“Very well,” she relented. “I only ask because—and do not think that I am complaining—it all seems very cold. There are no flowers, no paintings, nothing that would make the house a home. I would like for it to feel like a home one day.”
“As would I, but that is not what Ashford Hall is. It is a place to live; that’s all.”
Adelaide opened her mouth to say something, but they had arrived in the village, so she promptly closed it again.
They exited the carriage, and when he took her gloved hand to help her down, he noticed once again just how warm she was. She did not fit in his cold estate, not when she was the very opposite.
They looked at one another, him still holding her hand, her eyes searching his. It was evident that she knew as little about him as he did her, and he preferred it that way. If she did not know him, it would not be as painful when she decided that she wanted to leave.
And he knew it was only a matter of time before that happened.
As she looked around the village, he was pleased to see that she was happy to be there. It was a nice place to be, and he wanted her to be comfortable there, if not in their home.
She was welcome to spend her time in a better place, if that was what she wanted, as there were very few choices that she would be able to make for herself as long as his mother was there.
“Shall we meet with your tenants first?” she asked.
“We could. Though once people realize who you are, they will want to meet you. It might be best if we do that first, especially as the gifts are waiting in the carriage.”
He had admired them before they arrived—small bouquets of flowers, with jars of preserves and bread and butter, all arranged in baskets. Adelaide had made them with Mrs. Johnson’s assistance, and he had not expected so much to be accomplished in a single morning.
Cassian wished that she were able to do more, for it seemed she was most efficient.
“We can do that, yes,” she agreed. “But I do not know how to begin. I cannot simply announce that I am your Duchess, after all.”
Cassian grinned, knowing that it most certainly was.
Even with so few words, people had turned to look at them, some of them even stepping forward to speak with them.
“Pardon me,” one woman said. “Did you say that you are the new Duchess?”
Adelaide flushed scarlet. “I—yes, I am. We arrived last night.”
That was all she needed to say. Within seconds, a small crowd had gathered.
Cassian stood back and watched as she fully stepped into her role. She greeted people warmly, handing them gifts, introducing herself, and asking them about themselves. She was remarkably good at it.
He had not expected that, given her earlier trepidation. Then again, he was aware of her friendship with other duchesses, so it was not too surprising that she knew how to conduct herself.
Once they were done, she had a genuine smile on her face. She was beautiful, and though he knew he should be pleased about that, he hated it.
He did not deserve a lovely wife who could speak well and wanted to help those around them. He did not know how tobewith her when kindness was impossible.
“Time for your tenants,” she announced.
With that, they resumed their walk.
“That was easier than I expected,” she noted. “I cannot believe I said that, though! I did not intend to attract so much attention simply by speaking.”
“You should grow accustomed to it. With your position, all eyes will be on you. You are one of the most important people here now.”
“I know, but it feels so strange. I am used to people looking past me, as if I am not there.”
“Then it is just as well that it will no longer happen to you. I cannot believe that you have been invisible for so long.”
“It is what happens when one upsets Mr. Hargrave.”
Cassian was quite convinced that he hated the man, but it was no longer of any importance. Hargrave was long gone, and they were married, and they would never have to see him again.
