“My duties? You speak of duties while I am left to care for this child alone. I don’t have time to sit and dine while Catherine needs constant attention.”
Simon opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of a loud growl coming from Harriet’s stomach. Upon realization, she turned a shade of scarlet, embarrassed.
“When was the last time you ate, Harriet?” he asked, his tone softening slightly.
Harriet looked away, “I am not sure. All my attention has been spent on Catherine, and I must have forgotten to take my meals for the day.”
Immediately, he felt bad for being so strict about her absence at the dining table. It surprised him, since he was not one to retract his thoughts about a matter so quickly.
He stepped closer to her, feeling a strange sense of worry occupying him. The woman was frail enough already, and not eating would make her even weaker. He could not have that, for then his reputation would be of a man who did not adequately look after his wife’s nutrition.
“You need to take care of yourself as well. You cannot care for the baby if you are unwell,” he began.
She might be someone for whom he did not have feelings, but he was not a cruel man. Unneeded suffering like this should be avoided at all costs.
“You say that, but in practice, the balance is difficult to achieve,” she admitted, showing a tinge of vulnerability.
“Eliza,” he called out to the maid, who appeared promptly. “Take the baby from the duchess, and make sure that she is kept from crying. Inform the cook to prepare something for the duchess immediately.”
Then, he took Harriet’s hand and began to lead her out of the nursery.
“Catherine needs me—” she protested as he pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit.
“Enough,” he said, his voice ringing with finality, “Taking care of yourself is part of your responsibility. It is not something that you are expected to take lightly.”
Harriet’s vexation flared. “You cannot just command me to?—”
“Stay put and do not talk back,” Simon interrupted sharply.
Harriet simmered down, accepting her defeat. He had left no room for an argument.
A quick meal was served, the aroma of freshly cooked food filling the room. Harriet stared at the plate before her.
“Well, then, what are you waiting for?” he asked, annoyed by her impertinence. “You must be famished. Why are you not eating?”
“I am not sure if I have much of an appetite, Your Grace,” she maintained stubbornly.
“Then what would compel you to grow one?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, “since starving yourself all day has not done the job.”
“Firstly, it would help if you do not command me to eat, as if I am nothing more than a staff worker under your salary. Just as you do not like to be commanded, I share the same preference,” she said.
Simon leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “This is not about commands. It’s about common sense. You cannot continue to ignore your own needs.”
“Do not presume to lecture me on common sense, Your Grace,” she shot back, “I am fully aware of my needs, but I am also aware of my responsibilities. Responsibilities that seem to have fallen entirely on my shoulders.”
Simon’s jaw tightened. “And what do you think I have been doing? I have been searching for a solution to this unexpected situation. I am trying to find out where Catherine came from.”
“You at least have the luxury of leaving the house, of not being tethered to a crying baby day and night. I have had no choice but to adapt, and I am doing my best. This situation… is a lot for me to handle, all at once,” she argued.
“I do understand,” Simon replied, his tone softening despite his irritation. “And the first step to any sort of solution is for you to nourish yourself. Please, I insist you do.”
Their gazes locked together in what felt like a silent battle of wills. Simon was not sure what Harriet saw in his eyes that made her relent finally, but she tore her gaze away and then took a small bite from her plate.
“Are you appeased now, Your Grace?”
“Exceedingly,” he muttered, sarcastically. “Now, finish up the entire meal. I shall have the butler keep a check on you, so do not try and be sly. He will let me know if you do not eat.”
He stood up, and turned to take his leave when Harriet called out from behind him.
