"I have eyes and ears all over the house," he smirked. "But you need not worry about that. All the reports I have received about you have been nothing less than overwhelmingly positive."
Alethea did not know how to respond to all the praise, so instead she just awkwardly nodded, suddenly unsure of what to do with her hands. She was not used to this in the slightest.
She could feel Oliver's eyes on her, expectantly. But what was she supposed to respond with?
"So, what is your decision, then?" he asked finally.
"Well," she bit down on her lip. "As you have already mentioned, I have a long list of duties to perform here. It would be terribly unfortunate if I were not here to cater to them."
He raised an amused eyebrow in her direction.
"That is the reason that compels you to stay?"
"Of course, Clara and Eleanor are an added consideration," she paused for a moment, "meaning that I should not like for them to wonder why I do not wish to stay at the estate."
"I see," Oliver nodded. "So that is all then? No other reason that compels you to stay?"
"What other reason could there be?" she knitted her eyebrows together. Did he want her to say him? The very idea made her blush, for it would be unfathomable for her to be so open about her affections. Besides, it was not as though their union was based on anything but a sense of duty. She would not allude to anything else.
"I am just trying to understand," he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, then I hope that you have understood," she replied. "As for my answer, I realize I have not formally given you one. But I would like to stay."
In her mind, it was a clear choice. She barely knew her sisters, even though they were pleasant enough. And she did not enjoy the feeling of feeling out of place in her own home, which was no fault of her sisters but an internal feeling that she could not shake. Here at the estate, at least she had more of a purpose. There was a list of tasks to attend to each week, and no one probed too much about her past life. She adored Oliver's sisters, as well.
"I am happy to hear it," Oliver grinned, his mood seeming uplifted. Though the idea of Alethea staying being the reasonbehind it seemed rather unfathomable to her. Why would it matter to him?
She opted to limit their conversations for the remainder of the ride, which was short enough to begin with. When they finally pulled into the town, Oliver guided her over to the modiste's shop.
"She is one of the best in town," he informed her as they walked into her establishment. "You shall be in very capable hands."
Alethea nodded, taking in the scenery of the shop around her. It was well-lit from the front panel windows. They entered the shop shortly after and were at once greeted by the modiste.
"Your Graces!" the modiste exclaimed, sweeping into a deep curtsy. She seemed delighted at having the Duke and Duchess at her establishment.
Oliver offered her a polite nod.
"Thank you for accommodating us on short notice, Madame."
"Oh, it was no trouble at all, Your Grace. How may I serve the Duchess today?" the Madame gestured toward an array of silks and satins in every hue. Alethea could not help but gaze around in awe. Never before had she seen so many choices of fabric under a single roof.
But before she could answer, Oliver spoke on her behalf instead.
"My wife will need several ball gowns. I expect only the finest fabrics and workmanship for the Duchess."
Alethea's cheeks warmed at "my wife" and the casual way he seemed to speak of commissioning an entire wardrobe. It was all still difficult for her to wrap her mind around. The idea alone that she could have any dress of her choosing was baffling, let alone several.
"Of course!" the madame nodded in earnest enthusiasm, "I shall create something that is truly worthy of the Duchess."
She clapped her hands, and an assistant appeared with sketchbook immediately. .
Oliver glanced around the room. There were two other customers in the shop.
"I wonder if we might have the shop to ourselves for a little while. I'll happily compensate you for any inconvenience," he said in a hushed tone, gesturing towards the other people.
The modiste's brows lifted in surprise, but she recovered instantly.
"Privacy for a duke and duchess is a small courtesy. I would be happy to oblige," she nodded.
