“Thank you,” she said, voice lighter, “for organizing such a thorough bridal tour.”
James’s gaze flicked, as though he had noticed the shift. “You are welcome.”
Eleanor kept going, determined not to be pushed into defensiveness again. “I only wished to ensure I do not misstep. I am new to… all of this.”
“Yes, you are new to being a duchess, but you have been raised well. You know how to act.”
Eleanor pressed on, carefully. “Is there any task I can take on that would unburden you.”
For the first time, his mouth curved, but it was not warmth. It was a faint, dry amusement.
“Unburden me,” he repeated.
“Yes.”
James leaned back slightly. “Perhaps starting by learning Blackmere Park will fill your… free time… Duchess.”
The pause before the title was deliberate. He was being facetious. He knew it. She knew it.
Eleanor forced herself to smile anyway. “I should be glad to learn it.”
“You should.”
His gaze dropped to her plate again. “Eat.”
“I am not hungry.”
“You will be,” he said, and resumed buttering a piece of toast as if her appetite were a minor obstacle he could plan around.
Eleanor stared at him across the table.
She had asked the simplest question in the world. What was she meant to do with herself in the hours that were not filled by appearances.
And his answer had been to remind her that he expected her to manage her own existence without troubling him.
Her fingers curled. She straightened her spine.
“I will not misstep,” Eleanor added, because she could not help herself.
James studied her for a long moment. “See that you do not.”
Eleanor set her teacup down with controlled care.
James rose, smoothing his coat. “We will depart within the hour.”
Eleanor stood as well, because remaining seated felt like surrender. “Very well.”
James paused at the end of the table, his gaze lingering on her face. For a moment, she thought he might say something else. Something human.
Instead, he inclined his head once, polite as a stranger. Then he left the room.
Eleanor remained standing, staring at the doorway after him.
The house was quiet again, save for the distant clink of servants clearing dishes.
A bridal tour.
A schedule of appearances.
