rumors spread about her.
08:25So many, she could hardly keep track of all of them.
08:28If you see under my mask, you die.
08:30Is that what they told you?
08:34Don't believe everything you hear.
08:36Please.
08:38May I enter my room?
08:55Kitty.
08:56Kitty.
08:58It's just you and I tonight, I'm afraid.
09:01Her stepmother would be furious if she knew Alessandra kept a pet.
09:07But Kitty was the only thing that Alessandra could truly call hers.
09:23Breakfast, my lady.
09:26My lady, please.
09:28It'll get cold.
09:29Alessandra knew there was only one reason the maids wouldn't just leave food at the door and run.
09:33Kate is here.
09:40I will come back for you later.
09:47Alessandra, get up here this instant.
09:49Coming.
09:50Kate.
09:55What is it?
09:56Good morning, sister.
09:58Good morning.
09:59Leave us.
10:04Did you enjoy yourself last night, Alessandra?
10:07Very much so.
10:08The music reached my room.
10:10Tell me, what was it you were discussing with Duke Collins last night?
10:14He scolded me for being unable to recognise someone of his stature.
10:19And then you arrived.
10:21Is that so?
10:23Was there anything else?
10:25He spoke briefly of you.
10:27What did he say?
10:28He pondered aloud.
10:30Weighed his options.
10:32He thought you were pretty, like a doll.
10:34I swear.
10:35That makes sense.
10:37He's playing hard to get.
10:38He's playing hard to get.
10:40And I suppose there really would be no reason for him to talk to you unless it was about me.
10:46Of course.
10:47Well, anyway, I'm appalled you had the audacity to speak with him.
10:50You risked dissuading him from marrying into our houses by showing your hideous face.
10:57Why did you do that?
11:02Stop!
11:03Claire!
11:07Father, it was an accident!
11:08As callous as Baron Barrett could be towards his daughter, he did not abide her direct mistreatment.
11:15I shall see to her discipline then.
11:18Run along.
11:23What if I'd taken guests out to the garden?
11:26I needed dinner.
11:28You want me to starve.
11:29Fine, fine.
11:30There's absolutely no point scolding you.
11:33Whoever didn't bring your food is to blame.
11:36I'm sorry about what Kate did to you, but she's just looking out for the family.
11:46You must be bored in your room all alone all the time.
11:51Let me prepare for some entertainment for you.
11:54Can I take the stagecoach to look for places of interest to paint today?
11:57I promise I will not leave the carriage.
12:00The Baron understood it was better to allow a pet bird some freedom,
12:05so she would not test the limits of her cage.
12:08Very well.
12:15Meanwhile, Edgar at his window eagerly awaited the arrival of his new friend.
12:22Young master.
12:24Good morning, Alfred.
12:25Good morning, Alfred.
12:27Your tea, sir.
12:28Alfred was confused by his master's behavior.
12:31Edgar was usually only like this when his mother visited.
12:37Expecting guests?
12:40I met someone of interest.
12:42In truth, she was invited, but I'm unsure if she's desperate enough.
12:46She? A woman? Visiting here in broad daylight?
12:51What are you implying?
12:53Do you think there may be some sort of rake?
12:55Indeed.
13:01I've known you for far too long.
13:03Please refrain from speaking such a way when my guest arrives.
13:06I intend to make her the lady of the house.
13:08Uh, what?
13:10Edgar knew he could trust Alfred to keep a secret or two.
13:13Are you surprised?
13:15Well, I recall your exact words to the king were,
13:19I'd sooner cut off my own manhood than lose it to a woman.
13:23But, surely I've misinterpreted your intent.
13:27Alfred, I sincerely believe I inherited my dramatic nature from you.
13:32I'm not interested in marriage.
13:34But the woman I met last night is intriguing.
13:37The perfect way to piss off the king and ward off some other people.
13:41So, who should I be expecting?
