Soft, she had not been.
“Ground rules,” Roderick continued enthusiastically. “She must not interfere in business. She must not be overly curious. She must know her place in the household.”
James’s jaw tightened. “She will not be meek.”
Roderick laughed. “Even better. Meek women are dull.”
James stared at him. “Do not be inconsistent.”
“I am not inconsistent,” Roderick said cheerfully. “I am realistic. A wife can be spirited and still stay out of the ledger books.”
James leaned back slightly. “She will be expected to learn.”
Roderick blinked. “You just said–”
“I said,” James corrected, “untilI trust her.”
Roderick nodded vigorously, completely satisfied. “Yes. Trust first. Education later.”
After the meal, they escaped to the east wing.
It was quieter there. Colder. Less disturbed by the constant movement of servants and duties. The corridor smelled faintly of old lavender and neglect.
At the end, behind a locked door, lay the suite that had belonged to his mother.
James dismissed the footman who had followed him with keys. “Leave us. Leave those,” he said, and the man set the keys on the dresser and withdrew at once.
Roderick followed, whistling softly. “I have not been in here since–”
“Do not,” James said.
Roderick sobered. “Of course.”
James unlocked the door himself.
The room inside was preserved, as if time had been halted by grief. The curtains were drawn, the furniture shrouded, the air stale with silence. James crossed to the dressing table, where a mahogany box sat untouched.
His mother’s dowry jewels.
He opened it slowly.
The velvet lining revealed diamonds and pearls that caught what little light filtered through the curtains. There were sapphires the color of midnight. Emeralds like crushed leaves. Rings and brooches and necklaces arranged with careful order, as though she might return at any moment to select one.
James’s fingers hovered, then moved with intent.
He chose a necklace.
A yellow diamond, warm as candlelight, set in a delicate chain with smaller stones that flanked it like stars. It was striking without being gaudy. Powerful without vulgarity.
Roderick leaned closer, whistling under his breath. “That is–”
“Appropriate,” James said.
“For a woman you barely know?” Roderick teased, though his voice had softened.
James ignored him.
He held the necklace in his palm and saw, unbidden, Eleanor’s face. The contrast of that warm gold against her skin. The way it would draw attention to her eyes.
