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The sun rose the next day hidden behind plumes of dark clouds, promising rain. Elizabeth woke early, gazing out her window to see the dark cast that seemed to surround the manor. She never liked the rain very much, preferred having the option of going outside available whenever she wanted. But she didn’t let it get her down today. She was more determined than ever to get under William’s prickly layer to find the man she knew and still loved.
“My Lady,” Minnie greeted her upon entering the room. She smiled kindly at Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s chest warmed at the sight. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you as well, Minnie,” Elizabeth returned, getting out of bed. She swept her hair to her back with a smile. “I pray you slept well?”
“I did, My Lady. Thank you.” Minnie went towards the armoire where she’d hung the clothes Elizabeth had brought with her. “His Grace has asked that you not be dressed in any of the gowns you brought with you.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Why would he say that?”
“He—” Before Minnie could finish, there came a knock on the door. Her frown deepening, Elizabeth looked over at the sound.
“Please come in,” she called.
Upon her prompt, four maids swept into the room, bearing trunks. Harold came in behind them, stopping at the door with his hands clasped behind his back. “Good morning, My Lady,” he began. “Please forgive the early intrusion but His Grace has asked that you be dressed in one of the morning gowns found in these trunks.”
“Morning gowns?” Elizabeth echoed, bemused.
Harold nodded, his eyes not actually on her. “Yes, they belonged to the late Duchess of Brandon. These maids will also assist with taking your measurements for gowns to be made for you. Do not hesitate to call for me if you are in need of my service.”
With a small bow, Harold left, leaving Elizabeth staring after him. With her mouth slightly agape, she looked at the trunks, which she now knew were filled with gowns. Pleasure spread throughout her as realization finally began to sink in.
He would not have provided this for me had he not wished for me to stay, I’m certain.
“My Lady?” Minnie probed, snapping Elizabeth out of her thoughts. Elizabeth hid her smile, nodding eagerly.
“Yes, let us begin,” she said. “We shouldn’t keep the Duke waiting.”
The maids got into action after that. The trunks were filled with two morning gowns, one walking gown, and a ballgown, though Elizabeth couldn’t fathom where she would possibly wear the latter. He’d even gotten her extra pairs of gloves and bonnets, with kid slippers to replace the boots Elizabeth had borrowed from Patience. She was happy all the same for what William had bought her, and was even more overjoyed when she found that they all fit almost perfectly, with only minimal alterations made by Minnie. She got dressed in the saffron morning gown, Minnie styling her hair in a lovely French twist.
Once she was ready, she made her way down to the drawing room, utterly unable to wipe the happy grin off her face.
“My Lady,” Harold stated when she arrived at the drawing room they’d had breakfast in the last time. “His Grace is waiting for you in the dining room.”
“The dining room?” she echoed. “Why would he be there?”
Harold didn’t respond, only gestured with his hand. Elizabeth fell silent and followed the orderly butler until they came upon large double doors. Upon entering, Elizabeth saw William sitting at the head of the long mahogany table, already eating. He glanced up when she entered, but looked back at his meal as if she was nothing of consequence.
Elizabeth didn’t mind the dismissal. The morning had started out far too beautifully for her to be bothered by his coldness, and though she wore long gloves and the shawl she’d brought with her to cover her scars, she felt like a queen.
“Good morning,” she greeted him with a broad smile, going to sit in the chair at his left.
William didn’t respond. He took a large bite of his toast and watched her as she picked up a spoon. Elizabeth’s heart began to race at how devastatingly seductive he looked when he stared at her like that.
“Is something the matter?” she asked after a moment.
“Are you not afraid, Beth?” William asked her. He didn’t pause his eating, forging on heartily. Elizabeth had already lost her appetite in light of the conversation that was coming. “It is the height of London Season and you are without a chaperone. Are you not afraid, seeing that you are an unmarried lady in the home of ruthless man?”
“You are not ruthless,” she responded instantly, even though she didn’t have the courage to meet his eyes. She sipped her tea. “You can’t convince me of that no matter how many times you say it.” He scoffed at that. Elizabeth went on. “And why do you assume that I am an unmarried lady?”
