“How nice it looks,” Isabel murmured as she fought a yawn during her descent from the carriage.
“It is small,” Sebastian noted. He hadn’t realized that previously. It hadn’t been a concern. Thinking quickly, he considered the house had to be a quarter of what Eastwynd might be. Or even tinier. “If you wish for another…”
She glanced at him. “Another house? Don’t be ridiculous. We can make do right here. Shall we?”
Noting the neighbors were beginning to make an appearance, and not wanting to be caught in conversation, Sebastian tucked her arm in his to lead her inside.
He paused at the threshold. “One moment. Isabel, I should have warned you previously. This household can be rather… unique.”
“You’ve rescued vagrants and given them positions in your household?”
Sebastian blinked. “How did you know?”
Her lips curled into a slight smile. “I’ve heard things. I’m sure we’ll all get along just fine, Sebastian.”
Hearing the warmth in her voice gave him hope. He nodded, pushing back his concerns. After a warning knock, he pushed the door open to find the entire household already collected in the hall. Uniforms were mostly intact, as were their smiles.
“Your Graces!” His housekeeper, Mrs. Smithy cheered. “Finally!”
Her husband, the butler, gave her a small elbow in the ribs. “Quietly, dear. Duchesses prefer the quiet.”
“Oh, I don’t mind.” Isabel tugged Sebastian along with her, to his surprise. “We’re people and people make noise on occasion, don’t they? It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“I told you he would marry a lovely one,” Mrs. Smithy beamed. Her graying curls bounced with every word. “I’m Mrs. Smithy, Your Grace. This is my husband and head butler, Mr. Smithy.”
“She’s the head housekeeper,” Mr. Smithy said with a tired smile, and he seemed to wear the wrinkles for both of them.
Down the line the servants went, introducing themselves and their positions. Isabel nodded along and asked a few questions as she went. She was confident and kind, a proper lady. A proper duchess.
It really is a miracle that we found each other.
There was a twist in his gut as he let Mrs. Smithy lead Isabel away for a bath and quiet supper. Sometimes Sebastian felt like he knew how fortunate he was to have her in marriage. And then there were other days where he grew concerned it wasn’t enough, anything he could give her. The distance was necessary as to keep her happiness. But sometimes…
“Your Grace?”
He turned to Mr. Smithy, who offered up a tray of letters. “Ah. The season begins, does it?”
“I’m afraid so,” the man said with a doleful expression. “The missus thinks we’ll have guests and be hosting daily. You wouldn’t let that happen, would you?”
“It might happen occasionally,” Sebastian admitted, resisting the urge to smile. “You had best prepare yourself.”
“I merely think you might need two head butlers for the future.”
“I’ll take that into consideration,” he promised and managed not to roll his eyes while doing so. Taking the letters, Sebastian made his way to the study––there were two desks here so Isabel would be able to take the other.
He set a few letters and clear invitations on her desk, though he glanced over the latter. Then he moved on to his owncorrespondence to see it would indeed be a busy season in Parliament.
It would be clear he wouldn’t have much time with Isabel moving forward. There would be much to be done. She surely had a social life here, and it was important they busy themselves in society to reassure everyone that all was well and past rumors could stay buried. This was always meant to happen.
But when Sebastian glanced over at the other desk, seeing it empty, he wondered if this was for the best.
At least Thomas is gone.
He sighed and focused on his letters before the hour grew late and Sebastian had to retire for the evening himself.
In the morning, London life began once more.
A fortnight passed in a blur for Sebastian as he returned to Parliament, made time for Marcus and the three other dukes who called their friendship the Compass Rose. He tried to make time for Isabel. Meals were difficult, but they managed two rides in the parks together and a handful of breakfasts.