13:53Alessandra marveled at the size of the duke's estate
13:57and the beautiful manor at the center of it all
14:00that seemed to tower over everything.
14:07This place is humongous.
14:09Good morning.
14:11Good morning to you too.
14:13Welcome, Alessandra Barrett.
14:15The duke eagerly awaits you.
14:17Alessandra worried that her mask might be a problem.
14:19But, per the duke's orders,
14:21Alfred had already instructed the staff not to react when they saw it.
14:25Right this way, milady.
14:27Wait, I didn't get your name.
14:29Alfred.
14:31Most people never ask.
14:33Most people are cruel.
14:35Well met, Alfred.
14:45As Alessandra entered the duke's home for the first time,
14:49the sheer extravagance of it all took her breath away.
15:08To be honest, I began to think you wouldn't show up.
15:15Have you eaten?
15:16This was the first time in years
15:19Alessandra had been invited to eat at a table with someone.
15:28So, how did you escape?
15:31Did you play a trick on the baron?
15:33Or did he allow you to leave willingly?
15:35I am not working with my father, I assure you.
15:40In fact, I took a great risk being here today.
15:43You must know that I am extremely serious about this.
15:46There's no going back for me.
15:48Does your father hate you?
15:50Alessandra hoped he didn't, at least.
15:53In truth, she did not know.
15:55Hate is the wrong word.
15:57Ashamed.
15:59And he should be.
16:01But not of you.
16:03Every child deserves to be cherished by their parents.
16:06It's unfortunate that you were born under his charge.
16:08If I were the daughter of some farmer,
16:10they would have tossed me out with the other weeds.
16:14You were the farmer's daughter.
16:15I'd intentionally been disfigured such as yourself.
16:20The life of a peasant is rarely as ruthless as high society.
16:25I don't want to talk about that.
16:26Oh.
16:30Someone must have been very jealous of you, Alessandra.
16:33Alessandra couldn't bear to speak.
16:37Some truths are far too painful.
16:44I'm sorry.
16:46I'm sorry.
16:48I'm sorry.
16:50I'm sorry.
16:52I'm sorry.
16:54I'm sorry.
16:56Let's say I believe you.
16:59Why would someone,
17:01for their whole life who's been hiding,
17:03seek to marry someone who's in the limelight?
17:06How does that serve you?
17:09Alessandra was fed up that people mistook her kindness for weakness.
17:14Truthfully,
17:16I did not plan on asking you to marry me.
17:19It was a spur of the moment decision.
17:23I need an escape plan.
17:24And my only option is marriage.
17:28I never pictured that person to be quite as grand as you.
17:32But you fulfill all the criteria.
17:36There are only two things that I considered Duke Collins.
17:40One,
17:42you are a notoriously private person.
17:45In spite of all the rumours that swirl around you.
17:49Secondly,
17:51you are quite capable of bringing people to their knees
17:54and bringing my family to heel.
17:56And how does that benefit me?
18:00No one would dare bother a man with a cursed bride.
18:04Especially one they say can kill with a glance.
18:07She was far from that scared girl he met in the garden the night before.
18:12I'd love to attend parties,
18:14to talk,
18:16to laugh, to dance.
18:19I'd rather die
18:21than live another day in the shadows.
18:24Good.
18:26Good?
18:28Sorry, what just good?
18:33A contract needs rules and conditions.
18:38Correct?
18:40He's writing a contract?
18:42Yes.
18:44And it's a contract?
18:46Yes.
18:48And it's a contract?
18:50Yes.
18:52And it's a contract?
18:54Writing a contract?
18:56Alessandra thought.
18:58Isn't this all too easy?
19:03What are you waiting for?
19:05Such a demand.
19:16What happened to your hand?
19:20It's nothing.
19:21If you were to be my wife, then it is certainly something more.
19:24Name the culprit and I shall have them punished.
19:26It was an accident.
