Simon shook his head, an amused smile forming on his lips. His own plan seemed to be backfiring on him.
“There is no need for you to act like this in front of me.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Is there not? Then, you must tell me how I should act around you. It seems that I have a lot to catch up on.”
The way that she was talking to him now… it felt so… familiar. As though she had known him for years.
To his surprise, he did not find himself growing excessively annoyed by it either. It was strangely fascinating to him, though he would never admit that to her.
“What are you trying to imply here, Duchess? You must speak clearly.”
Harriet let out a loud sigh. “I am only suggesting that it is good if we get to know each other better. While you are here at the estate, at least.”
He could sense a certain fear in voice — like she expected him to flee again. It made him feel a tinge of guilt, but he quickly suppressed it.
“And what would this… knowing of each other entail, exactly?” he questioned.
“A sharing of preferences, for one,” she nodded. “I do not know anything, it seems.”
“You know that I do not like being disobeyed,” he added.
“Then, perhaps you married the wrong woman. I have always had a reputation for doing what I want.”
“Is that why your mother was so comfortable with not listening to anything you were saying earlier?” he challenged. “It seems that you do not know yourself. How do you expect to know me?”
That seemed to anger her. “I know myself plenty well.”
“I shall believe it when I see it,” he said, and then began to walk away. He knew that he was leaving her fuming, but speaking to her like this… it was risky.
He did not want to grow close to her, knowing that he would have to leave soon when matters with Catherine were sorted out.
He had to find Tobias. It was crucial that he did, and expeditiously so.
CHAPTER 14
“It might be a fun outing, if anything,” Anthony shrugged his shoulders as the carriage carried onwards.
Simon was on his way to a country estate, one known for its infamous gatherings and less-than-reputable activities — cockfighting being chief among them.
Luckily, Anthony knew the lord who owned the estate, a man of questionable character but with a reputation for hosting some of the most notorious events in the county.
“I am not sure what you count asfun.”
Anthony chuckled. “No need to be so sour about it. I think of it as a good opportunity — it is allowing us to spend time together, which would not have been possible if you were sheltered away in that country estate that you have moved to.”
“You are always welcome to visit,” Simon shrugged. “No one is stopping you.”
“Ah, and is the same invitation open for the duchess?” Anthony teased. “Can she come and visit you, whenever she may please as well?”
Simon shot his friend a glare. The last thing he wanted to do right was to discuss his marriage but they still had a way to go to the lord’s estate.
“Since when are you so interested in what happens in my marriage, Anthony?”
Anthony laughed out loud, “I know that the topic makes you flustered, and it is rather fun to see you in that state. Tell me, please. How have the last few days been in her company? Is your ice cold heart finally melting for her?”
Simon rolled his eyes. Trust Anthony to conjure up a fantasy romance where there was none.
“We only keep our discussions brief, and related to Catherine,” he replied.
