The carriage ride passed in silence. Neither of them dared to broach it. It was only when they reached the duke's estate when someone spoke to her directly again.
"Your Grace, welcome," the butler greeted her at the door.
The words felt so foreign, as though he was referencing someone else entirely. But she had little time to ponder over it as two young girls rushed over to greet her.
"Welcome to Redhaven. Oh, we have been waiting for you," a young woman exclaimed before pulling Alethea into an unexpected embrace. "My name is Clara."
"And I am Eleanor," the other young explained.
"It is good to meet you," Alethea smiled, and then looked towards her husband for an explanation.
"My two young sisters," he explained. "They've been nearly insufferable with anticipation. I expect you'll forgive them their excitement."
"Of course," Alethea murmured, feeling a rush of warmth. "It is kind of you to receive me."
"You must be exhausted," Eleanor said brightly. "There's so much to see, but rest first! Shall I give you a tour of the estate? I think you are going to like it here."
"That's enough for now," Oliver said gently, raising a hand. "My wife needs a moment of peace."
"But we have only just gotten the chance to speak to her."
"There will be plenty of chances later," Oliver chided, and they muttered something under their breaths as they walked away.
"Duchess," Oliver turned to Alethea, "A word before you go off to your chambers?"
"Yes, of course," Alethea followed him without complaint. It was what was expected of a dutiful wife, of course. He led into the study, where he stopped and surveyed her briefly.
"You have done well. I imagine this has all been rather overwhelming."
"That is one way to put it. But I think I have been dealing with it fine so far," she admitted. "And I hope that remains the case ahead."
"Well, I prefer clarity," Oliver said, stepping closer. "Which is why I must be frank."
"By all means," she said, though now suddenly aware that he was closer to her now. It made her feel shy, for reasons she could not explain. But it was not an entirely unwelcome feeling.
"You need only endure a month here," he murmured, leaning slightly in. "It will be our honeymoon, in the eyes of society."
"A month?"
"After that, you may return to your sisters if you choose," he continued. "I will not stop you."
"You presume I cannot bear your company longer than four weeks?" she said, startled by the statement.
"I am giving you an option," he said.
"I shall consider it," she said, her words clamping in her throat at the proximity of him.
"Good," he said softly. "Then we understand each other."
"Then please step back," she said firmly. "Your proximity is rather disorienting."
Oliver's brow furrowed, but he obeyed, retreating a step.
"My apologies, Duchess," he said, though his tone conveyed anything but. "Mrs. Pritchard will see to your things. She is the housekeeper. I shall leave you now."
Alethea watched him leave, feeling her heart flutter inside of her chest. It was not something she had ever felt before, but then again, this was their first conversation alone.
Over time, she suspected, she would grow used to it. But for now, she was left breathless and in anticipation of the time that they would get to speak again.