19:28Well, let us be sure that there are no further accidents
19:31if you deliver before we wed.
19:33I will certainly try.
19:38Well,
19:40based on our previous conversation,
19:43we are not to fall in love.
19:45Correct?
19:47That, Duke Collins,
19:48is a promise I intend to keep.
19:50Well, let us hope you're always disagreeable.
19:53To be quite frank,
19:55you are simply not my type.
19:59And what type do you fancy?
20:06What should be the second condition?
20:09Well, obviously you speak of this contract
20:11to no one other than my butler and myself.
20:13In fact,
20:15we should communicate.
20:16In fact,
20:18we should communicate all matters openly and thoroughly
20:20even minus secrets breed contempt
20:22which can be quite
20:24irritating.
20:26Agreed.
20:28But
20:30my mask stays on.
20:34I'm still writing.
20:38Jot this down.
20:40It's imperative that we sleep in the same room.
20:41Why are you so surprised?
20:43You act like I've been in longer sleep with my wife.
20:45Alessandra knew it wasn't common
20:47for a duke to share a room
20:49with his wife under normal circumstances.
20:51I suppose that makes sense.
20:53It is
20:55something couples do.
20:57Sleeping, Alessandra.
20:59I'm speaking of sleeping.
21:01Though if you wish...
21:03No, sleeping is
21:05just fine.
21:06Anything else?
21:09I believe we have the basics covered.
21:11We should handle the rest later.
21:13Don't you wish to add some protections?
21:15Some sort of
21:17punishment
21:19in case one of us violates the terms?
21:25There is also no timeline
21:27for our wedding plans.
21:29My main concern is secrecy.
21:31I don't want to
21:33be a burden
21:34to you.
21:36My main concern is secrecy.
21:38With a few less slippery married
21:40under this circumstance
21:42it will ruin your reputation far more than mine.
21:45One more thing.
21:48We are to be married
21:50henceforth forever
21:52to have until home
21:58until death.
22:00Forever?
22:02Of course.
22:04Do you intend me to bear children?
22:06Hide your worries.
22:08I have no need for a child
22:10to dirty these halls just yet.
22:12And
22:14you wouldn't mind me
22:16mothering that child
22:18eventually?
22:20I don't understand the question.
22:22You don't understand?
22:26You're getting on my nerves.
22:28You think if I was uncomfortable
22:30with the idea
22:32I would entertain
22:34you?
22:39Can we take a walk?
22:43It is not that I don't long
22:45for motherhood
22:47or even raising a family.
22:49I am simply worried
22:51what horrors a child of mine
22:53might face.
22:55Rumors swirl around me
22:57the both of us.
22:59What if the child
23:01becomes yet another subject of discourse?
23:02If his tongue eventually people
23:04tire of hearing him gurgle
23:06no one would dare speak ill
23:08of our child
23:10my child.
23:13I would make sure of that.
23:15There was obviously some truth
23:17to the rumor
23:19that Duke Collins was dangerous.
23:21She couldn't shake the feeling
23:23that his friendly demeanor
23:25with her was some sort of act.
23:27Still, she longed
23:29for the freedom he offered.
23:30Do what?
23:33Sign the contract
23:35Duke Collins
23:37so long
23:39as you can shield the child
23:41and I from abuse.
23:46Would you like to live with me
23:48till we're one?
23:50I wish you would stop
23:52whatever accidents resulted.
23:54I appreciate your kindness
23:56and I do believe
23:58you can protect me
23:59from that.
24:01Rumors are such messy things
24:04especially when they concern
24:06our personal lives.
24:08Though they often come in handy
24:10in my line of work.
24:12Line of work?
24:14The King enlisted me
24:16to investigate certain criminal acts
24:18on his behalf.
24:20My station gives me a few advantages
24:22that a normal constable does not have.
24:24Is that why you were at the party last night?
24:26You were looking for information.
