“You would be correct to assume that,” Daphne grinned, waving her forward. “We were just talking about you.”
“Were you?” Isadora’s tone was dry as she approached, her gaze flickering to Evan before settling back on their friends.
“Indeed,” Ambrose chimed in, smirking. “Your husband appeared to be quite concerned about you.”
Evan shot him a glare, but the damage was already done.
Isadora’s brows lifted, her lips parting slightly in surprise before she quickly masked it with amusement. “I was not gone for too long, Your Grace. I only needed some air.”
“Good that you returned when you did,” Ambrose continued. “Your husband nearly had a search party assembled.”
Evan shot him a glare.Now is not the time.
“I did not know that my presence was so sorely missed,” Isadora observed, a blush creeping on her cheeks.
Daphne smiled. “Well, it is not surprising she needed a moment. She has been the most sought-after person in the room all evening.”
“Hardly,” Isadora scoffed.
Violet smirked. “I don’t know—everyone seems to be vying for your attention. Your husband included.”
“I do not vie for anything.” Evan arched a brow.
“No, you simply demand,” Ambrose chuckled.
Evan ignored him.
“I think it is only because people do not yet know what to make of me.” Isadora sighed, shaking her head.
“Not at all,” Daphne countered. “They have already made up their minds. They adore you.”
“They ought to,” Evan added, surprising himself. He was never one for such public adorations, and yet when it came to her, he could not help himself.
Isadora turned to him, surprised. “Ought to?”
“I think it’s quite remarkable what you’ve accomplished in such a short time.” He turned to their friends. “She’s done more for my household in a few short weeks than I ever have.”
“Oh, that is hardly true,” Isadora blushed.
“There is no need to be so humble,” he said simply. “I have run an efficient estate for years, but Isadora seems to be betterat it than I have ever been. You would not believe how quickly she has taken charge of my household. The staff practically bow when she enters the room.”
“He’s exaggerating now,” Isadora murmured, but she was smiling.
“Not in the least,” Evan said easily. “Just the other day, I overheard the housekeeper lecturing a footman on the correct way to set a tray—apparently, they had been disgracing the silverware before you corrected them.”
A chuckle rippled through the table.
“Well, is there something wrong with that?” Isadora exhaled in mock exasperation. “It is hardly witchcraft to expect a properly arranged tray.”
“No, of course not.” Evan tapped his fingers against the table, enjoying himself now. “And yet, you have accomplished something I never could—striking actual fear into their hearts.”
“I merely encouraged efficiency, Your Grace. It is what any respectable duchess should do,” she replied. “And besides, I have learnt it from you.”
“And a respectable duchess you are,” Violet chimed in from across the table, raising her glass in a toast.
Ambrose smirked. “Yes, Evan, do tell us. How does it feel to have married a woman who actually knows how to run an estate?”
“I consider myself quite lucky,” he admitted after a moment. Isadora had not stopped smiling, even for a second. Evan felt something warm settle in his chest at the sight of it.
