The Duke said nothing for a moment or two. His expression was unreadable, and she held her breath, hoping that he would not turn her down.
At last, he gave her a small, wary smile. “Alright, Your Grace,” he said, his tone teasing. “I shall take meals with you while we are living together. I did not realize you were so lonely here, and I apologize for how I have contributed to that. From now on, I will make more of an effort to keep you company.”
It seemed like a very long time ago to Leah that they had once stood in her brother’s kitchen, eating eggs together. That friendship had completely faded, replaced with this cold, distant formality. But she hoped, as she smiled gratefully at him, that they could start to get it back. Dinners together were a good start.
Chapter Fifteen
“How was your day?” The Duke asked, as he looked across the table at Leah. They were at the opposite ends of the table, and she had to strain to even try and hear him. His tone was exceedingly formal, which wasn’t a good sign, and he kept fidgeting as if he was uncomfortable.
Leah’s heart sank lower. It was their first dinner together, and she had been hoping he would at least try to make it a pleasant experience for her.
“My day was good,” she said, picking up her spoon and dipping it into the soup in front of her. “I… went for a walk.”
Oh no, maybe the problem isn’t just him. I also have no idea what to talk about!
She looked up at her husband, frowning slightly. Before they’d been married, they had talked so easily to one another. But now,everything felt stilted and awkward.How do we get back to how things were before?
“Oh,” the Duke said, nodding. “A walk sounds very nice.”
They lapsed into silence. Leah stirred her soup, feeling disconsolate. She had to think of something to say… Something interesting.
Hadn’t he taught her that technique? It was one of the many tips he’d given her when he was teaching her how to make conversation with gentlemen: say something intriguing that forces the other person to ask more. Then, keep leaving little breadcrumbs of more interesting things in, until the person is so wrapped into your conversation that it becomes easy and natural.
But what could she use to intrigue him? It’s not as if anything intriguing had happened to her since she’d come to Nottington Castle. Except…
“My friend Lady Bellmon brought me news from London,” she said, setting her soup spoon down and pretending to look disinterested . “She said that our marriage has caused quite a scandal.”
“Really?” The Duke looked up, and she could see the interest on his face, even as he tried to brush it away. “Well, you shouldn’t be surprised. It was a rather hasty marriage, carried out right after Lord Dubois threatened to legally ruin any man who daredto court you. I’m sure the entiretonis wondering why I would risk such a thing.”
“Well, that is the interesting part,” Leah said with a small shrug. “Apparently, the rumor is that ours was a love match.”
This certainly got his attention. The Duke sat up straighter, his lip twitched--as if he were trying not to smile--and his eyes glittered.
“Now that is surprising,” he said. “It’s not as if we had much of a courtship.”
“But we were friends,” Leah pointed out. “We were seen together often, dancing and laughing, all the things that usually go into a courtship. And let’s not forget the time you scared away all my suitors because you did not think they were good enough for me. I’m sure that Lord Trembley and Mr. Harding were quick to gossip that your motivations were motivated by more than a brotherly protectiveness.”
“Good lord,” the Duke said, his smile widening, “I completely forgot about those gentlemen. You did have a fair number of suitors during those two weeks, didn’t you?”
For a moment, Leah felt a wave of bitterness go over her. Even though she had not been in love with Lord Trembley, Mr. Harding, or even Lord Eaton, it was hard not to wonder, now, if marriage to them would have been more satisfactory. They, undoubtedly, would not have denied her children.
But she couldn’t think about that right now. Not when he was finally opening up and acting like his old self.
“Well, it must have gotten around, after you were so protective of me, that we were in love.”
“Thetoncan be very blind when it wants to be.”
“I’m a little affronted that you are so surprised people should think ours a love match,” she said, folding her arms. “Why should it not? I know I can be a bit awkward around members of theton,but it’s not as if I am so terrible looking.”
“Of course you’re not,” the Duke snorted. “You are startlingly beautiful.”
Leah stared at him, not sure what to say. He had never said something like this to her before, and it took her aback. At the same time, her cheeks and neck began to flush with embarrassment.
Find a way to keep it light! Quick!
“But not the kind of beauty that usually tempts you, I suppose,” she said, trying to act nonchalant.
The Duke’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever do you mean?”