24:27My father enticed me with the prospect
24:29of you having nothing to share
24:31that I didn't already know.
24:33I apologize
24:35on behalf of my father.
24:37He is quite enthusiastic
24:39about you marrying Kate.
24:41Likely saw an opportunity
24:43to encourage your meeting.
24:45As soon as we're wed
24:47your family shall be forbidden
24:49from entering my home.
24:51I hope you don't mind.
24:53She did not.
24:57Thank you so much
24:59for the lovely tour.
25:01You have a beautiful home.
25:03I'm quite jealous of your paintings.
25:05No mother would complain
25:07of the walls which you bear.
25:09Were you a painter yourself?
25:11I dabble.
25:13She did more than dabble.
25:15It was her favorite pastime.
25:17Nothing compared to the feeling
25:19of distilling a bit of life
25:21onto canvas.
25:23How would one go about
25:25buying a few beret originals?
25:27I'd rather buy art
25:29from someone I know
25:30than try and find
25:32what others find agreeable.
25:34You've no more room
25:36for any paintings of mine.
25:43Alfred!
25:45Take down the ones
25:47from the bloody Dutchman.
25:49The Rembrandt?
25:52Are you insane?
25:54I have consulted a doctor about her.
25:55I have a clean bill of health.
25:57If you were to live here
25:58then it is very important
25:59that you be able to leave
26:00your mark on it.
26:03I will send you a few pieces.
26:05Thank you, Duke Collins.
26:07Please.
26:09Call me Edgar.
26:11Thank you, Edgar.
26:13Whatever you think is fair
26:14let Alfred know the price.
26:17Goodbye, Edgar.
26:19Goodbye, Alfred.
26:25Shall I prepare
26:26an engagement ring?
26:28For tomorrow morning, please.
26:30What happens
26:31tomorrow morning?
26:33Edgar explained
26:34that he and Alessandra
26:35planned to announce
26:36their engagement
26:37in front of her family
26:38the following morning.
26:40Why so surprised, Alfred?
26:42I'm beginning to think
26:43these paintings as well.
26:44I asked you already.
26:46He wanted Alfred
26:47to bring the family
26:48a few gifts to celebrate.
26:50Cigars,
26:51jewelry
26:52and paint
26:53for Alessandra.
26:54Lots of it.
26:56And then when you're done
26:57taking these down
26:58please clean up my room.
26:59We have to prepare
27:00space for her things.
27:03You're sharing a room?
27:05But this house is vast
27:06and I don't enjoy hiking.
27:08Right.
27:09Alright.
27:16Alessandra felt
27:17like she was in a dream.
27:19In just a short time
27:20she would be free
27:21of her family's abuse.
27:22I'm going to marry
27:23Duke Collins.
27:25Where on earth
27:26have you been?
27:27But some dreams
27:28have rude awakenings.
27:29Your father must have
27:30gone mad
27:31if he allowed you
27:32to leave this house.
27:33I did not leave
27:34the carriage.
27:35What would the town's folks
27:36say if they were to learn
27:37that you were
27:38riding around amongst them?
27:39Mother.
27:40Your mother left you.
27:42Neither you nor your father
27:43seem to realize
27:44the suffering
27:45that it's cost me
27:46to put up with you.
27:47I'm sorry.
27:49I hope you enjoyed
27:50your day out.
27:51It will never
27:52happen again.
27:54Now,
27:55your presence
27:56drains me.
27:57I'm tired of seeing
27:58that revolting mask.
28:00You speak as if
28:01you weren't a part
28:02of why I wear it.
28:05It'll all be over soon
28:06she thought.
28:11Edgar might have
28:12noticed her hands
28:13but Alessandra
28:14wasn't going to get him
28:15involved in her
28:16family drama.
28:17Kate.
28:19Not one more step.
28:27Mother said
28:28we were not allowed
28:29to have pets in the house.
