There were murmurs of agreement amongst the staff.
“Yes, well,” Isadora said, lifting her chin, “he has been away long enough that I doubt he will even notice. Besides, the place can really use some lightening up. I think he will grow to appreciate the changes.”
The staff still looked hesitant, shifting awkwardly.
“I am his wife,” Isadora reminded them, forcing a reassuring smile. “I should be able to make changes to our home, shouldn’t I?”
“Yes, Your Grace, of course,” the maid replied. “It is just that… well, His Grace does not like things to be moved.”
“That much I gathered,” Isadora sighed, crossing her arms. “But if he dislikes it, he can tell me himself.”
In fact, this way he wouldhave totell her himself, so in a way, it was the perfect plan. It gave her something to do, and it provided the Duke an reason tostopavoiding her.
“Well, then, the Duchess has spoken.” Mrs. Wilson broke the tense silence again. “The study could use a bit of freshening up, and all of us ought to get to work.”
Isadora turned to her, her eyes hopeful. “Exactly! We shall make improvements. Now, let us get to work immediately.”
Isadora was tired from a long day of work, but she did not let that deter her. That night, she stayed up as late as it took to intercept the Duke as he returned home. The moment he stepped into the house, she pounced on him.
“Finally!” she exclaimed, making her presence known.
Evan took a step back, bringing one of his hands to his chest. He was clearly startled to see her. “Isadora?”
“Unless you were expecting another woman waiting at home for you.” She could not help but make the biting comment. “Yes, it is Isadora. Yourwife.”
Evan shook his head. “What are you doing awake at this hour?”
“Waiting for you.” She gestured broadly. “I thought that much was obvious. Was it not? It took you a long time to get home.”
“I have been busy with work.” He shook his head at her. “And you should have been busy sleeping. This is no time for you to be awake. Off to bed with you.”
“No, no, no,” she stopped him. “You cannot dismiss me so easily and simply go to bed. I have been waiting here for a reason.”
Evan raised an eyebrow. “And what is thatreason?I shudder to ask.”
Even in the middle of the night, Evan did not lose his sarcasm.
“I have something to show you. Will you follow me?”
His smirk deepened. “Not even a ‘welcome home’ before you start issuing orders?”
She grabbed his wrist, tugging him along. “Just follow me.”
He let out a slow exhale but allowed it.
When they arrived at the study, Isadora stopped just before the doors, turning to face him.
She hesitated for the first time.What if he hated it?
Well, it was too late now to turn back, so she might as well go forward with her plan.
CHAPTER 20
“While you were away, I decided to take it upon myself to make some changes,” she started. Evan was watching her with wordless amusement, his hands folded out in front of him.
“Tomy study?”
Ah.This was the part that Isadora had been nervous about. Was he going to get angry at her?
