yeah he is, that's why he's saying he would be able to offer her freedom while he wouldn't be pestered by his family to get married. It's a marriage of convenience
I felt the same, if think they're both afraid for different reasons, the duke doesn't want her to be as fearful of him as they first met but she thinks he deserves better than her and he was just playing with her. Though everything about him is contrary since he hasn't actively pursued anyone. Trigger just wants them both to have a more peaceful life where she won't be as limited and his family can stop pressuring him to get married. I'm sure Cloe would support if he had a lover. I just pissed because to what extent can she misinterpret and deny she's an artist in this way, the passion in that kiss got her thinking he's interested in women but not that he seriously likes/loves her?
Beatrice is taking her great timing and perception just to shove it up my ass in every chapter ┗( T﹏T )┛why would u do this when the misunderstanding is now clear? .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·. And I'm pretty much sure i don't smoke week, so isn't trigger the guy who came out of the closet?( ಠ_ಠ)