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“No, I didn’t mean it that way.Heaven knows those men I’ve been associated with have little character.”Rose scooted up and gripped the edge of his desk.
“I won’t take offense at that either.”
She sighed, unable to take back her words.“Matthew, it is a new life for me.I beg your indulgence while I and the girls grow accustomed to the change.”
He nodded.“You have other questions?”
“Yes, about the house.Am I or the girls excluded from any rooms?”
“This room, absolutely, especially to your daughters.It’s not that there are secrets waiting to be discovered; it’s that I know exactly where everything is, and I aim to keep it that way.And I would prefer that they not be allowed in my sleeping chamber.You haven’t mentioned when I will get to meet your daughters?Do you think they will be frightened of me?”
“Unless you growl at them and jump from behind doors in darkened rooms, I think they will take to you just fine.”
“The ponies probably wouldn’t hurt, then?”
She smiled, surprised by his light humor.“I wouldn’t think so.”
“Are there other questions?”
“Mrs.Callis said the two of you discuss meals once a week.If you don’t mind, I should like to be responsible for that.Not that I don’t trust your selections.You seem fit enough.”He smiled in a knowing way.“But—it’s the children.There are certain foods that they would eat every day and I want to make sure Mrs.Callis and I arrange proper meals for all.”
“Be my guest.I never understood how I got roped into that chore to begin with.Honestly, between you, Mrs.Callis and Raleigh, I would be pleased if you managed the entire house, except this room.”
“Do you entertain much?”Rose asked.
“Here’s where we must tread carefully, Rose.I am not averse to your desire to have balls, musicales and what not.But you will need to be prepared to be spurned by a certain set.”
“I’m the Duchess of Sandhurst,” she said confidently.“People do not cut me or turn down invitations to my parties.”A snide little voice in her head reminded her she was no longer the duchess even though many would still pay her the courtesy of using her title.
“Pride is a wicked thing, Rose.Married to me, you need to curb it, or you will be gravely disappointed in our marriage.You may think it is not fair.We both know life isn’t fair, not when there are evil people about.How will you feel when those invitations to theton’s social events stop coming to you?”
“I—that won’t happen.”She felt another wave of anger.“You made it clear you are wealthy.This house certainly demonstrates that fact.We won’t be ignored.I promise you.”Good God!Was that actually a possibility?Her friends?Acquaintances she’d known for years?Might they act as if she werepersona non grata?
“Well, we will travel that bridge when we get to it.If you are done, I do have a couple of things to share.”
She nodded.
“There is the normal business of marriage, of course.I want to make sure you receive adequate pin money for you and the children.May I ask what you were paid at Sandhurst?”
“Twenty pounds a quarter.”
He blinked.“Let’s set yours at fifty pounds a quarter and ten pounds each for Ava and Elaina.”
“Matthew, that’s too—”
“That may not be enough.You will need to advise me, say, in six months if it is meeting your needs.Raleigh will show you the household accounts.He reviews those with me weekly.That is now your responsibility.There is a generous amount in the cash box for emergencies, but not for gambling debts.”
“I don’t go into debt when I gamble,” she said.“Unless it is at Madame DuPuis’ new hell and only because I might not know exactly what I am bidding on,” she added with a smile.He did not acknowledge her humor, addressing the running of his household with all seriousness.
“He also knows my preference for drink.Just make sure there is no gin in my cabinets.I most especially do not like to be bothered first thing in the morning.My morning routine cannot be disturbed for any reason.When I’m shaving, I tend to do my best thinking.
“Now, I have a few rules I live by that I will expect of you also.I see you enjoy keeping track of information on paper, as I do; however, I will insist that anything that can be used against us or embarrass us or harm us is never committed to paper.”
“But I...”
“I also want the door closed when we have important discussions.I trust my servants, but even trustworthy servants can get desperate.”
“You mean to betray something they might have overheard?That doesn’t happen.Not with loyal servants.”
