She Must Get Married

Duke Malcom stared at his daughter and was shocked to see the bruise on her neck. The bluish purple colour on her white skin was indeed shocking to see. Anger rose in him and he turned to Mrs Shaw and Lily who were standing not far from him. 

"The doctor will be here any minute. I'm going to speak with Lord Benjamin. Please make sure she's not injured anywhere else." 

Mrs Shaw and Lily nodded in understanding and bowed to their Master as he left the room. Lily wanted to cry but a stern look from Mrs Shaw stopped her and she quickly wiped her tears and went to carry out her task. 

When he reached his study, Duke Malcom saw Sir Andrew standing by the door, looking sullen. Duke Malcom had half a mind to punch this useless bodyguard of his but he controlled his anger.

"Your Grace.." Sir Andrew started but Duke Malcom stopped him before he could continue.

"Let's talk inside."

Sir Andrew obediently followed the Duke in.

By the end of the detailed explanation from Lord Benjamin, Duke Malcom's face had already changed from surprise to shock before it went to worry and ended up with anger. Since Sir Andrew wasn't privy to his conversation with Lady Anastasia earlier, Lord Benjamin decided to leave out Lady Anastasia's involvement in this matter when he spoke to Duke Malcom. As much as he's angered by what his sister had done, in the end she's still a Blackwell and they're tied by blood. 

"Where's this Mr King now?? Bring me to him immediately!" Duke Malcom roared in anger.

"Calm down Your Grace, he's been dealt with. He won't be able to harm Lady Melissa in the future." Lord Benjamin said. 

"What did you do to him, Benjamin?" Duke Malcom asked the young man in front of him.

"I only did what's needed to be done. He's no longer around, so is his magnificent house. I burnt it all down." Lord Benjamin explained calmly. 

"What? Benjamin, no matter what, this matter should first be reported to the Queen. How could.." 

Before he could finish, Lord Benjamin interjected, "He deserved it, Your Grace. I'm sure the Queen would agree with me. I only burnt down his house, it's just a coincidence that he's still inside when it happened."

Duke Malcom was speechless. No matter how furious he was, he had only intended to capture the culprit and let the Queen decide on the punishment. The rule dictates that. No one should take matters into their own hands. Now that Lord Benjamin had punished Mr King on his own accord because of what happened to Melissa, Duke Malcom felt somewhat uneasy. He looked at Lord Benjamin and scrutinised the young Lord. 

Melvin had informed him that Lord Benjamin was trying to get close to Melissa and had sent her gifts. Now, he even saved her and punished her perpetrator severely. In fact, he might've killed that man in the fire. Seemed like his feelings towards Melissa was deeper than Duke Malcom had thought. Duke Malcom shook his head in regret. 

"Benjamin, I really appreciate what you've done for Melissa. Thank you for saving her this time. About Mr King, I will explain the matter to the Queen myself. You don't need to get involve further." Duke Malcom told the young Lord.

"Very well, Your Grace. I shall take my leave now." Lord Benjamin shook hands with the Duke and left the study. He needed to speak with his sister immediately lest she did something foolish. 

After Lord Benjamin left, Duke Malcom poured himself a drink and gestured Sir Andrew closer. Sir Andrew, who had been standing in silent all this while, moved closer to the Duke, fear enveloping his whole being. 

"Tell me everything that happened tonight. Don't leave a single thing." The Duke instructed.

Without delay, Sir Andrew narrated everything that had happened at the Blackwell's manor. 

"Lady Anastasia invited Melissa over to her room, moments later she came out without Melissa and then Melissa disappeared. Is that right?" Duke Malcom asked his man.

"Yes, Your Grace. When she came out without the Young Miss, I was informed the Young Miss was feeling unwell and needed to rest. But she was feeling just fine before she went with Lady Anastasia. Lady Anastasia also forbid me from checking on the Young Miss." Sir Andrew said. Albeit his young age, Sir Andrew wasn't foolish. He had been suspicious over Lady Anastasia the moment she refused to let him check on his Mistress. 

"I see. After Lord Benjamin spoke with his sister, he came out and met you. Only then did you know about Mr King, correct?" The Duke probed further.

"Yes, Your Grace. He called his estates agent, Mr Walters to enquire about Mr King's properties in the capital." Sir Andrew affirmed.

Duke Malcom slowly took a sip from his drink, while deep in thought. This Lady Anastasia seemed to be somehow involved in this matter. But why? It was obvious Lord Benjamin intended to deal with his sister himself. Judging from how he had dealt with Mr King, Duke Malcom had no doubt Lord Benjamin had done so mainly because of Melissa. However it could also be because of his sister. If Lady Anastasia had something to do in this matter, getting rid of Mr King would also mean silencing him for good. 

Duke Malcom sighed again. However, these were only his assumptions. No one knew how Lord Benjamin's mind worked. 

He turned to look at Sir Andrew. "Andrew, I don't want a repeat of today's incident. You have only one job, that is to protect Melissa. You have failed today. I'm going to give you one last chance. There won't be a next. Understood?" 

Sir Andrew's head bobbed up and down, fully comprehending his Master's words. 

"I understand, Your Grace." With that, he bowed and left the study. 

Duke Malcom finished his drink and proceeded to his daughter's room. The doctor had finished with his examination and was about to leave.

"How is she?" The Duke asked.

"Your Grace, Lady Melissa's injury will heal in a few days' time. There's nothing to worry. For now, let her rest." The doctor said. 

"Alright, thank you Doctor." Duke Malcom said and checked on Melissa before he left her room. 

He needed to settle this matter as soon as possible before his son or Duke Kensington comes back. Thinking of Duke Kensington, Duke Malcom was somehow regretful that he wasn't there with her tonight. Duke Malcom was overcome with a sudden determination. Melissa needs to get married soonest possible!

Author's Note: Hi readers, this story will continue on GoodNovel under the title, "The Cold Duke and the Modern Maiden." Please support me there. Thank you very much.