‘Hannah is your wife, Caleb. She must be your priority now,’ Albert leaned forward, imparting this knowledge to Caleb as if he were a novice.
‘And sheismy priority,’ the Duke confirmed, nodding.
Albert stilled and sat slowly back in his chair, interlacing his fingers. With a smile, he repeated ‘Sheis?This woman who is virtually a stranger to you – she has come into your home, mysterious and surprisingly resilient. You barely know her, yet already she is your priority?’
The Duke blinked as Albert regaled him with his own story.
‘I admit she is. Partly because it is what my father wanted. Partly because – taking her as my Duchess, it is my responsibility to prioritise her. But there is another aspect – some care in me that is entangled with her. I confess she has me quite confused.’
Albert’s mouth had fallen open in happy astonishment.
‘She was only a business arrangement, Albert. I assure you, she was,’ Caleb told him sternly.
‘I am happy to witness your evolution, my friend,’ Albert teased, watching Caleb proudly.
***
Hannah had just taken a seat at her easel – often she stood, but following the morning’s pursuits of shifting furniture around with Lucy, she decided to relax into her creativity that afternoon. She lifted her paintbrush with a contented sigh, feeling as though she were coming home when the parlour door swung open. Hannah looked casually over, expecting to see Lucy but was thrown into rigidity as she saw the Dowager Duchess standing firm in the doorway, her hands on either side of the door frame, her flinty eyes roaming over the entire room and her mouth falling open in utter disbelief.
‘What in heaven and earth is happening in here?!’ she shrieked.
Hannah stood quickly as if by taking a physical stance, she could protect her sacred studio space.
‘Good afternoon, Your Grace – when Caleb provided a tour of the house, he specified that this room could be mine, to do whatever I should wish with it…’
Anne narrowed her eyes spitefully at Hannah as though she didn’t believe her.
‘This very morning, my maid Lucy helped me to convert the parlour into an art studio…’ Hannah continued and then took a deep breath before confessing ‘for Art is my true love and my passion. In particular, I love to paint…’ Hannah gestured around at the various canvases laid out ready for her inspiration.
‘Caleb told youthisroom could be yours?’ Anne queried.
‘He did,’ Hannah nodded and stood her ground.
‘This room.’ Anne looked about. Hannah wasn’t sure if it was a question, but remained quiet to allow the Duchess the opportunity to say her piece.
‘I sometimes use this room when ladies come to afternoon tea,’ Anne scowled at Hannah.
‘Do you? Perhaps then, I might suggest that Caleb was unaware of such activity. I very much doubt he would have offered it to me if he had considered it might impede your social gatherings…’
‘Whether or not he knew it, it is a truth,’ Anne raised her voice with antagonism.
‘I see. It is fortunate then, that the house has four other parlour rooms in which you could entertain…’ Hannah knew it was a bold suggestion and steeled herself for the response.
Anne inhaled sharply, clearly considering Hannah’s reply impertinent. Hannah – always eager to please – promptly found another solution.
‘If you have a particular preference forthisparlour room, Your Grace, I could engage Lucy to assist me in relocating my art studio. If you would be so kind as to advise which of the rooms you would be happy for me to inhabit with my materials?’
Anne simply frowned at her and Hannah sensed the issue was not the precise room.
‘When Caleb offered you the room, did he not specify that you may use it for reading, music, or sewing?’
‘No, he did not. His exact words I believe were;This room is yours. To do with as you please…’
Anne scoffed and began walking very slowly around the room, taking in each carefully set station with disdain. Her intimidating footsteps echoed on the wooden floor.
‘You are a naive girl. What hemeantis that you may use the room for any activity considered appropriate for a Duchess.’
‘With respect, Your Grace, it is my belief that Caleb is aware of my passion for painting and that he gifted me this room with the intention I should make it my art studio.’