28:30Imagine my surprise
28:31when I discovered
28:32this little cat
28:33in the middle of the night.
28:35I'm sorry.
28:36I'm sorry.
28:37I'm sorry.
28:38I'm sorry.
28:39I'm sorry.
28:40I'm sorry.
28:41I'm sorry.
28:42I'm sorry.
28:43I'm sorry.
28:44I'm sorry.
28:45I'm sorry.
28:46I'm sorry.
28:47I'm sorry I discovered
28:48this little creature
28:49in your closet.
28:50I'm sorry Kate.
28:51I will take care
28:52of it please.
28:53It does not deserve
28:54to be the innocent
28:55victim in our games.
28:56Father was furious
28:57with me.
28:58He said
28:59I was the reason
29:00the Duke left
29:01early last night
29:02And I really wasn't.
29:03Was I Alessandra?
29:04I am
29:05so,
29:06so sorry Kate.
29:09I will make
29:10it up to you.
29:11I...
29:16Alessandra grew more desperate by the second.
29:32This didn't bode well for the staff.
29:34Why is she running around?
29:35No!
29:36How?
29:37How did you get here?
29:38It's my fault.
29:39I should have hid you.
29:41It's my fault.
29:42I should have hid you better and taken you with me.
29:43Oh, God.
29:44Has anyone seen my father?
29:45Where is he?
29:46I need to talk with him.
29:47What is all this incessant whining?
29:48Have you lost your damn mind?
29:49Alessandra knew Katrina would refuse to help save the dying cat.
29:50What is that wretched thing?
29:51Oh, God.
29:52Oh, God.
29:53Oh, God.
29:54Oh, God.
29:55Oh, God.
29:56Oh, God.
29:57Oh, God.
29:58Oh, God.
29:59Oh, God.
30:00Oh, God.
30:01Oh, God.
30:02Oh, God.
30:03Oh, God.
30:04Oh, God.
30:05Oh, God.
30:06Oh, God.
30:07Oh, God.
30:08Oh, God.
30:09The thing...
30:10I made it quite clear
30:11that I do not want pets in this house.
30:14Still, she had to try.
30:16For Kitty.
30:17Please...
30:18It is in pain.
30:19It needs a doctor.
30:20Help me, and I swear I will find a new owner.
30:23No, just...
30:24Throw it out!
30:25It looks dead already.
30:27Your daughter did this!
30:29For once in your life,
30:31hold her accountable for what she has done!
30:33Ooh!
30:34Do not blamed my daughter for your own sins!
30:37Do you want to spend another night starving out in the garden?
30:41Kate did many horrible things, but in everyone's eyes,
30:45she remained an angel while Alessandra was called a monster.
30:49The girl was tired. So very tired.
30:53This house is just so frustrating!
30:57That does not sound like an apology!
31:01You there! Take that animal and throw it out!
31:05Fine, Alessandra thought.
31:09If they see me as a monster, so be it.
31:13Touch me, or this kitten, and I will kill you. Mark my words.
31:17Are you listening?
31:21I gave you an order. Pry that thing from her arms,
31:25or you're out of a job.
31:29Screw this, thought the maid.
31:33My order to Alessandra is to remain locked in a room, not starve in there.
31:37When you're done, pack your things and get the hell out.
31:53Katrina had granted Alessandra blessing without realizing it.
31:57She wanted to care for the kitten without anyone interrupting her.
32:01Tomorrow, little one, he will come for the both of us.
32:05Until the duke arrived the next day, she wanted to be alone.
32:21Kitty, are you feeling better?
32:25Kitty?
32:31Kitty?
32:43Kitty had no reply.
32:51Meanwhile, as Alessandra was starving, grieving, and alone,
32:55her family enjoyed their morning tea in peace.
32:59Pretty please, daddy?
33:03Not a chance, princess.
33:07But I want it. She gets everything she wants.
33:11Alessandra got to speak with the duke, where I heard it got so much as a word.
