"The frown on your face certainly seems to suggest so."
"No, I do not mean to be ungrateful," she said, solemnly. "It's just that it feels quite excessive."
"You still see yourself as a young maiden," he noted without judgment. "You must begin looking at yourself as a duchess. When you do, you will find that this is not excessive in the slightest."
"I suppose it will take me some time getting accustomed to all of it," she admitted.
He rested his forearms on his knees, leaning toward her slightly. "I have the means, and I enjoy seeing you well provided for. You deserve nice things, Alethea."
Her chest constricted at that. Once again, she was not used to hearing such sentiments.
"Thank you. It will be a wonder if I don't spill something on these gowns immediately," she joked in an attempt to lighten themood. "With my luck, I'll step on the hem or slosh tea on myself at the first ball."
"If that happens, we'll simply order more gowns," Oliver returned her smile. "Perhaps I should have requested two of each as a precaution."
"Would that not be considered excessive, even by a duchess' standards?" her eyes widened but then she noticed the teasing smirk playing on his lips, "Oh now you are only teasing me."
"Perhaps a little," he admitted.
As a silence fell between them, Alethea found herself watching closely. There was a kindness to him that emanated, even when he did not speak. It contrasted the otherwise domineering image she had of him. He truly was different from any man she's known. The thought stirred something that she'd been meaning to ask.
Her hands twisted together in her lap as she searched for the right words.
"Your Grace… there's something I have been wondering."
"Yes?"
She took a steadying breath.
"All of this spending that you did today, without a second thought. Well, I could not imagine someone doing so with such ease. Certainly not myself."
"We have already gone over this," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I have the means, and it is no trouble at all to me."
"Yes, the means," she swallowed, feeling nervousness creep in her tone. "You surely have the means to provide for the many mouths that depend on you as is, and then even some left over."
"Plenty to go around," he studied, looking unsure.
"I hope you won't take this the wrong way," she began cautiously, "but… why don't you want children?"
The words slipped out before she could think better of them. She regretted it the moment his smile faltered.
"I only ask," she continued gently, "because, well, it isn't the money, surely. You could provide for a dozen without flinching."
"It is not about the money," he replied, taking his time to answer. "Besides, I already am occupied in the care of my siblings. I've spent the better part of my life making certain they were fed, clothed, educated, safe."
Alethea's fingers twisted more tightly in her lap.
He exhaled slowly, as though releasing a thought he'd held onto for far too long. "So for now… I focus on them."
For now.
The phrase fluttered through her. It was notnever. Justnot yet. Alethea felt a foolish hope rise in her chest. One that felt fragile, so she did not dare ask him for a confirmation.
They arrived back to the estate soon after. The footman opened the carriage door. Oliver stepped out first, then turned to help Alethea down. She placed her hand in his and descended, her heart tumbling over itself at the gesture.
"Thank you for today," she said softly as they reached the threshold. "You've been very kind to do all this for me."
"It's nothing any husband wouldn't do for his wife," he offered simply.
