It seemed like there was an invisible dividing line between them that Harriet always felt she had to be careful not to cross.
But then, Simon broke the silence. “Have you had lunch yet?”
Harriet blinked, surprised by the unexpected question. It was a simple inquiry, yet it felt oddly personal. “Yes, I took my meal with Esther.”
Simon nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. “Good.”
It was a small gesture — probably unwise to attach too much meaning to it — but it filled Harriet up with a warmth that she had only yearned to receive from her husband.
Before Harriet could muster the courage to ask him about his day, or perhaps thank him again, Simon turned and began to walk away.
“Simon?” she blurted out, causing him to turn around with an expression of curiosity.
“Yes?”
“I...” Harriet hesitated, unsure of what she wanted to say. “One thing that Esther advised me to do was spend time with the baby.”
Simon’s lips quirked in a brief, almost imperceptible smile. “Go on, then.”
“And… while I am doing my best to, I believe that it would be beneficial for her if you were to spend some time with her as well.” Harriet’s words were coming out rushed. “And I was…. wondering if…”
Harriet had been so busy trying to formulate the right words that she did not even notice that Simon had walked up several paces, and was now just a few inches away from her. She felt her throat dry up, and the words leave her.
What was I going to say?
It was proving rather difficult to focus when he was in this close proximity to her.
“What were you wondering,Harriet?”
The way that he put emphasis on her name sent a little shiver down her spine. Once again, she had to remind herself quickly that he did not mean anything of it, and she should not read too much into it.
“I was wondering if…” she took a deep breath to calm herself. “Well, until the nursemaid gets here, perhaps you could help me and spend some time with the baby as well?”
If the request surprised Simon, he did not let it show. Instead, he continued to study her face up close, not saying anything.
Harriet was about to retract the offer, feeling silly for overstepping when he spoke up again.
“When should I make myself available for this?”
The manner that he asked was laced with such seriousness that it almost broke through the tension of the moment, and made Harriet want to laugh.
“This evening?” she replied instead. “Little Catherine is far too small for any real activity, but perhaps we can give her a stroll in the garden.”
He nodded, his expression still serious. “I shall meet you in the garden at five this evening.”
With that, he turned around and took his leave, leaving Harriet staring at him with a mixture of relief and nerves.
Paradoxical, yes. But she was quickly finding that was a general theme when it came to her dealings with Simon.
It seemed like the fifth hour could not arrive fast enough. Harriet sat in front of her vanity, brushing her hair neatly into place when one of her maids entered.
“You look lovely, Your Grace. Are you heading out somewhere?” she asked.
Harriet shook her head, feeling an unusual shyness take over her. “Ah, not precisely. I am only going for a promenade with the duke.”
The maid’s disposition became more upbeat immediately. “Ah, that is lovely, Your Grace. Do you require any kind of assistance with your dress, or hair?”
Harriet stole once last look in the mirror, and shook her head. She had tried her hardest to look her best — even though she would never admit it out loud, she wanted to make an impression on the duke.
