“I have not. This is my home now, so I intend to stay.”
“But I warned you. I told you what would happen if you insist on staying here. He will not like it.”
“I understand that you think that, but it has only been a week. His Grace has said that he is pleased to have me here,” Adelaide said.
“In so many words?”
Of course, Cassian had not said that, at least not to her. The servants were adamant that he was happier now that she was there, but she had nothing to compare his demeanor to. She hoped that she made everyone happier, though she knew it was not the case for the woman speaking to her.
She did not think anything made her happy.
“I did not think so,” the Dowager Duchess scoffed. “My son is a liar, and even if he did say such things to you, you should not believe him. He will say whatever he deems necessary to have his way.”
Adelaide would not have said that was the case at all. If anything, Cassian had been overly adamant that he would say precisely what he thought, whether it caused offense or not. It was a trait she assumed he had inherited from his mother.
“Very well. Can I ask you a question?”
“No, you will not touch my hair.”
“I do not want to.”
At that, the Dowager Duchess’s expression shifted, but only for a fraction of a second.
“Not to suggest anything, of course,” Adelaide added quickly. “I am aware that you like things as they are, and I do not want to force anything upon you, or even suggest it.”
“Then you are less foolish than I expected.”
It was barely a compliment, but she took it as a victory.
“Forgive my asking, but if you cannot stand your son, why do you remain here? Surely you could stay in the dower house?”
“Ah, so you wish to have me removed, and my son has set you to this, is that it?”
“On the contrary, he wants you here. I am only asking because you strike me as a woman who can take care of matters. After all, you manage this household perfectly fine. Why do you stay here if you hate him?”
At that, the Dowager Duchess dropped her arms to her sides and took deep breaths. Adelaide wondered if she was going to be admonished for speaking to her in such a way. Instead, the Dowager Duchess smiled softly.
Somehow, that was even more unsettling.
“Someone has to watch him,” she replied simply. “Someone has to make sure that he does not strike again.”
Before Adelaide could ask what that meant, she was gone.
The room felt colder than before. Adelaide wished that the interior were not completely white. It felt like a hospital ward, too clean and precise, and even though she was perfectly tidy, she was afraid that she would ruin it all by merely taking a seat.
But she had her room, at least. She had one corner of the estate that was hers, and she intended to hide there even if it was not ideal. There was a desk there too, so it was not as though she was completely alone. She had her friends, as long as she had something to write with.
She went to her writing desk and sat quietly for a moment. She had not discussed having visitors with her husband, but since he had not mentioned it, she assumed it was allowed.
Even so, she would ask him before sending the letter, for she did not need a dispute when their situation was already so delicate.
Dear Cecilia,
I am writing to tell you that we have arrived at Ashford Hall. It is different from your estate, I can say that much. But it should become home in time.
I was also hoping that you would visit me and bring the other ladies with you. I know that I am supposed to be on my honeymoon, but I have never expected to spend time alone with my husband. It is not what my marriage is, and I am perfectly happy with that. We are accepting guests now, and I would like you all to be my first.
I look forward to seeing you. The village here is nice enough, so we can spend most of our time there.
