It was indeed closed off as expected. Dusty, too, since it was never used. Large windows were installed for natural light but there were no plants. Only empty pots and covered furniture.
Making up his mind, Sebastian began to tidy up. He shook out the curtains and lifted the sheets on the furniture. Those were used to dust grime off the walls, then he rearranged a few pieces to create more space here. Space enough for an easel.
A quiet knock sounded just as he was finishing there. Turning, he half-hoped it was her. Then he scolded himself when it wasn’t.
“Mrs. Maple.”
“I thought I heard something here. May I come in, Your Grace?” He nodded. She offered a tentative smile before making her way through, eyeing the walls and then putting her hands on her hips. “Fine work, Your Grace. Very fine. I didn’t know you liked to clean.”
He remembered the corner he kept in a small room in the mews of Convent Garden that he shared with several other children. “Cleanliness is important. I don’t make much of a mess when I’m here, do I?”
“No, Your Grace, you do not.”
“Very good. I don’t wish to,” he added suddenly. “I never aim to be a bother.”
Tilting her head, she studied him for a moment. It let him note the gray in her hair and the wrinkles around her eyes. He didn’t know her age. Perhaps his mother would have been this age if she had lived longer.
Mrs. Maple told him, “You’re hardly a bother, Your Grace. We are glad for your presence.” He couldn’t help but snort and raise an eyebrow. “It is… unnerving, perhaps, but we are glad of it. And I’m glad of what you have done here,” she added helpfully. “What inspired you?”
He paused. He couldn’t give the truth or else she would know he had been eavesdropping. “There is no reason. I was wandering and recalled this room. It’s refreshing, isn’t it? Perhaps the duchess might care to use it for… whatever inspires her,” he said as casually as he could muster.
It didn’t seem to be enough for Mrs. Maple. She pursed her lips together like she was trying not to smirk. “That sounds like a very fine idea, Your Grace.”
“My mother loved this room,” he found himself saying defensively. “I thought another duchess might feel the same.”
That softened the woman. “I remember. Your mother was a wonderful lady, God rest her soul. She’s still missed very dearly. I’m sure Her Grace will be grateful for use of this space. I will let her know it’s available whenever she is ready. Would that be acceptable?”
“Yes. I mean, if you like.” Sebastian cleared his throat. “I’ll go now.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
He nodded and hastened out at once.
What was happening, he didn’t know. He felt his ears burning and he couldn’t stop thinking of Isabel. This house didn’t feel as cold and dark as it had upon their arrival. She was influencing the household and even him in ways he didn’t rightly understand. Years of estrangement and dread were unraveling under the roof here and he didn’t know what he was supposed to do.
Should he stop her? Or was he supposed to surrender?
CHAPTER 7
Sighing, Isabel stepped further into the garden parlor.
It was mid-day, so the sunlight was streaming through the French doors made of glass. With the curtains open, light touched every corner of the room. There were potted plants here now and the furniture had been rearranged since she had been here two days ago.
“This is beautiful,” she murmured.
What a delight to come here after her morning at church. That had been an awkward affair. Everyone had been rather startled to find their duke in town, apparently, but few dared to greet them. It had been disappointing, as had their ride back to the castle.
I know Grim can move fast, but it didn’t have to be a race back home. Just a short walk together might have been pleasant.
Skipping further into the room, Isabel paused at the corner where an easel had already been set up. She noted paints and several canvases already prepared.
“How?” She asked in disbelief when she turned to Mrs. Maple.
The woman tapped her nose. “I have my ways.”
That made Isabel chuckle. “You certainly do. I’ve already seen you work miracles. The stitching you taught Amber for my sleeve was just beautiful.”
“I enjoyed my days as a seamstress. But I rather enjoy managing a household now. My eyes need the rest.” Mrs. Maple stepped into the room. “I hope this meets your expectations.”
