“How goes preparations for the ball?” he said instead.
She stilled. “The ball?”
“Yes.”
“You really wish to know?”
“Yes, if we are hosting it here at Blackmere Park, I wish to know how the preparations are going.”
Her pulse quickened despite herself. “It is just that you did not seem interested in anything before this point. The invitations have been all sent, the musicians reserved, the décor and livery and florist order have all be put in. I am working closely with Mrs. Hargreaves and Mr. Graham to complete the preparations.”
“Usually women have an eye for these things. I would only get in your way. Now you may have some pride in knowing that theton’snewest duchess will host the Season’s first ball. I intend on showing up promptly when told, and show us as a united front.”
Us.The word settled into her with surprising weight.
“I see,” she said.
“It will be… an occasion,” he continued. “Necessary.”
“Of course.”
“You will need gowns for the season.”
She smiled slightly. “I have a few drawn up, and will meet with the modiste in a few days to approve the final design for our ball. The rest of the Season is already taken care of. I went when Aunt Frances was here.”
His gaze flicked over her, assessing, and she wondered what he truly saw when he looked at her.
“Ensure they are appropriate,” he said.
She inclined her head. “I will.”
He finished his tea in silence.
When he stood to leave, she surprised herself by speaking.
“James.”
He turned.
“You have been careful,” Eleanor said quietly.
James straightened. “About what?”
“About not being in the same room with me for longer than necessary.”
“That is not –”
“It is,” she said, not unkindly. “And you need not defend yourself. I only wish to understand the rule.”
His fingers slid easily into a pocket of the jacket he wore. “There is no rule.”
She tilted her head. “Then why does it feel like one?”
Silence followed. The kind that pressed rather than waited.
“I have not avoided you,” he said at last.
“No,” Eleanor agreed. “You have simply ensured that we never remain alone. And I already know that I should not ask of your business.”