33:15Kate, don't eat so quickly. You'll never find a good husband if you joke to death.
33:19Besides, you still have a chance to woo the duke at the ball later this week.
33:23For that, you'll need to fit in the corset.
33:27There's a bit of money on the line for your future. We don't have much left.
33:31We need the duke to save us.
33:35Sir, Duke Edgar Collins is here to visit.
33:39He's brought his butler.
33:43The duke! Mother! I didn't know he was visiting. Desmond, did you know?
33:47No. Well, what are you doing standing there? Bring in the duke right away.
33:51Should I change quickly?
33:55Duke Collins, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?
33:59I have something to discuss with your entire family.
34:03Yes, well then, please have a seat.
34:07Would you care for anything to eat? We are just now having our morning tea.
34:11I've already eaten. Baron, no doubt that you've heard the rumors that I'm looking for a wife.
34:15No, I haven't heard such a preposterous rumor.
34:19Is it true, perchance?
34:23I intend to marry your daughter.
34:27What spectacular news!
34:31You're mistaken.
34:35I intend to marry your other daughter, Alessandra.
34:39Alessandra?
34:43My Alessandra? Duke Collins?
34:47The townspeople believe her to be cursed.
34:51That would surely impact your reputation.
34:55Not so petty as to be concerned with such trivialities.
34:59There are plenty of rumors about me.
35:03But I hope you're not implying that your reputation might be soiled by my visiting here.
35:07No, but kindly, Duke Collins,
35:11you and my daughter, two different people.
35:15You're special.
35:19I was starting to wonder why Alessandra was not eating with her family.
35:23That's not what we meant.
35:27But out of my two daughters, Kate is the smarter choice.
35:31She has many prospective offers.
35:35Quite a few young men of high status seeking her hand.
35:39Then Kate will be just fine with my rejection.
35:43I'm here for Alessandra. Where is she?
35:47Duke Collins, it is uncouth of you to
35:51keep asking for Alessandra.
35:55She does not possess an adult's mind.
35:59Desmond feared Edgar would strangle her for saying that.
36:03Fine. I shall take you to her straight away.
36:07I assure you, Alessandra will give you the same answer.
36:11She doesn't like to be seen by others.
36:15Yes, right. This way, please.
36:21Malfoy, wait here.
36:35Lovely home.
36:39And we've
36:43given her the best view
36:47in the whole house.
36:51Alessandra, we have a guest.
37:09What happened?
37:13Well, you see...
37:17I waited for you.
37:21Alessandra, apologize this instant.
37:29What have I done to deserve this?
37:33I promise I will rectify it.
37:37Tell me.
37:41My kitten passed away this morning, and I am
37:45confined to my room for punishment. I can't leave to bury it.
37:49Why are you here, Duke Collins?
37:53Her words said, why are you here? But her eyes said,
37:57where were you?
38:01I'm here now to ask for your hand.
38:07Your family seems to think it's a bad decision.
38:11Do you agree?
38:15You said you would
38:19protect me. You've spent your life as sheep among
38:23foxes. We can be wolves.
38:31Alessandra, Duke Edgar's
38:35an ordinary man. You are not prepared for the demands of
38:39high society. Why don't you... Enough, father!
38:43I've made my decision.
38:47Will Alessandra resist the allure of the Duke, or will she lose herself in her pursuit
38:51of vengeance?
38:55Your presence strains me, and I tire of seeing that revolting
38:59mask.
39:03Do you want to blame my daughter for your own sins? Do you want to spend
39:07another night starving out in the garden?
39:15All right, Duke Collins.
39:23Let us be wolves.
39:27What dark secret
39:31does Edgar have in store for Alessandra?
39:35And what secrets lie under her mask?
39:39Alessandra?
39:43Think this over.
39:51Listen to the super hit audio series,
39:55Duke's Masked Bride, only on Pocket FM app.
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