It did not matter what kind of husband she had. It did not matter what arrangement had been made between them.
The estate was hers to run, and she would do it well.
She found Mrs. Harding in her office. The housekeeper was already occupied with the morning’s ledgers. The older woman looked up as Isadora entered, and for a moment, her sharp gaze assessed the Duchess before her.
“Your Grace.” She rose, hands folded before her. “You are up early.”
“I am,” Isadora said briskly. “I would like to begin reviewing the household operations.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Mrs. Harding’s face. Not many new brides took such an interest in the running of their homes so soon—some did not at all—but Isadora had always been different.
She took a seat across from her, glancing at the ledgers. “I trust everything has been managed well in my absence?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Mrs. Harding replied. “But I had anticipated that you might wish to make adjustments to the management of the house.”
Isadora nodded. “You anticipated correctly.”
Isadora sat beside her, taking the thick book of accounts in her hands and flipping through the pages with practiced ease. She had done this before—for her father’s house for years.
The expenses were well-managed, but there were areas that could be improved. Servants’ wages had remained stagnant for far too long—something she would correct immediately. Some rooms in the house were unused yet still staffed unnecessarily, and the kitchens were ordering supplies in excess, leading to waste that could be prevented.
Her mind worked quickly, mapping out a plan.
“Has anyone been handling these inefficiencies?” she asked.
Mrs. Harding hesitated. “His Grace does not interfere much in household matters.”
Of course, he doesn’t,she thought dryly.
“Then it is time someone did,” Isadora said, making quick notes in the margin of the ledger.
She made a point to speak with each department—from the butler, who managed the footmen, to the housekeeper, the kitchen staff, and even the stable master.
She knew their names by midday.
“She moves with a sense of purpose,” she overheard one of the maids whisper.
“She asks questions. Not just for show, either,” another murmured.
Isadora was pleased to hear that. At least the staff had formed an opinion. The new duchess was efficient.
And—perhaps most importantly—she would not be ignored.
She closed the final ledger with a decisive snap and turned to Mrs. Harding. “I will have the adjustments sent to you tomorrow. We shall discuss any concerns before they are implemented.”
The housekeeper’s lips twitched as though suppressing the urge to smile.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As Isadora rose from her chair, a voice sounded from the doorway.
“You’ve been busy.”
She stiffened.
Evan stood in the threshold, arms folded, his head tilted slightly. Of course, he would choose now to appear.
She smoothed her skirts. “Yes. It is a duchess’ duty, after all.”
