“There is more than one family of robins on the estate. I needed to differentiate between them somehow, and a name was the most logical step.” Theodore shrugged, and for a moment, the tall, stoic duke faded. It was like watching frost thaw from a grassy meadow, a breeze rustling through it like the worldsighing in relief. Harriet wondered what it would be like to draw Theodore.
“A rather intimate proposal, Harriet.” Theodore handed the sketchbook back to her, his fingers brushing against hers.
Warmth spread through her, and she nearly dropped the book. “Is it?”
“To draw something the way you do is not just watching. It is seeing; it is understanding.” Theodore ran his thumb across his fingertips, the air around them stilled.
And you do not want that.Harriet nodded slowly, but did not say anything. Theodore stepped away from her; a breeze tugged at her skirt.
“I am told Phoebe has started joining you for breakfast.” The words were a door slamming closed.
“She has. She is not quite as outgoing as when we are having our play hour, but she is getting more talkative.” Harriet played with her wedding band. “It is rather nice having the company. I am used to my own family – mealtimes were a time for all of us to come together. We would chat and laugh, and tell each other about our days.”
Theodore nodded. “In time, perhaps you and Phoebe will do this too.”
A flicker of something crossed his face, like a boy on the other side of a sweet shop.He wants to reach her.“I think you should join us.”
“That is not a good idea.” He stiffened.
“Why not?” Harriet frowned.
“She does not eat as much in my presence. By tradition, we eat dinner together on Sundays, but I have no wish for her to starve herself.” A muscle worked in Theodore’s jaw.
“If you ate together more often, she might soon grow used to you.” Harriet shook her head. “You do not have to eat with us every day, but perhaps we could have one or two days every week?”
Theodore paused, his fingers tapping against his thigh. “I shall think on it while I am away.”
“You are leaving?” She tightened her grip on her sketchbook.
Theodore nodded. “I have some business up North that needs addressing.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“A few days, no more than four.”
Four days?Harriet was not sure why her stomach sank at the thought of Theodore being absent, and it made her frown.
“You will have Phoebe and your duties as duchess to keep you busy.” Theodore continued. “We will discuss your proposal upon my return. Try not to get into any trouble whilst I am away.”
“I will do my best,” Harriet replied. but Theodore had already walked away.
It was not until she was walking back to Irondale Hall that it occurred to Harriet that Theodore might have been joking . The thought made her smile, even as she dismissed the notion as utterly ridiculous.
Yet a part of her could not help but remember Bertie.
* * *
“Over there, if you please.” Harriet pointed to an empty vase on an ornate mahogany table. “The azaleas can go in the drawing room.”
It was two days since Theodore had left to go up North, and after having talked to several of the staff, Harriet had decided to do some redecorating.
Her understanding was that it was the sort of thing duchesses were supposed to do. From what the servants had told her, Theodore had disposed of much of the previous Duke’s décor buthad not bothered to replace any of it, bar what was needed for function.
“And what about these?” Mrs. Fairfax asked as she walked into the room, a broad-shouldered man following along behind her with several rugs slung over his shoulder.
“Those are for the hall. It will help reduce the echo of footsteps. I suspect the Duke will appreciate that.” Harriet smiled.
She had decided to start small with her redecorating efforts. The carpets she chose for their aesthetic and because it would help reduce the distraction from footfall in the house.
