Nicholas raised his eyebrows. In his experience, genteel young ladies did not usually spend a vast amountof time looking at books, unless it was to indulge in the latest gossip at the circulating library.
“Novels?” he asked, genuinely interested.
Grace nodded, her eyes sparkling. “I am currently reading Robinson Crusoe.”
Nicholas was surprised. “I would have thought such a title is not commonly favoured by ladies of a gentle disposition?”
Grace studied his face, wondering if he was reprimanding her. There seemed to be no censure in his expression however, merely a polite interest. She took a deep breath and spoke the truth.
“I’m not really a gentle woman at all though, as you must be aware.”
Nicholas frowned, wondering if this would be a good time to bring up the possibility of tutoring her in the responsibilities expected of a duchess. Instead, he found himself saying, “We have a library here in Blackmore.” While it was unlikely the books in its shelves would provide her with any insight into her new role, they would certainly distract her and keep her from getting under his feet.
Keeping her happy had nothing to do with it…
Her eyes flew to his. “Truly?”
He nodded. “Would you like to see it?”
She looked down at his still full plate. “As soon as you finish your meal, your grace. I can wait.”
No longer hungry, and curious to know what her thoughts of Blackmore’s extensive library would be once she saw it, he pushed the plate away and stood. “Come.”
Grace scrambled to his side, and together, they walked out of the room, the tantalizing smell of jasmine tickling his nose. Surreptitiously, he breathed the scent in, glancing down at Grace as she walked carefully by his side. Her eyes were firmly on thefloor, no doubt in case she missed her footing.
Finally reaching the library, Nicholas pushed open the door and stood back, allowing Grace to step in first before following in close behind her. She turned in a slow circle, her expression awed. “What a beautiful room,” she whispered reverently. “I’ve never seen so many books.”
Nicholas cleared his throat, watching silently as she lovingly touched the leather spines of the books before her. What would it feel like to have her touch him like that?
When Grace finally turned back toward him, he was struck by the sheer delight in her expression, the softness of her eyes. There was no denying her pleasure made him feel as if he were human once more. “Thank you, Nicholas. This is a lovely present.”
“Consider it your wedding gift,” he said gruffly, suddenly needing to escape her fulsome praise. He didn’t deserve it. “I must return to my work.”
The light in her eyes dimmed, but she nodded. “Of course. I shall see you later.”
It wasn’t a question, but he didn’t answer her, inclining his head before swiftly vacating the room.
Perhaps the library would keep her entertained for a while until he could figure out exactly what he needed to do with her.
Because right now, he wasn’t so certain he felt quite as detached as he had when she first arrived, and he couldn’t afford to have his heart involved. Their marriage was a business arrangement only.
And Nicholas was determined it would remain so. He didn’t dare do otherwise.
Chapter Eight
Grace stared at the ornate ceiling above her head, her heart heavy. Nicholas had not come yet again to her bed, and she was starting to wonder if he ever would. After today’s events, she’d hoped he was warming to the fact they were married. That she was now his wife.
Yet as the shadows lengthened from day to night, she’d eaten a solitary dinner for the second time and made her way to bed.
Alone.
It seemed her new husband was still avoiding her.
As yet she had no lady’s maid, and in truth had no wish for one, but it would have been comforting to have someone to speak with as she readied herself for bed. She thought about her sisters and the noisy mayhem that usually accompanied them all as they retired. Her room was undeniably beautiful, but she was surrounded by oppressive silence.
Grace climbed into bed and lay back, staring at the shadows on the ceiling. Was this how it was going to be for the rest of her life? She felt a clutch of fear, then took herself to task. Throwing back the covers, she sat up. She wasn’t simply going to lie here and look at the ceiling. There was an entire library for her to explore downstairs.
After locating her wrap, Grace stole down the stairs as quietly as possible. Halfway down, she abruptly froze as muffled sounds ofscreaming came from her husband’s study.
