Page 93 of Aphrodite and the Duke

“No need.” If Aphrodite was hungry, she would most definitely find food. I did not need to worry about that. “Why are you not in there?”

His shoulders shifted back, and he stood straighter. “I have always maintained my own copies of my paperwork, as well as recommendations. I presented them to her first. Her Grace said she did not require them and, instead, asked that I continue as I am.”

Wallace was clearly proud of himself. It was amusing because he rarely ever showed it. Devotion? Steadfastness? Yes, but this look was as though she had patted him on the head.

“Very well, I will not be the one to disturb her.” I stepped back from the door to walk to my study. “Where is the steward? I wish to speak to him about the mills. Have there been any letters?” If I knew her family, and I did to a good degree, they most definitely had already written her.

“I have put them on your desk, Your Grace,” he said as he opened the door for me. “And I shall call the steward for you.”

“Thank you.”

Sure enough, there was a group of letters for Aphrodite. One from each of her sisters, her mother, and even her younger brother. The closeness of their family amazed me. Verity and I were close, but it would take at least half a year of my absence before she would think to write. Aphrodite had been with me for only a little more than a week. I carefully put her letters to the side and would inform the footmen to deliver them to her directly from now on.

I sorted through the rest. There were a few from the tenants. It was the last one, unmarked apart from the address, that interested me. I expected it to be another letter addressing a conflict of pigs on the estate or maybe a dispute over farmland. Instead, the first two words sent a rush of rage through me. It took all my strength to stop myself from ripping it in half and throwing it to the wind.

Little brother,

It has come to my attention that you have wed once again. I bid you congratulations for finally obtaining your beloved and dearest Aphrodite. I have not met the lady, but your determination to acquire her all these years must mean the talk is accurate and that she is a beauty beyond all measure. Such beauty should be seen with one’s own eyes, no? How I do miss Everely…

Sincerely,

Your elder brother

I crumpled the paper in my fist, as once more I cursed my father for the blight he had put upon this family and me. Was he coming here? Fine. Let him come, so I no longer had to waste funds and men searching the country for him. Let him come so I could rid myself of this bastard once and for all.

“Your Grace.”

“What?” I snapped as the door opened.

“The steward?” Wallace replied.

Inhaling through my nose, I nodded. “He may enter, then call for the head guard of the grounds.”

I needed to make sure this house was secure, to see that my family was secure. I made an oath to protect them all—Aphrodite, Verity, Emeline. The world was cruel, and I did not wish for any of them to find out just how much.

22

Aphrodite

Everyone was silent.

Evander ate quietly.

Emeline ate quietly.

And so, I also ate quietly.

It had been like this yesterday, as well. I had asked him last night if something was amiss, but he merely kissed me, said no, and went to bed. I had been so busy throughout the day, seeking solutions to the issues here, that we had not talked much, and then, he had been gone for the rest of the evening. I had at least wondered where he had gone. However, he did not say a word as to where he had gone today either.

“Are you well?” I finally asked him.

“Yes, of course,” he said, seeming confused as to why I had asked. “Why?”

I thought to tell him but remembered Emeline. She ate exactly as she had yesterday for lunch, slowly and without speaking.

“Just asking,” I said, watching Emeline. If I did not know any better, I would have thought that she was trying to make us forget she was here. But she was just a child and could not be that discerning, so maybe it was just her personality. After all, Devana was quiet as well, though not like this. Regardless, that could be due to Devana’s older age. Whatever the case, I did not wish to push Emeline. But I also wanted her to know I was not ignoring her. Eating like this with us would help her become more comfortable—I hoped.

“We should have a painting commissioned,” I said as I lifted my spoon to my lips. “Of the family. What do you think?”

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