He smirked at that last, and she rolled her eyes.
Sobering, his thoughts grew serious.There wasn’t a time when he could foresee being able to navigate all this correspondence without Evie’s assistance.No wife would be allowed to drive her away.But what if she didn’t want to stay?He could not fathom the need for a duchess, whereas Evie was necessary to his happiness, never mind his productivity.“I can’t lose you.I need your help with all this, as much or more than I need Munroe.”
Her mouth curled in a one-sided smile before she said, “Your betrothed could likely help you in a similar fashion.”
“Ha.Have you met any of those society princesses?I’m not sure they can read.Twitter-brains, every single one I ever encountered.”
“Really?”she drawled.“And you’ve had many conversations with society ladies?”
“Well, no.But the ones I encountered on the street and in shops were always prattling about the latest gossip or arguing over whose gown was nicer, oblivious to those of us trying to earn our keep.The more I think about it, the less I like it.All this is a moot point as I doubt I’ll marry the Allen girl.”
She pursed her lips.
But he was already moving on to the next order of business.Sliding a document from his “decision needed” pile to the center of the desk, he glanced up at her through his lashes.“The Stamps Act?”
“Ugh.Another one?If we must.What are they wanting to tax now?”
“Sounds as though we are against that one.”He put it aside.
We?He liked the sound of that.
Chapter Fourteen
Telling Xander her identity should have been her priority, but getting to know him without the pressures of being a titled lady was too satisfying to give up.
She’d slept like the dead after Xander strummed her body to the stars, but in the cold light of early morning, her thoughts became jumbled.She wanted him, of course.Craved that breadth and brawn, that delectable throat hollow, his rough hands and soft lips.But more, she had seen enough of his perspective on the Parliamentary laws and his treatment of those around him that she needed him forever, in fact might already be in love with him.
At that thought, her heart pounded.The stakes in her strategy were higher than she’d ever imagined they’d be.
She ought to speak to her aunt.Aunt Lou always had the best plans, and this one had to be perfect, showing him all the ways she could be his perfect wife without lying to him for so long it would cause irreparable damage.But how to finagle a visit?Louisa was often out and about with friends during the afternoon, and that was when Xander liked to meet with Evie.So she’d ask for a morning off and race to the village and back in a half day.In the meantime, she was going to enjoy her time with him.
As she approached the dining room that evening, a shiver ran through her, and she rubbed her hands together in eagerness.There was a lot of Xander to explore, and perhaps he’d allow her the opportunity to learn his body as he had hers.
When he entered a minute later, and they sat, she explained, “I did not wish to tax Cook’s budget or creativity, so we’re having the usual three-course ‘at home’ supper of an aristocratic household.I hope that is all right?”
She was essentially taking on a duchess’s role by directing staff about meal planning, while in reality—for the moment—she worked for the housekeeper, as did the chef.But no one questioned her.Perhaps, like the rest of the staff, Cook was deferring to the more casual, respectful approach Xander employed.Or he may have told them to honor her requests.Either way, informing him of what to expect helped prepare him as requested.
“’Tis fine.”His response brought her back to the dining room.“Three courses is already too much, given how much less exercise I get these days.Are all dukes overweight?”
She giggled.Indeed, many were.“It varies.Some ride their land to stay fit, particularly as those with tenant farmers need to check on crops and disputes and such.In London, they’d ride in Hyde Park.”
“Can I walk it?”
“You can.”She drew out the words, doubtful.“Whether you walk or ride, in London you’ll be stopped every few feet for social niceties, as ’tis a very popular spot to see and be seen.”
His lips twisted in distaste, and she nearly laughed, having anticipated this response.“You get up hours before most of the Ton, my lord, so you’ll avoid most of it.And there are other parks.”
He grunted.
“Shall I request wine and the start of supper service?”She stopped.“No.You should.’Tis good practice.Just don’t growl at them as you do me when you’re being ducal.”
He stared, and she went into gales of laughter.“You know what I mean.”
His mouth twitched.He raised a hand and took a breath to call a footman.Before he could utter a word, the man was at his side.“Wine, Your Grace?”
Xander blinked, and she had to raise her napkin to hide another grin.Then he replied, “Yes, please, Duncan.”
Evie started.She knew the man’s name, but rarely did dukes refer to their servants by their first—or even their last name.
