“She knows nothing that would trouble her,” he answered finally.
“You play a dangerous game, Evan.” Ambrose’s eyes widened slightly.
“Of all things, that should not come as a surprise to you,” Evan admitted unabashedly. “I always have.”
Ambrose watched him for a long moment before sighing. “I trust you to handle your business, but if you ever need to get out of something?—”
Evan smirked. “Are you offering me a way out of my own marriage?”
“Not at all,” Ambrose arched a brow. “It is everything else that I am worried about. Besides, I just wish for you to know that you’re not alone—should you require help.”
Evan blinked slowly. “Why—I’m touched by the offer.” Even though his tone was sarcastic, there was some sincerity behind his words.
Evan had not grown up making friends. If anything, the people he encountered were only his competition. It felt reassuring—in a way—to have found actual friendships.
“And, as for your marriage…” Ambrose smirked. “Well, that is a private matter between you and the Duchess, but if you need advice on that as well, may I offer you a listening ear at least?”
“I suspect there will be no need for that,” Evan said confidently.
Now, all he had to do was believe it too.
CHAPTER 9
“His Grace requests your presence in the study for dinner,” one of the house staff informed Isadora.
She was in her room, thinking to herself that she would not get to meet Evan today. He had been quite busy, and she had not seen him all day.
“Is His Grace at home?” She could not hide the surprise in her voice.
The staff member nodded. “Yes, and he had said that the meeting is urgent.”
Isadora pressed her lips together in a thin line. “And did he mention what it would be regarding?”
“His Grace said that you would know what he is referring to,” the latter replied. “Shall I ask him for clarification on your behalf, Your Grace?”
“No, no,” Isadora waved the staff member off gently.
She knewexactlywhat this was in reference to. She just did not anticipate it coming so soon.
“Let His Grace know I accept therequest.”She deliberately emphasized the last word.
For she knew that it was not a request at all. Evan Marwood was not a man give out polite requests.He only made orders and expected them to be followed.
Perhaps that could be the first lesson,she thought to herself.
With a sigh, she rose and straightened her gown. If she was to train him into a proper duke, she supposed she had to start somewhere.
It was not long before it was time for dinner, and Isadora made her way over to the study where she had been requested.
When she entered, the first thing she noticed was a small makeshift table had been set up there with a small but elaborate spread of dinner already laid out.
Well, no. That was a lie. The table was not the first thing she had noticed.
It was Evan.
He was already seated, one arm draped lazily along the back of his chair, his dark eyes watching her with far too much amusement.
“You came,” he mused, gesturing toward the empty chair across from him. “How lovely.”
