“What is this?” she asked.
Matthew paused for a moment, looking down at the dish himself.
“Victoria sponge, with raspberry jam,” the man announced. “And a little extra sugar.”
He set the sugar pot on the table and walked back out, leaving Diana to stare at it and then up at Matthew with confusion and no small amount of surprise.
He hesitated for a moment, wondering if she would find the truth endearing or if she would be unhappy about his checking up on her. And especially about his speaking to her own servants about her.
“I want you to feel at home. Because this is your home,” he told her, by way of explanation. “I sent someone to Waterburry House to speak with your cook, and they brought back a few recipes. Including this one. And the sugar biscuits that you were served with tea this afternoon.”
There was that unreadable expression on her face yet again as she stared at him for a long period. So long, in fact, that he felt slightly uncomfortable. But he held her gaze, and suddenly her entire body seemed to relax. The tension left her shoulders, her lips quirked up.
“I am much obliged, Duke,” she told him.
Matthew hesitated but felt… compelled to continue speaking.
“Your servants seem to care for you a great deal.”
“I am glad to hear it,” she replied with a smile.
“They were very helpful in informing me of the things you liked best. And your cook was very anxious to make things as comfortable as possible for you. Starting with sugar biscuits for your tea.”
“I did very much appreciate those. It has been far too long since I have had them, and I have missed them a great deal more than I thought I would.”
She let out a short laugh, and the sound… it seemed to reverberate in his head, making his heart clench slightly.
“We have also got the recipe. I will ensure that Cook bakes some to have with your tea from now on.”
“I would greatly appreciate it, Duke. However, I am sure your cook has better things to do than learn a new recipe just for me.”
“I confess, I am intrigued by the idea as well. And perhaps Cook could replace one of the other pastries with our tea. I would rather you have the ones you like best.”
Diana flushed slightly, and he quickly looked down at his plate, eating his own dessert.
“And what do you think of tonight’s dinner, Duke?”
“It is Matthew, remember,” he chided gently.
Diana hesitated before smiling at him slightly and nodding.
“I was pleasantly surprised with the dishes that we had tonight. And I must say that I shall inform Ms. Willten to keep them.”
“Ms. Willten?” Diana repeated, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Matthew found the look… endearing. Something about it made him want to smile and reach forward to smooth the furrow between her eyebrows.
“My cook.”
“Oh. I have been here quite some time already and had not had the pleasure of meeting her. I have attempted to venture to the kitchens on a few occasions, but… Miss Jenkins seems to prefer that I do not.”
Now it was Matthew’s turn to frown. “Has she kept you from the other servants?”
“Some of them, it seems.”
“That was not my ,” he replied. “And Ms. Willten is someone you should certainly meet. She has been here a great many years. And she is more than happy to add your favorite dishes to the ones that we make here. She was most anxious to ensure you felt at home here.”
The silence felt somewhat deafening after his admission and he wondered if he had said too much. Perhaps he should have remained silent himself. He picked up his fork to resume eating instead, keeping his gaze on his plate rather than on her.
