Harriet glanced back into the room, but could not make her feet step over the threshold. She looked back at Theodore, then at the corridor they had just come from.
“This is where you expect me to stay.” Harriet gestured behind her. “As far as it is possible to be from you?”
She had not meant it to sound like a challenge, but the words carried more bite than she had intended.
Theodore’s eyes flashed as he took a step towards her. “Is there a problem?”
He towered in front of her, and she took a step back without thinking, her body pressed against the cold stone of the wall behind her. “No. I just… I did not… I thought…”
“You thought what?” Color filled her cheeks as Theodore took a step towards her, his voice barely more than a whisper and yet each word seemed to drive itself into her chest.
Every part of her screamed to run, to slink into the room behind her as she stared into the tempest of his eyes, but her legs would not obey her.
“Let me be clear, Harriet, this is not a love match. You will join me occasionally at events, as you are my duchess.” His breath tickled her skin, and she felt her legs begin to shake. “But the main reason for this arrangement is Phoebe. She is your first priority. Do you understand?”
Her breath caught. The smell of musk and cedar mingled with horse and woodsmoke. She closed her eyes and nodded. She felt a rush of cold air.
When she opened her eyes, Theodore was nowhere to be seen. She let out a long, shaky breath adjusting the necklace around her neck.
Her heart sank as she stepped into her rooms.You are my duchess.She let out a bitter laugh at Theodore’s words. “I feel more like a governess.”
* * *
“And that is everything.” Lucy beamed at Harriet as they came into the castle from the garden. “Well, everything in the immediate grounds at least. The rest you would need a horse or carriage to see.”
“I had not appreciated just how large the estate was.” Harriet’s head swam.
It was the day after they had arrived at Irondale hall and she and Lucy had just finished the tour of the grounds. She had not seen Theodore since the night before.
It is probably for the best.
He was far too confusing to be around. Her skin tingled and she glanced over her shoulder, half expecting him to be there, but he was not.
“It takes some getting used to. My first week here, I nearly ended up interrupting the Duke in his study because I mistook it for the library.” Lucy shivered. “Thankfully Mama caught me just in time.”
“That is lucky.” Harriet rubbed the side of her neck as she tried not to think of Theodore the night before. “He does not seem to like changes to his routine.”
“His Grace prizes order and discipline above all else, Your Grace.” Mrs. Morton inclined her head as she swept into a curtsey. “Forgive the intrusion, Duchess. I hope my daughter has been good company.”
“There is nothing to forgive, Mrs. Morton. And your daughter has been an absolute delight. Though I fear I have rather a lot to learn.” Harriet tried to give Mrs. Morton what she hoped was a charming smile, though the woman remained unmoved.
“I am sure you will in time. The household runs on rather strict routines, this makes it easier to understand how things are done.”
“But surely not everyone has their time so regimented. What about Phoebe?”
“There is some flexibility in the girl’s schedule, but His Grace feels it is important she be given structure, consistency and order.”
“Given her past, I think he felt the predictability would make her feel safe.” Harriet caught sight of Mrs. Morton shooting her daughter a warning glare and managed to stop herself asking about Phoebe’s past.
“I can see a certain sense in that.” Harriet hedged, glancing into the room at Phoebe.
The girl was curled on a sofa, her legs drawn tight to her chest. She held a book in her hands, but her eyes stared at the pages unfocused and inattentive. It made Harriet’s chest ache and she took a step towards the girl.
“Good morning, Phoebe.” Harriet smiled at her. “Are you enjoying your book?”
Phoebe’s eyes flicked upwards and she nodded. Harriet took another step into the room. Phoebe remained where she was, though Harriet saw her little body tense. She froze and glanced at Lucy and Mrs. Morton.
“Lady Phoebe does not like to be disturbed when she reads.” Lucy explained.
