“I had work, as I told the footman to inform you. Matters of the estate do not cease for our arrangement.”
“Oliver was happy.”
The Duke remained silent.
“Is a son’s well-bein’ not a matter of importance? More important that affairs of yer estate?” she shot back. “Ye should have made time to join us…”
“In order to provide this life for my son, the affairs of this duchy must be attended to. You have no idea the horrors that befall a Duke who does not maintain order!”
“He was lonely. He told me healwaysdines in the schoolroom!”
“It was his governess’s job to see to his needs,” he replied, his voice flat. “Not mine. That is what she is compensated to do. Sheis more qualified and can see that he is more nourished. Now, you are here to help in that role as well.”
“Qualified? Ye are his faither! That is the qualification, Yer Grace,” she added at the end, nearly forgetting her place.
“I run this house like a tight ship. I employ experts to help in those areas I lack.”
“Am I an employee then, Yer Grace? Another person to order about?”
“You aremy wife.”
“I daenae ken what that even means on yer terms, with all yer rules and regulations and?—”
“Is that what this is truly about, Duchess?” He asked as he ran a hand through his hair. “The dinner?”
“Nae just the dinner, nay…”
“So, what is it about?”
Her blush deepened, a furious heat that burned from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears. She dropped her gaze to the unbuttoned shirt, almost against her will, then quickly looked away. She spoke so softly he had to lean in to hear her.
“Well…”
“Well?”
“Is there something else you require of me?”
“It is more the opposite, somethin’ ye may require… of me?”
“I am growing more confused by the moment,” he frowned. “What is it, Duchess? Are you unwell?”
“It is… it is our weddin’ night, Yer Grace.”
He was silent again for a long moment, his gaze unwavering as butterflies swarm inside of Isla’s belly. If this conversation lingered any longer, she would be unwell.
“I already have an heir, whom you have surely met. My duties are done, so yours are as well. You need not worry, I will not force myself upon you.”
“I… I assumed ye would still want to…”
“You assumed incorrectly,” he said, his voice cold and final.
“Oh.”
“If there is nothing else, you may retire. You have a household to manage tomorrow, so you should enjoy your rest while you can.I saw to it that your quarters were made comfortable and that you would have all that you require.”
“Aye. More than adequate… thank ye,” Isla whispered as her heart plummeted, a painful, heavy ache in her chest.
She had known the terms of their bargain, yet his cold rejection still stung. It was not just his words. No. It was the look in his eyes as he studied her, a shuttered, distant gaze that made her feel invisible.
